For four days in early March, our city will be transformed into a hub for cinephiles and filmmakers, thanks to the 2015 Boulder International Film Festival (BIFF). The annual film festival, which runs from March 5th through the 8th, is a celebration of cinema that attracts thousands of film enthusiasts from around the globe. From new movie screenings/premieres to live events, BIFF has something for every moviegoer to enjoy – even the kids! Here’s a list of some of the upcoming events:
Screenings
The 11th BIFF will screen over 40 feature length and short films, including several documentaries and foreign movies. The diverse film lineup includes Silvered Water: Syria Self Portrait, a documentary about the ongoing Syrian civil war, and 5 to 7, a romantic dramedy staring Anton Yelchin and Glenn Close.
Admission is $12 per film and festival passes are $450. All ticket options and the full schedule of films are available online.
Youth Pavilion
While many of the films screening at the festival feature adult content, there are kid-friendly events, as well. The BIFF’s Youth Pavilion is a venue created exclusively for kids and teens. The venue will host a variety of age appropriate films, for kids 6 and up or 12 and up, as well as educational workshops on filmmaking. Family-friendly film screenings include the Oscar nominated, Irish animated movie Song of the Sea, and the 2013 coming-of-age story and family drama The Way Back, featuring Steve Carrell and Toni Collette.
All Youth Pavilion events and screenings take place at the Boulder Public Library Canyon Theater and are free on a first come, first served basis.
An Evening with Alan Arkin
Oscar winner and legendary actor Alan Arkin will be an honored guest of the festival. On the evening of March 7th, at the Boulder Theater, Mr. Arkin will be awarded the BIFF 2015 Career Achievement Award for his incredible body of work, which includes the films Little Miss Sunshine, Glengarry Glen Ross, Edward Scissorhands, and The Heart is a Lonely Hunter. The evening will also include a film retrospective and an on-stage conversation with the actor. Tickets are $25 and on sale now.
Live Music & Good Eats
For foodies and music lovers, BIFF has more to offer than just screenings. There are many live performances featuring local musicians and tasty treats during the festival.
On March 6th and 7th, The Lazy Dog Sports Bar & Grill will host BIFF’s Singer/Songwriter Showcase, which celebrates the vital role of music in movies. Festival-goers can hang out with filmmakers while listening to live music and drinking local craft beer. Live performers include the Colorado-based folk pop Foxfeather, and the blues musician Jack Hadley.
BIFF’s brand new event CineCHEF will merge film and food while showcasing Boulder’s culinary talent. Taking place March 6th from 5-7 pm at Rembrandt Yard, the event will feature movie themed dishes, fine wine, craft beer, and music. Some of Boulder’s finest chefs will serve film-inspired plates to VIP and ticketed guests. The culinary artists include head chef and owner of Salt Bradford Heap, as well as Kelly E. Kingsford, who is the Executive Chef at both The Med and Brasserie Ten Ten. Tickets are $90 per person and on sale now.
With fine dining and live music, the Boulder International Film Festival has so much to offer beyond its diverse lineup of screenings. So whether you’re interested in seeing a specific film or looking for fun film-centric events, the festival is definitely worth checking out.
What are you most excited to see or do at the BIFF this year? Tell us in the comments below!