The A.V. Club guide to Colorado film festivals 2012
Now that the 2011 film festival season is over, it’s time to prepare for the 2012 season. Thankfully, for those burnt out on the massive fests that take place in Denver and the surrounding areas in the latter part of the year, the first half of 2012 is privy to a number of small fests catering heavily to local and independent films. From indie fare to esoteric docs, there’s a little something here to appease all manner of film fans. To make sure you know your options, we assembled a list of every film festival we could find taking place through the first half of the year. If we missed any, feel free to type loudly about it in the comments (and leave a link, so we don’t make the same mistake next time).
Festivus Film Festival, Jan. 12-15
Started in 2007 to combat the “independent film vacuum” in Denver, the Festivus Film Festival has proven to be one of the more popular film festivals in the Denver area. It was recently named one of the 20 Coolest Film Festivals in America by Moviemaker magazine, an impressive feat given the sheer number of fests that take place around the country every year. Held at the Bug Theatre and the Oriental Theater, the Festivus Film Festival celebrates the magic of independent film and across numerous genres and formats. (Read more about this year’s Festivus festival here.)
Boulder International Film Festival, Feb. 16-19
Sponsored by the Colorado Film Society and held every year over President’s Day Weekend, the Boulder International Film Festival is a four-day affair that has made a name for its self as a small but reputable film festival in the region. Featuring little-known documentaries, narratives, and short films, the BIFF plays host to thousands of filmmakers and guests, including Academy Award-nominated actors Alec Baldwin and Eric Roberts. Films are screened at a variety of venues in Boulder, meaning there’s only a slight chance of being distracted by the city’s gorgeous scenery and plentiful booze.
Denver Jewish Film Festival, Feb. 23-March 4
Starting the final week of February, the 16th annual Denver Jewish Film Festival rolls into the Mizel Arts And Culture Center with a number of top-quality films from Jewish filmmakers or featuring Jewish themes. One standout is Rabies, a beautifully shot and unique thriller billed as Israel’s first horror movie. Outside of that film, it’s almost guaranteed that, given some of the subject matter, tears will be shed, so don’t forget the tissues.
Colorado Environmental Film Festival, Feb. 23-25 (Golden)
The Colorado Environmental Film Festival is a small yet powerful event held in Golden that features some of the best in national, international, and local films, all of which seek to “raise awareness of a wide variety of interconnected ecological, social, and economic themes.” Since its inception, the festival has aimed to be as sustainable as possible by encouraging the use of public transportation and carpooling, recycling, using recycled materials, and supporting local, organic, and fair trade producers. It’s guaranteed to be a great time, even if it does make you feel terrible about yourself.
Durango Independent Film Festival, Feb. 29-March 4 (Durango)
Born out of the ashes of the Durango Film Festival in 2006, the Durango International Film Festival is a quaint little fest devoted to “developing film literacy and to being a welcoming, intimate, and unique film organization that screens global, innovative, and diverse films that connect independent filmmakers, their artistic process, and their vision to community.” Deep breath. DIFF is first and foremost a “community film festival”—that tops the festival’s list of guiding principles—which means the organizers take care of not just the festival attendees, but also the filmmakers as well. Skiing, local beer, and beautiful scenery ensure a great time with great people for everyone involved.
Mountain Film Festival, May 25-28 (Telluride)
Despite being overshadowed by the large-and-in-charge Telluride Film Festival, the Mountain Film Festival has been steadily inspiring fans and filmmakers alike with films devoted to educating audiences about a variety of environmental and cultural topics. It’s also not just a film festival; screenings span the four-day event, but peppered throughout are a variety of other events, such as art and photography exhibits, book signings, discussions, and even an ice cream social. It’s a great way to experience one of the most beautiful cities in Colorado, all while enjoying the best in inspirational and important documentaries.
Paonia Film Festival, March 23-24 (Paonia)
Only in its second year, the Paonia Film Festival’s primary focus is short films made by Western Colorado filmmakers. Produced by the Delta County Film Collective, the PFF is a perfect example of the do-it-yourself, independent film aesthetic that is so vital to the filmmaking community. Its first year proved popular enough to result in expanding to a second screening venue, as well as playing each film twice to accommodate everyone.
5 Point Film Festival, April 26-29 (Carbondale)
Located in the picturesque town of Carbondale in Western Colorado, the 5 Point Film Festival has a mission to “inspire adventure” while operating under five guiding principles: Respect, Commitment, Humility, Purpose, and Balance. With a mix of feature length films and shorts, the 5 Point Film Festival is a small yet powerful event with a clear goal “to learn, expand, and engender newfound understanding to inspire others on their journeys.” What else is there to say?
Breckenridge Festival Of Film, June 7-10 (Breckenridge)
With 31 years of independent film glory behind it, the Breckenridge Festival of Film is once again preparing to screen some of the best independent films from around the world, as well as a number of premières. But that’s not all. This year, the Breckenridge Film Festival is presenting a “Murder Mystery Night” on Saturday, March 10. Oh, and it’s on a boat. A motherfuckin’ boat. Information on the website is scarce, but apparently the cruise is Love Boat-inspired, so if you ever wanted to see Gopher murdered, this could be your chance.
Indie Spirit Film Festival, April 19-22 (Colorado Springs)
Set in picturesque Colorado Springs, the fifth annual Indie Spirit Film Festival is devoted to the support of independent films. Sponsored by the Independent Film Society of Colorado, this fest accepts submissions of independent films of all kind, regardless of genre or length. It takes place on the Colorado Campus and looks like a great way to spend the weekend.
