Don’t Miss the Boulder International Film Festival

The 7^th Annual Boulder International Film Festival (BIFF) kicks off on February 17^th this year. The festival has become known as one of the most influential newer film festivals in the country and is sponsored by the Colorado Film Society, a nonprofit organization. The Colorado Film Society was founded by local filmmakers Kathy and Robin Beeck. The festival aims to bring the hip, leading-edge films and filmmakers to the Boulder-Denver area. Over 16,000 filmmakers, media, special guests and film enthusiasts attended last year’s four-day event.

This year Academy Award-winning film director Oliver Stone will be the guest of honor. He will be presented with a “Master of Cinema Award” the last night of the festival, February 20^th, at the Boulder Theater. The evening will also include a retrospective of Stone’s work and a question-and-answer session with Stone.

In previous years the festival honored Alec Baldwin and Chevy Chase among many other accomplished writers, actors and directors. The official schedule for 2011 has not yet been released, but be sure to check the official website frequently for updates.

BIFF is also committed to its educational outreach programs, such as its Free Screenwriting Seminar, Student Volunteer Program, “Best New Filmmaker” Award, “Best Student Film” Award, and World Cinema Days.

The goal of World Cinema Days is to keep students engaged by screening inspiring and thought-provoking student-appropriate documentaries, films and animation. Films are screened during unstructured days off, such as when teachers have professional development or in-service days. These events also help parents arrange activities for their child on these non-school days. World Cinema Days features a free film program, presentation and group discussion for students in grade 4 through 12.

BIFF also offers free tickets for students to films, panels, workshops, and helps students meet filmmakers. BIFF also found a Youth Advisory Council a few years ago. It’s made up of 12-15 local film enthusiasts from grades 8-12, and the council is given a voice in the festival each year by helping to select student films, judging the student film category, and organizing and promoting film-related opportunities for students in the county.

The Boulder International Film Festival is about much more than actors and movies; it’s a local cultural force that helps cultivate diversity in the area while engaging residents and visitors in other cultures by sharing films from all over the world.