It’s another sunny day in Boulder as festival-goers dash between venues and events. The Talkback Café continues to host provocative panels, uniting film makers and local activists in their shared goals of taking action and fighting for a better world. This afternoon’s discussion focuses on the film Lion Ark, featuring efforts by Animal Defenders International to rescue animals from illegal circuses. Twenty-five African lions, having been caged for their entire lives, now reside in a large wild-animal sanctuary here in Colorado. Yesterday, Dr. Ossama Mohammed, the director of Silvered Water, Syria Self-Portrait and, Amal Kassir, a local slam-poet, led a brilliant panel. The Talkback Café will continue to bring local, national, and international personalities into dialogue throughout the festival. Everyone is encouraged to stop by the Talkback Cafe for discussion and a great cup of coffee.
This afternoon in the Boulder Theater, director and Screenwriter Victor Levin discussed his newest film, 5 to 7. A captivated audience showered Levin with praise for his moving portrayal of complicated, yet simple, love. He shared with the audience that for him the “whole point [of making film] is to connect with the audience.” For this reason, independent film is his favorite medium. The inspiration for 5 to 7 began in 1987, as Levin explored Paris and experienced people engaged in the type of affair portrayed in the movie. Levin is currently writing for Survivor’s Remorse, a television series about the life of LeBron James.
Across the street, the BIFF Filmmaker Lounge kicks off its Happy Hour Mixer at the Lazy Dog. The Happy Hour Mixer features drinks and appetizers free of charge for ticket stub and pass holders, courtesy of Audi Boulder.
Meanwhile, dancers from Block 1750, a local non-profit, shake down the First Presbyterian Church with a performance preceding the showing of Hip Hop-eration.
BIFF attendees are encouraged to make the most of as many of these locally-charged and globally-minded opportunities as possible. Without a doubt, no matter the venue or gala, there is something incredible occurring in every corner of the festival.
