The 36th Starz Denver Film Festival (SDFF), sponsored by Starz Entertainment and produced by the Denver Film Society, announced its full Festival line-up.
The complete lineup of films for the Nov. 6-17 Festival is available at denverfilm.org/festival.
SDFF 2013 will screen more than 250 features, shorts, music videos and student films, representing 44 countries, along with Denver Film Society's signature programs such as Cinema Q, Reel Social Club and Women + Film. As previously announced, Red Carpet Galas are Labor Day, Nebraska, August: Osage County and At Middleton.
"A first class city like Denver deserves a first class film festival and we are excited to 'paint the town red' with an exceptional combination of films from around the globe, personal appearances and some of the best social events of the year," said Festival Director, Britta Erickson. "This year we have added a music video program featuring an impressive selection of artists as well as an expanded schedule of hot-topic panels. There's really something for everyone."
This year, SDFF shines a spotlight on cinema from the Netherlands, known for its wildly diverse range of cinematic treasures. Fourteen Dutch films are included in the Festival line-up.
"The 36th Starz Denver Film Festival has one of the most eclectic line-ups in years. From an amazingly diverse focus on Dutch cinema, a long list of modern day masters, including new films from Jia Zhangke, Agnieszka Holland, Andrzej Wajda, Denis Cote, Paul Verhoeven, Ulrich Seidl and Alex Gibney, and an incredible selection of 28 Colorado-produced films," said Festival Artistic Director Brit Withey.
FOCUS ON A NATIONAL CINEMA: NETHERLANDS
Each year the festival shines the spotlight on one particular country in order to illuminate its range of cinematic treasures. Dutch cinema, for the most part, does not find its way onto the screens of U.S. Theaters. However, the Netherlands hosts two of the most important film festivals in the world: the International Film Festival Rotterdam and the International Documentary Film Festival Amsterdam. The EYE Film Institute on the banks of the IJ waterfront in Amsterdam is a film exhibition, collections, and education wonder. Dutch cinema is wildly diverse: popular comedies dominate the local box office, off-kilter narratives punctuate major film festivals' competition sections, and lush dramas find their way around the world. We've brought some of all of that to you.
Feature Films:
Short Films:
CINEMA Q
Queer voices. Queer visions. Queer lives. Experience the best in films that convey every angle of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer rainbow through our Cinema Q program during the festival, as well as year-round.
WOMEN + FILM
Women + Film is a year-round program of the Denver Film Society that not only celebrates the art and achievements of women filmmakers around the world, but also brings together an array of scholars, civil- and human-rights advocates, community leaders, and concerned members of the public to shine the spotlight on social issues through cinema and the dialogue it stimulates.
SPOTLIGHT ON COLORADO
Colorado's filmmaking scene continues to grow at an unprecedented pace. More often than not, filmmakers are choosing to stay and work in the state rather than moving to Los Angeles or New York. This year's Starz Denver Film Festival features a host of locally produced feature-length films and shorts, including an amazing 3-D documentary, and six shorts from the Denver Actor Project.
Feature Films:
Short Films:
Music Videos:
The Denver Actor Project:
Brought to life by producer, writer, and director Brad Stabio, the Denver Actor Project showcases the talents of local actors as they perform a variety of monologues from films and plays juxtaposed with scenes of their own creation. Beautifully shot and wonderfully acted, find six of these works scattered throughout the festival screening in front of these films:
ENVIRONMENT IN FOCUS
Environmental advocacy has become a powerful cultural touchstone; as such, it is a core concern for the 2013 Starz Denver Film Festival. The Environment in Focus program features seven cutting-edge documentaries that have the ability to inspire audiences to make a difference through their interactions with the natural world.
MUSIC VIDEO MIXTAPE VOL. 1
New to the festival this year, SDFF presents a selection of the best new music videos from around the world. This compilation features funny, provocative, and mesmerizing videos with a wide range of genres, featuring local, international, indie, and industry-staple talent. These beg to be seen on the big screen and heard at full volume in surround sound. You might just find yourself dancing in your seat. Highlights include Placebo, "Too Many Friends," narrated by Bret Easton Ellis; The Epilogues, "The Fall Out"; MGMT, "Your Life Is a Lie"; and Nine Inch Nails, "Came Back Haunted," directed by David Lynch. Tuesday, Nov. 12, 6:45 p.m., Sie FilmCenter & Thursday, Nov. 14, 8:45 p.m. at Sie FilmCenter.
MILLION DOLLAR MOVIES
From the '60s to the 80s, numerous TV stations across the country showed late-night movies under the moniker "Million Dollar Movies." From Night of the Living Dead to The Night of the Hunter. From House of Wax to House of 1000 Corpses. From Holy Mountain to Holy Motors. From The Princess Bride to Princess Mononoke. It is in this tradition that we bring back "Million Dollar Movies" as a part of SDFF's midnight programming.
PANELS
Kickstart Your Dream
So, you want to make a movie, but have no idea how to raise the money. Crowdsource fundraising has opened a world of new possibilities. Many Denver filmmakers have funded their projects through Kickstarter, and the Denver Film Society used Kickstarter to help finance the purchase of digital projectors for the Sie FilmCenter, the Ellie Caulkins Opera House, and Film on the Rocks. Panel moderator Robert Denerstein will lead a nuts-and-bolts, in-depth conversation covering the basics of running a successful crowdsource campaign. How promising is crowdsource funding? What are the keys to success? The road to fundraising success has taken a new turn, but it's best traveled with good directions and an awareness of pitfalls. Our panel will help. Saturday, Nov. 9, 11:30 a.m. at Sie FilmCenter.
Women + Film
Animal rightsactivists hold the idea that all animals are entitled to the possession of their own lives, and that one of their most basic interests, that of not suffering, should be championed by all. SDFF 36 presents two thought provoking films on the subject. Lion Ark, features the world's most ambitious and daring animal rescue, in which 25 lions are airlifted to freedom to a preserve in Colorado. American Mustang, is an artful blend of documentary and a character-driven narrative about the majestic wild horses of the American West-revealed as never before in stereoscopic 3D. Both stories present the intricate interplay between animals and man, providing insights and lessons for us all. These films will stir you into action by raising awareness of the issues these animals face. Join our panelists and festival guests as they talk about their passions and fierce dedication to making a difference in the lives of animals world over. Saturday, Nov. 9, 12 p.m. at Sie FilmCenter.
The Land That Feeds Us Presented by Hanna Ranch
Hanna Ranch, an "Environment in Focus" documentary selection, introduces us to holistic ranching pioneer Kirk Hanna. Dubbed the original "eco-cowboy," his legacy lives on in the sustainable ranching movement - which is up against grim statistics. Over the last 30 years, half a million ranchers have quit or gone out of business due to relentless encroachment of development and misuse of land. Moderated by Culinary Director of Root Down and Linger Daniel Asher, this in-depth discussion over brunch will tackle the issues facing the agriculture industry in our country today - how can it withstand continual loss? Who will be at the forefront of the sustainable agriculture movement? Who will be the stewards of the land that feeds us? Panelists: Eric Schlosser (Fast Food Nation, Food Inc., Command and Control), Chris Pague (The Nature Conservancy), Matthew Jones (Slow Food USA), Dale Lasater (Lasater Grasslands Beef); Brunch by: Linger & Root Down Sunday, Nov. 10, 12 p.m. at RedLine.
How To Package And Sell Your Film
Join the best film agents in the business as they discuss what is often the hardest part of making a film: the financing. Robert Denerstein moderates a conversation about best practices for packaging, financing, and selling a film, and how to navigate the ever-changing marketplace. This is the third in a quarterly series of Industry Panels supporting professional development in the Colorado filmmaking community. Saturday, Nov. 16, 12 p.m. at Sie FilmCenter.
Are Movies Breaking Bad?
Lines along various parts of the entertainment/arts continuum seem to be blurring on a daily basis. Long gone are the days when watching a movie meant buying a ticket and sitting in a Theater. But over the past decade or so, series-most aired on premium cable channels-have accomplished what many criticize the movies for not doing: focusing on characters, developing compelling stories, and dominating the national conversation. Long- form storytelling even has spread to services such as Netflix, which provide on-demand streaming as well as disc rentals. Panel moderator Robert Denerstein leads a discussion about whether the best of television now rivals and possibly surpasses movies in both relevance and artistry. Our panelists also will consider which form penetrates more deeply into the national consciousness. Were you more likely to hear watercooler talk about such cable series as Breaking Bad, Homeland, and Game of Thrones than about Argo, last year's Oscar winner for best picture? Our panel will examine seismic shifts in the entertainment business, and chime in on whether movies are keeping pace. And, yes, we're talking content, not just delivery systems. Sunday, Nov. 17, 12:15 p.m. at Sie FilmCenter.
Medicine And The Movies: An Eye-Opening Look At America's Health-Care Crisis
Two vitally important festival documentaries-Code Black and Remote Medical Area-provide revealing looks at different aspects of the U.S. health- care system, emergency-room treatment and medical care for underserved rural populations. These films-both accompanied by their directors-will serve as a springboard for a wide-ranging discussion about health care from the perspective of those who have witnessed the front-line dedication of physicians who serve highly stressed communities. Amid often-acrimonious arguments over Obamacare, it's essential to learn from the people who've seen the system at its best and at its worst. Local health-care officials also will join the filmmakers and panel moderator Robert Denerstein for a discussion that reminds us that documentaries can bring important issues into sharper focus while keeping us in touch with the human face behind the policy and politics that typically tend to dominate public debate. Sunday, Nov. 17, 2:15 p.m. at Sie FilmCenter.
TICKETS FOR THE 2013 STARZ DENVER FILM FESTIVAL:
Individual tickets go on sale to Denver Film Society Members on Wednesday, Oct. 23 and to the general public on Friday, Oct. 25. Tickets available at www.denverfilm.org or the SDFF main box office location at the Sie FilmCenter (2510 East Colfax Avenue, Denver).
Westword will produce the Starz Denver Film Festival Official Film Guide containing all movie screening information and special events. The Official Film Guide will be available in the Oct. 23 edition.
To keep up to date with the Starz Denver Film Festival, visit www.denverfilm.org/festival, like the SDFF Facebook page www.facebook.com/denverfilmfestival, follow @DenverFilm on Twitter and join the conversation by using the #SDFF36 hashtag.
Advanced Red Carpet packages are on sale now and Six Pack tickets to any regularly priced films go on sale Wednesday, Oct. 9. Red Carpet packages and Six Pack tickets are available to both Denver Film Society Members and non-members and can be purchased online at www.denverfilm.org.
Patron Packages are available for advanced ticket selection and to ensure seating at Red Carpet Galas and Special Presentations. Contact Alison Greenberg to purchase a Patron Package at (303) 595-3456 ext. 229 or alison@denverfilm.org.
Red Carpet Presentations will take place at the Ellie Caulkins Opera House. Special Presentation screenings will primarily take place at the Wolf Theatre at the JCC Denver and regular screenings at the Sie FilmCenter and UA Denver Pavilions Stadium 15.
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2013 SDFF SPONSORS:
PREMIER: Starz ASSOCIATE: Anna & John J. Sie Foundation, AOR Marketing & Advertising, Barbara Bridges, CEAVCO Audio Visual, KeyBank, Liberty Global, Regal Entertainment Group, Stanley Film Festival SUPPORTING: Affinity Gaming - Golden Mardi Gras Casino, Argonaut Wine & Liquor, Colorado Structures, Inc., Denver Pavilions, GHP Horwath, Husch Blackwell, Infiniti of Denver, Mike's Camera, Rocky Mountain College of Art+Design PATRON: Basil Doc's Pizza, Caz Matthews, Ciroc Vodka, Colorado Film School, Gourmet Fine Catering, Kentwood City Properties, Mizel Arts and Culture Center (MACC), Once Upon a Vine, Pura Vida Fitness & Spa, School of Rock, Stella Artois, Wells Fargo MEDIA: CPT-12, Denver Life Magazine, IMDb, Indiewire, InFocus TV, KBCO, KDVR/Ch. 2, Reverb, Westword GOVERNMENT: Arts & Venues Denver, City and County of Denver, Colorado Creative Industries Division, Colorado Office of Film Television & Media, Consulate General of Canada in Denver, Consulate General of Switzerland in Los Angeles, Los Angeles Film & TV Office-French Embassy, Québec Government Office in Los Angeles, Scientific & Cultural Facilities District CONTRIBUTING: Blake Street Tavern, Colorado Film & Video Association, Contagious Media, Courtyard by Marriott, Eldorado Natural Spring Water, Fine Arts Foundation, Freshies Food Corp, Integrity Print Group, L.E.G. Valet, National Gay and Lesbian Task Force Foundation, Novo Coffee, Rotary, SAGIndie, Semple Brown Design, Silverspur Marketing, Spectrum General Contractors, Sprint, Tech For All, The Fort, Visit Denver, World Trade Center, Zerosun Pictures FESTIVAL FRIENDS: ASIFA, Art of Gold, Asian Art Coordinating Council, Bulleit Bourbon, Big Fat Cupcake, Butler Rents, Captain Morgan, CityPub and Burger, Crêpes 'n Crêpes, Croc's Mexican Bar & Grill, Crown Royal, Danny Graul-Black & Read, Denver Public Safety Youth Programs, Denver Screenprint & Embroidery, Don Julio, Downtown Denver Partnership, Flour Gal, Fox & Hounds Tavern, Frontier Airlines, Garbanzo Mediterranean Grill, Goosetown Tavern, Hotel VQ, Johnnie Walker, JW Marriott, Kevin Taylor Restaurant Group, IceSculpture.com, Izze Sparkling Juice, Little India, MAD Greens, Mary Martha's Floral, Moët & Chandon, Odwalla, Paramount Café, Photo: Laszlo, popchips, Postmodern Company, Red Mango, RedLine, Redshift Framing, Residence Inn-Denver City Center, Rockbottom Restaurant & Brewery, SAG-AFTRA, Southern Hospitality BBQ, SPAVital, Sullivan's Steakhouse, Sunset Limo, Tanqueray, Tony P's Pizza, TownePlace Suites, Trattoria Stella, Wildlife Protection Solutions, Withoutabox, Zetta Marie's Patisserie SPECIAL THANKS: Denver Film Society's Alumni Board, Denver Film Society's Board Members, Volunteers of the Denver Film Society
ABOUT THE DENVER FILM SOCIETY:
Founded in 1978, the Denver Film Society (DFS) is a membership-based, nonprofit cultural institution that produces film events throughout the year, including the award-winning Starz Denver Film Festival and the popular, summertime series Film on the Rocks. With a vision to cultivate community and transform lives through film, the Film Society provides opportunities for diverse audiences to discover film through creative, thought-provoking experiences.
The new, permanent home of the Denver Film Society, the Sie FilmCenter is Denver's only year-round cinematheque, presenting a weekly-changing calendar of first-run exclusives and arthouse revivals both domestic and foreign, narrative and documentary - over 600 per year, all shown in their original language and format. DFS's one-of-a-kind programs annually reach more than 200,000 film lovers and film lovers-in-training.
07.11.2013 | Starz Denver Film Festival's blog