P R E S S R E L E A S E S
DENVER – Oct. 5, 2021 – The Denver Film Festival announced today its full slate of in-person screenings, Red Carpets, special presentations and guest panels, as well as a robust lineup of virtual screenings for the 44th edition of the Rocky Mountain region’s largest film festival, Nov. 3-14. Tickets go on sale Oct. 5 to Denver Film members and to the general public, Oct. 8 at 10 a.m. MDT at https://www.denverfilm.org/denverfilmfestival/dff44/.
DFF44 Box Office at the Sie FilmCenter, 2510 E. Colfax Ave., will be open Oct. 8-30 from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday, Saturday from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. and Nov. 1-2 from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. General Admission tickets are $13 for Denver Film members/$17 non-member. Matinee tickets are $8 for Denver Film members/$11 non-member (weekdays only). Onsite ticketing will be available throughout the festival one hour prior to the first screening at each venue.
The full lineup of films and screenings is available at: https://www.denverfilm.org/denverfilmfestival/dff44/
Following a predominantly virtual 2020 edition of the Denver Film Festival, the curtain will rise for DFF44 with the Nov. 3, 8 p.m. Opening Night Red Carpet presentation of SPENCER directed by Pablo Larrain, UK (2021) 111 min., courtesy of NEON. The marriage of Princess Diana and Prince Charles has long since grown cold. Though rumors of affairs and a divorce abound, peace is ordained for the Christmas festivities at the Queen’s Sandringham Estate. There’s eating and drinking, shooting and hunting. Diana knows the game, but this year, things will be profoundly different. Spencer is an imagining of what might have happened during those few fateful days. Sponsored by Moye White
In the days to follow, 233 films, including 140 feature-length films, shorts, music videos and episodic content, will screen at a freshly remodeled Sie FilmCenter, as well as newer Denver area theatres including the AMC 9 + CO 10 and the Denver Botanic Gardens Sturm Auditorium. The five Red Carpet events are scheduled for the Ellie Caulkins Opera House at the Denver Center for the Performing Arts with a wide range of virtual reality and immersive experiences taking place at the Festival Annex at the historic McNichols Civic Center Building.
Denver Film will require all festival patrons, guests, media, sponsors, employees and volunteers entering DFF44 venues or event host sites from Nov. 3-14 show proof of full vaccination against COVID-19 with an FDA or WHO-approved vaccine.
In addition to in-person screenings and events, DFF44 will offer a robust selection of approximately 50 films to watch at home on its virtual platform throughout the 12-day festival. The lineup and platform are available at www.denverfilm.org and by downloading the Denver Film app for Roku TV or Apple TV. With a range of tickets available for virtual screenings based on distributor requirements, these screenings can sell out.
“As fortunate as we were to continue our festival tradition in a mostly virtual format in 2020, the heart and soul of our work is centered around the communal experience,” said Denver Film Festival Artistic Director Matthew Campbell. “We’re excited to welcome audiences, both in person and virtually, to explore the best in contemporary cinema from the past year, and take an in-depth look at the art of film as it reflects life across our world. From films created during and about COVID, to the romantic, familial and friend relationships, both healthy and strained, and the tactile connectivity of our virtual reality and immersive experiences, there is tremendous diversity in this year’s storytelling lineup of narratives, documentaries and shorts. And, most importantly, there is a coming together to share those experiences, conversations and growth.”
Centerpiece, Friday Nov. 5, 8 p.m., Ellie Caulkins Opera House
Directed by Mike Mills, USA (2021) 108 min., Courtesy of A24
Johnny (Joaquin Phoenix) and his young nephew (Woody Norman) forge a tenuous but transformational relationship when they are unexpectedly thrown together in this delicate and deeply moving story about the connections between adults and children, the past and the future, from writer-director Mike Mills.
Sponsored by The Palm Group
Big Night, Thursday, Nov. 11, 8 p.m., Ellie Caulkins Opera House
Directed by Clint Bentley, USA (2021) 94 min., Courtesy of Sony Pictures Classics
An aging jockey (Clifton Collins Jr.) hopes to win one last title for his longtime trainer (Molly Parker), who has acquired what appears to be a championship horse. But the years – and injuries – have taken a toll on his body, throwing into question his ability to continue his lifelong passion. And the arrival of a young rookie rider (Moises Arias), who claims to be his son, and whom he takes under his wing, further complicates the path to fulfilling his dream.
Clifton Collins Jr. in attendance to receive the 2021 John Cassavetes Award
“We are beyond thrilled to be welcoming a talent such as Clifton Collins Jr. to DFF, not only to showcase his amazing performance in Jockey – that everyone will be talking about this award season – but to celebrate his impressive career through the lens of our CineLatinx program where we’ll be sitting down to talk about many touchstones of his career and what the future may hold for talents who don’t often look like everyone else,” said Denver Film’s Sie FilmCenter Artistic Director Keith Garcia, who will be moderating a discussion with Collins, Jr. during the Festival.
Closing out the Red Carpet lineup on the final full day of programming will be:
Red Carpet Matinee, Saturday, Nov. 13, 2 p.m., Ellie Caulkins Opera House
Directed by Max Lowe, USA (2021) 91 min., Courtesy of National Geographic Documentary Films
Using never-before-released archival footage of legendary climbers Alex Lowe and David Bridges ill-fated 1999 expedition, Torn follows Max Lowe’s quest to understand his family’s complex relationships in the wake of his father’s death.
Director Max Lowe in attendance
Closing Night, Saturday, Nov. 13, 8 p.m., Ellie Caulkins Opera House
Directed by Reinaldo Marcus Green, USA (2021) 138 min., Courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures
From Warner Bros. Pictures comes King Richard, starring two-time Oscar nominee Will Smith, under the direction of Reinaldo Marcus Green. Armed with a clear vision and a brazen 78-page plan, Richard Williams is determined to write his daughters, Venus and Serena, into history. Training on Compton, California’s abandoned tennis courts – rain or shine – the girls are shaped by their father’s unyielding commitment and their mother’s balanced perspective and keen intuition, defying the seemingly insurmountable odds and prevailing expectations laid before them.
Co-Presented with Martha’s Vineyard African American Film Festival’s The Color of Conversation
Sponsored by Martha’s Vineyard African American Film Festival, CEAVCO
Pre-recorded Color of Conversation with Reinaldo Marcus Green and Floyd Rance to follow screening
KRZYSZTOF KIESLOWSKI AWARD FOR BEST FEATURE FILM
BALLAD OF A WHITE COW
CLARA SOLA
DRIVE MY CAR
MI IUBITA, MON AMOUR
UNCLENCHING THE FISTS
WHAT DO WE SEE WHEN WE LOOK AT THE SKY?
MAYSLES BROTHERS AWARD FOR BEST DOCUMENTARY
ALL THESE SONS
ASCENSION
ATLANTIDE
THE DEVIL’S DRIVERS
PROCESSION
THE TAKING
AMERICAN INDEPENDENT AWARD
AS OF YET
CATCH THE FAIR ONE
POSER
QUEEN OF GLORY
TAHARA
WE’RE ALL GOING TO THE WORLD’S FAIR
SHEILA K. O’BRIEN SPOTLIGHT ON UK/IRELAND CINEMA
In recognizing the myriad of talents and achievements within the U.K. and Ireland film industries, the Sheila K. O’Brien Spotlight is presented annually during the Denver Film Festival. We aim to take a look at the diverse and compelling cinematic works of our country’s closest allies across the Atlantic.
AFTER LOVE
ALIEN ON STAGE
BELFAST
COW
LISTEN
MOTHERING SUNDAY
TO THE MOON
ITALIAN SHOWCASE
Italy is the longtime home of a diverse and vibrant filmmaking community. The 44th Denver Film Festival is pleased to present eight new Italian works—six narrative features and two documentaries—from established and emerging directors. Included among them are My Brother Chases Dinosaurs by Stefano Cipani—the 2021 recipient of the Maria & Tommaso Maglione Italian Filmmaker Award.
A CHIARA
ATLANTIDE
LAND OF THE SONS
MY BROTHER CHASES DINOSAURS
PAOLO CONTE, VIA CON ME
SILENT LAND
Stanley Tucci: Searching for Italy
THE TALE OF KING CRAB
WITH OR WITHOUT YOU
LATE NIGHT SHOWCASE
Go to the outer limits of cinema with the Denver Film Festival’s Late Night Showcase. This year’s selection of twelve features and a shorts package ranges from traditional horror flicks to cult comedies to straight-up mind melters. This year we are excited to present the seminal folk horror documentary Woodlands Dark and Days Bewitched: A History of Folk Horror along with three retrospective titles courtesy of Severin Films and a panel conversation with director Kier-La Janisse to complement the film.
AFTER BLUE (DIRTY PARADISE)
ALISON’S BIRTHDAY
A BANQUET
CLEARCUT
EYES OF FIRE
THE FEAST
THE INNOCENTS
THE SCARY OF SIXTY-FIRST
SEE FOR ME
SHORTS 5: LATE NIGHT
STANLEYVILLE
THE TIMEKEEPERS OF ETERNITY
WOODLANDS DARK AND DAYS BEWITCHED: A HISTORY OF FOLK HORROR
CINEMAQ
Queer voices. Queer visions. Queer lives. Experience the best in films that reveal the LGBTQ rainbow from every angle with the DFF44 CinemaQ program.
BERNSTEIN’S WALL
FLEE
GREAT FREEDOM
NORTH BY CURRENT
POTATO DREAMS OF AMERICA
PURE GRIT
TAHARA
CINELATINX
Highlighting cinema from the Americas, including indigenous cultures, as well as Spain and Portugal. CineLatinx celebrates the diversity of storytelling within the Latinx community.
THE BEST FAMILIES
LA CIVIL
CLARA SOLA
THE DOG WHO WOULDN’T BE QUIET
MEDUSA
MISSING IN BROOKS COUNTY
THE OTHER TOM
PARALLEL MOTHERS
THE PINK CLOUD
THE SIAMESE BOND
SOY CUBANA
WOMEN+FILM
Women+Film showcases documentaries, narratives, and short films celebrating the best in women-centric programming; both by and about women. These thought-provoking stories of women from around the world are sure to inspire all audiences.
BALLAD OF A WHITE COW
THE CONDUCTOR
THE JUSTICE OF BUNNY KING
LADY BUDS
LINGUI, THE SACRED BONDS
MADLY IN LIFE
RADIOGRAPH OF A FAMILY
THE RETURN: LIFE AFTER ISIS
SOY CUBANA
WRITING WITH FIRE
J’ADORE
A selection of French language films presented by TV5Monde.
AFTER BLUE (DIRTY PARADISE)
ARCHIPELAGO
FRANCE
LINGUI, THE SACRED BONDS
MADLY IN LIFE
PARIS, 13TH DISTRICT
PETITE MAMAN
ROARING 20’S
SOCIAL HYGIENE
THE VELVET QUEEN
VORTEX
WE
Culinary Cinema
The Culinary Cinema series, a year-round program, serves up not only food-focused films but receptions, Q&As, and other attendant events that reflect the topics on screen. This year’s offering, Come Back Anytime profiles ramen master Masamoto Ueda’s restaurant, Bizentei. A neighborhood gem hidden among the hustle and bustle of Tokyo’s streets where a real community of friendship has developed over 40 years of ramen.
The Wednesday, Nov. 10 showing will feature a film and reception option for a delicious ramen meal following the screening.
Colorado Spotlight
Ever more diverse and collaborative, Colorado’s filmmaking scene continues
to grow, producing works that screen in both film festivals and theaters around the country.
Feature Films
ANONYMOUS SISTER
COSMIC DAWN
A DECENT HOME
IMPERFECT
PURE GRIT
REVOLUTION FROM AFAR
RUNNING WITH MY GIRLS
THE SLEEPING NEGRO
THE TAKING
Short Films
COLD FEET
DEAR JASON
DOCUMENT ED.
EMBERS
GHOST DOGS
HAUNTED JUNKYARD
IF I TELL THEM
ONLY THE EARTH AND THE MOUNTAINS
RE ENTRY
THESE ARE NOT ORANGES
THUNDER RISES
UNTIL OUR LAST BREATH
UPEKKHĀ
WINTER GLASS GLARE
Spotlight on Social Justice
Spotlight on Social Justice aims to create an inclusive environment to highlight social issues and the people fighting for progress.
ALL THESE SONS
KRIMES
LINGUI, THE SACRED BONDS
MISSION: JOY – FINDING HAPPINESS IN TROUBLED TIMES
SUBJECTS OF DESIRE
THE FIRST STEP
WHO WE ARE: A CHRONICLE OF RACISM IN AMERICA
SeriesFest
SeriesFest is a non-profit organization dedicated to championing artists at the forefront of episodic storytelling. With year-round educational programs, initiatives supporting underserved voices, and professional development opportunities, SeriesFest inspires, educates, and connects a worldwide community of creators.
Creating Independent Television: A Special Conversation and Screening
SeriesFest: Season 7 Award Winner Showcase
Stanley Tucci: Searching for Italy
Press accreditation is open through Oct. 15 at 11:59 p.m. The application and guidelines to be considered for accreditation can be found on the DFF44 website or by clicking here.
DFF44 COVID-19 Protocol
Denver Film will require that all festival patrons, guests, media, sponsors, employees and volunteers entering DFF44 venues or event host sites from Nov. 3-14 show proof that they have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19 with an FDA or WHO-approved vaccine. Children under the age of 12 ― who are currently ineligible to receive the vaccine―must instead provide proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken within 72 hours of a screening or event start time.
To review DFF’s full COVID-19 protocol, visit: https://www.denverfilm.org/denverfilmfestival/dff44/covid-safety/
2021 Denver Film Festival Sponsors:
Marquee – Anna and John J. Sie Foundation, Amazon, AOR, Barbara Bridges, Capital One Café, Denver Botanic Gardens, Liberty Global, Moye White, Sheila K. O’Brien, Stranahan’s, Xfinity
Spotlight – Butler Rents, SeriesFest, University of Denver – Department of Languages, Literatures, & Cultures, William LaBahn
Studio – American Airlines, Shopify
Cameo – Colorado Film and Video Association, Crested Butte Film Festival, Eldorado Natural Spring Water, Molly’s Spirits, Ratio Beerworks, Syntrinsic, The Palm Group – Baird, TV5Monde
Government & Foundations – Bonfils-Stanton Foundation, Colorado Creative Industries, Consulate General of Canada, Colorado Office of Film, Television, and Media, Istituto Italiano di Cultura, National Endowment for the Arts, Riverfront Park Community Foundation, Scientific and Cultural Facilities District (SCFD)
Media – 5280, Birdy, CBS4, Colorado Public Radio (CPR), Denver Life, Rocky Mountain PBS, Westword
Film – Bank of Colorado, LivWell, Martha’s Vineyard African American Film Festival, Pizzeria Locale, Telescope, SAGindie, Visit Denver, Vizzy Hard Seltzer
Partners – Colorado Dragon Boat, Colorado Symphony, Denver Arts & Venues, I Am Denver, Ken’s Print & Graphics, McNichols Civic Center Building, Pearl Street Marketing
About Denver Film
Founded in 1978, Denver Film is a membership-based, 501(c)(3) nonprofit cultural institution that produces film events throughout the year, including the award-winning Denver Film Festival and the popular, summertime series Film on the Rocks. With a vision to cultivate community and transform lives through film, Denver Film provides opportunities for diverse audiences to discover film through creative, thought-provoking experiences.
The permanent home of Denver Film, 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. Denver Film’s one-of-a-kind programs annually reach more than 200,000 film lovers and film lovers-in-training.
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Denver Film Festival Media Contacts:
Marty Schechter: marty@denverfilm.org
Neil Truglio: neil@denverfilm.org
Alexandra Dunne: alexandra@denverfilm.org
