Once a year, for the past 22 years, individuals in the art and film space from all walks of life and experience levels, congregate for a spectacular celebration of creativity. Knowledge is exchanged, inspiration grows, and an overall bright display of humanity unfolds. That’s right folks, the Boulder International Film Fest is back again and true to form, this year is jam packed with workshops, panels, parties, and of course, stunning films.
As ever, there isn’t a set theme or intentional overarching narrative to the event per se. They more so pick what speaks out to them. “We’re open to all possibilities,” says Kathy Beeck, co-founder of BIFF. “I have to give my sister Robin (co-founder) and her team the credit as they put the program together and the program is the base of everything.” After the works are selected, they step back and observe the throughlines dancing between the selected films, allowing an organic motif to bloom on its own in the mind of the attendees.
This year, the fest will include 70 films from 28 countries. 65% of the films this year come from women filmmakers and subjects, as do 80% of the shorts.
A new piece Kathey was absolutely buzzing to tell me about is actually breaking new ground for the fest. For the first time, they’ll be featuring an episodic series that will be coming out on HBO in April, The Dark Wizard. It chronicles the life of Dean Potter, a thrill seeking, influential/controversial adventure sportsman. It follows his days of being a “van-dwelling dirtbag to global icon. Two episodes will be shown on Friday with two more playing on Saturday night.
Fest is 3.5 days, beginning Thursday afternoon April ninth and concluding on Sunday night of the twelfth.
Among the festival’s offerings will be parties, free music opportunities, and the continuation of the adventure film program. Workshops where attendees can learn and hone various skills/network with industry colleagues will be in full effect as well.
“We have some great workshops this year” boasted Kathy while referencing Harrison Query, a Boulderite and a Hollywood screen writer who will be teaching a screen writing workshop this year at the fest. To sweeten the pot, Sundance program directors and Oscar nominated filmmakers will be in attendance and participate in these workshops, which just so happen to be free to students! “These things really round out the entire experience.”
“Sometimes it feels like the 5th year and sometimes it feels like the 40th” said Kathy while reflecting on the living breathing nature of the Festival. Ultimately, an amazing team, many of whom are volunteers, drive the festival forward. It brings the community together and celebrates a phrase Kathy’s said to me for the second time now having covered the festival last year, “we think film has the power to change the world.”
To kick off the event, the opening night will feature two gala per-film parties at the Hotel Boulderado and Rembrandt Yard, leading into one of this year’s most anticipated pieces, Tuner.
See more about each film in this year’s lineup online at Biff1.com. Hope to see you at the festival!
“We first saw it in Telluride and immediately knew it would be perfect for opening night!”
Tuner is Academy Award-winning director Daniel Roher’s first narrative feature. Leo Woodall stars as Niki, a gifted young piano tuner whose heightened sense of hearing draws the attention of criminals. Dustin Hoffman portrays his mentor, Harry Horowitz, and Havana Rose Liu takes on the role of Ruthie, a composition student and potential romantic interest.