Today is the big day! Over at BIFF headquarters, we are getting extremely excited for the 12th Boulder International Film Festival. This year, we have so many incredible films, events and experiences for you to join in on. This year, there is sure to be something perfect for everybody.
To kick off the festival, the historic Hotel Boulderado Ballroom and the beautiful Rembrandt Yard Event Center and Art Gallery will host our pre-film festivities. Big Red F restaurants will be serving small plates and libations from local restaurants, wineries and breweries while guests can enjoy the tunes of the Bob Schlesinger Trio or the Sweet Spot Trio. Make sure to look out for some of history’s favorite film characters in costume!
At 8 pm on Thursday, the Boulder Theater doors will open to feature the Colorado premiere of Miss Sharon Jones. The film documents the powerhouse singer with her incredible band, the Dap Kings. Two-time Oscar winner Barbara Koppel exposes Sharon’s journey battling pancreatic cancer, and how she got back on the big stage, bolder than ever. This film is undoubtedly on BIFF’s Can’t Miss List.
On Friday at 6 PM, Etown Hall will host a party for all the teen, student filmmakers and musicians in town, with delicious food and films. Here, the winners of the teen short competition will be released. We have gotten so many awesome submissions this year that are absolutely worth celebrating.
We are thrilled to announce film legend Bruce Dern as the BIFF 2016 Career Achievement Honoree. Dern’s career is made up of roles as vicious villains and modern day heroes. His films range from The Great Gatsby to Monster (one of the most acclaimed indies of all time). On Friday at 7:15, Dern will join special event producer and host Rob Botswick in the Boulder Theater for a tribute and conversation. We are honored to have him at BIFF this year.
Throughout the weekend, be sure to check out the BIFF filmmaker lounge at the Lazy Dog on Pearl St. This cozy sports bar will be the headquarters of BIFF, often with live music of local musicians. Here, you may just be lucky enough to run into one of your favorite filmmakers or celebrities.
On Saturday night, it’s time to get B.A.D … and by that we mean it’s time for all 21+ attendees to head over to the Boulder Theater for the BIFF After Dark party, where the theme is to bring your alter ego. With music from the Burroughs, a 9-piece funk and soul band, this is one party you’re alter ego won’t want to miss.
On Sunday evening, the award ceremony will celebrate the BEST of BIFF 2016. Shortly after, we will screen our closing night film, “Norman Lear: Just Another Version of You.” The film is a feature documentary celebrating the incredible, influential, and often-controversial creator, writer and producer who has shaped American film. This is another topping BIFF’s Can’t Miss List.
