6 can't-miss picks for the Starz Denver Film Festival
Something creepy is happening in the Alps. Find out what at the SDFF.
Unless you’re firmly ingrained in the wide, wonderful world of film festivals, you probably don’t realize that the Starz Denver Film Festival, which starts its 34th year on Nov. 2, is one of the biggest film festivals in the country. While it doesn’t hold the clout of, say, Sundance or Telluride, it does feature almost 300 short and feature films, innumerable celebrity guests, and a metric crap ton of parties. In short, there’s no good reason for not attending.
Given the sheer amount of films and events taking place during the festival’s run, it’s not uncommon to feel overwhelmed, or even to break down and cry while planning your schedule. It’s okay, we won’t think less of you. But you know, it doesn’t have to be that way. We’ve compiled a list of can’t-miss events and films to get your festival planning started. Obviously, our list merely scratches the surface, but it should get the ball rolling.
Reel Social Club Party
Friday Nov. 11, 8 p.m., Knights Of Columbus (1555 Grant St.)
The Reel Social Club, an extension of the Denver Film Society that caters to the young, hip crowd of Denver, is throwing a party. If you were one of the lucky individuals who attended the group’s first anniversary party at Lakeside Amusement Park, you’re already aware of the type of shindig Jenny Bloom and Katie Shapiro, the two lovely ladies behind the organization, can throw. The event follows on the heels of a screening of Jeff Who Lives At Home, the newest offering from the Duplass Brothers. Tickets for the film are sold out, but you can still get in by purchasing the Reel Package for $160, which allows access to a number of sold-out premières and parties, two free movie tickets, and one-night admittance to the secret late-night lounge. Tickets to just the party will only set you back $25 or $30 and will feature DJ sets, an open bar, and vintage video games from everyone’s favorite vintage arcade bar, The 1UP.
Screening: Sennentuntschi: Curse Of The Alps
Saturday Nov. 5, 11 a.m., Denver FilmCenter/Colfax; Sunday Nov. 6, 9:15 p.m., Starz FilmCenter
If you’re only able to see one of the Watching Hour selections this year, Sennentuntschi: Curse Of The Alps needs to be it. Sebastian Reusch, a good-natured cop in a town reeling from the supposed suicide of a local priest, takes in and comforts a mysterious and mute woman who wanders into town. Although he’s eager to help her, the townspeople are not; given the timing of her arrival and the recent disappearance of two herdsman in the mountains, they believe her to be responsible for the death of the priest. What follows is a beautifully crafted mindfuck of a movie starring one of the most beautiful actresses you will ever lay eyes upon. Featuring an epic score, gorgeous cinematography, and stellar acting, Sennentuntschi: Curse Of The Alps will have you talking about its bizarre ending long after the credits roll.
Argonaut Wine And Film Series
Presented by Argonaut Wine & Liquor and E. & J. Gallo Winery, the Argonaut Wine And Film Series is a great way to see a movie, catch a buzz, and feel pretentious at the same time. Several films from four countries—France, Italy, Argentina, and the United States—will be paired up with wines from their respective countries to be featured at a wine tasting following each screening at either Argonaut Wine & Liquor Filmmaker Lounge or Henderson’s Lounge at the Denver Film Center on Colfax. It’s not proven, but we firmly believe that a top hat and monocle will make the wine taste better.
Screening: Shame
Wednesday Nov. 9, 9:15 p.m., King Center
A recent recipient of an NC-17 rating (thought by some to be a kiss of death), this erotic drama directed by Steve McQueen and starring Michael Fassbender as a sex addict has been receiving rave reviews since its première at the 68th annual Venice Film Festival. Distributed by Fox Searchlight, Shame is the perfect example of a film that refuses to give in to MPAA pressure by giving the association the middle finger and refusing to cut the film to achieve an R rating. With luck, Shame will be the film that finally says good, honest cinema shouldn’t have to hold back to be recognized, and you get to see it with all of the graphic sex and Fassbender penis your heart desires.
Panel: On Controversy And Character
Saturday, Nov. 12, 2 p.m., Gallery 30
One of the best films playing this year is We Need To Talk About Kevin, a gut-punching drama about how one mother copes with the aftermath of her son’s killing rampage at his school. If you’re the type of person who enjoys hearing filmmakers talk about, well, filmmaking, then hearing this film’s director, Lynne Ramsay, discuss novel adapting and divisive subject matter is a great way to spend a Saturday afternoon. She’ll be joined by her husband, who co-wrote the film’s screenplay adapted from the 2003 Lionel Shriver novel of the same name. We Need To Talk About Kevin plays the night before the panel, and since it’s abso-fucking-lutely amazing, you’d be doing yourself a major disservice by not going to see it.
An Evening With Judy Greer
Friday, Nov. 4, 8:30 p.m., Denver FilmCenter/Colfax
Joining the ranks of Elliot Gould, J. K. Simmons, and Tim Robbins, actress Judy Greer will be the lucky recipient of the John Cassavetes Award, which is a big enough deal to warrant an entire night of devotion. Hell, even if it wasn’t Greer still deserves the recognition, not just for her performances in numerous films, but for her portrayal of the herpes-laden assistant to George Bluth Sr. in the cult television series Arrested Development. The night will feature a clip show highlighting Greer’s contributions to comedy in television and film, as well as a discussion and Q&A.
