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Judging by the number of sold-out screenings at the Starz Denver Film Festival, it’s shaping up to be one of the best yet. The festival spans a whopping 12 days and features more than 200 films. No matter what your interest—documentaries, comedy, animation, narratives, and shorts—you’re covered. But the movies aren’t the only feature attractions—there are five red carpet events, numerous opportunities to interact with actors and filmmakers, and after-parties galore. If all this sounds overwhelming, don’t worry—we’ll guide you through it.
VIP Opening Night Package Spring for the $99 VIP Dine Around Package, which includes a $50 gift certificate for dinner at any Larimer Square restaurant, ticket to the opening night premiere of Like Crazy at Ellie Caulkins Opera House, and more.
Adventure Film Festival If Starz doesn’t float your boat (or kayak), head to Boulder this weekend for the Adventure Film Festival. Choose from more than 40 films that focus on outdoor themes like climbing, skiing, biking, and surfing. The lineup also features films that tackle environmental and social issues.
The Watching Hour Receptions Come check out these after-hours showings of sci-fi classics, indie hits, and cult favorites on Friday and Saturday nights during the festival.
Chris Botti in concert with the Colorado Symphony This one-night-only film and music event features a screening of More to Live For, which is about the life of jazz legend Michael Brecker and two other men, all of whom battled leukemia. After the movie, Grammy-winning trumpeters Chris Botti and Randy Brecker will perform with the Colorado Symphony. (Nov. 9; 7 p.m.)
Clyfford Still Reception Still was a leader in the Abstract Expressionist movement during the late 1930’s, but he turned his back on the art world at the pinnacle of his success. This month, the Clyfford Still Museum opens in Denver, and will showcase more than 800 of his paintings, many of which have never been seen. Still, a documentary told through his contemporaries, former students, and art historians, gives us a look into the painter’s life and why he chose to leave the spotlight. Read more about the artist in this month’s “Clyfford Still’s Unyielding Will.” (Nov. 10; 7 p.m.)
Reel Social Club Party What do you get when you mix a Twister tournament, an open bar, a deejay, and the Denver Roller Dolls? We’re not sure either, but we plan on finding out. After the screening of Jeff Who Lives at Home, head over to the Knights of Columbus Hall for the mother of all basement parties. (Nov. 11; 8 p.m.)
The Last Picture Show Party Tonight, Starz FilmCenter will close its doors for good, and we think it’s fitting that the first movie ever shown there, Thirteen Conversations About One Thing, be the last as well. Another classic, The Big Chill, shows at the same time on another screen. Come celebrate the contributions Starz FilmCenter made to our community. Then, attend a fitting (read: raucous) farewell party. (Nov. 13; 7:30 p.m.)
—Image courtesy of Starz Denver Film Festival, from the movie “Melancholia”