Issue 27: Denver Film Festival 2024
Currently on what to see at this year's Denver Film Festival.
Denver is fortunate to host a vibrant film scene, featuring unique programming from theaters like the Sie, Mayan, and Alamo Drafthouse. One of my favorite weeks of the year is just around the corner: the Denver Film Festival. From red carpet premieres of C’mon C’mon to under-the-radar documentaries like Bad Axe and international gems such as The Taste of Things, DFF has introduced me to many of my favorite films, and I eagerly look forward to the festival each year.
In its 47th year, the festival will showcase 100+ films for 10 days across 5 venues, as well as after-parties, special guests, and immersive experiences. I’ve thumbed through this year’s program to help you identify the cream of the crop for an excellent festival experience. Check out my picks below—these are the films likely to make waves during awards season or those you may only have the chance to see at the festival.
Nickel Boys (140 mins)
It’s about: two Black teenagers, Elwood and Turner, who endure the brutal realities of the Nickel Academy, a reform school in 1960s Florida. While Elwood holds on to Dr. King's teachings of hope and justice, Turner takes a more cynical, survivalist approach, creating a tense dynamic between the two. Their bond and choices are tested as they navigate a corrupt system, leading to shocking revelations about their fates and the lasting legacy of the school's dark past.
Recommending it: for its bold cinematography and strong potential as a major Oscar contender.
See it if you like: The Shawshank Redemption and author Colson Whitehead.
Details: English, Narrative, Feature, Drama
Notes: Includes a post-film conversation with director RaMell Ross
Showtimes: Saturday, November 2nd // 3:15pm // AMC CO+9
Bob Trevino Likes It (102 mins)
It’s about: Lily, who experiences a fallout with her father, leading him to shut her out completely and sever all communication. In her attempts to reconnect through Facebook, she accidentally befriends another man with the same name, who may provide the fatherly support she has been yearning for.
Recommending it: because it won both the Narrative Feature Grand Jury and Narrative Feature Audience Awards at SXSW.
See it if you like: nicecore and coming-of-age dramedies.
Details: English, Narrative, Feature, Drama
Notes: Includes a post-film Q&A with writer and director Tracie Laymon
Showtimes: Sunday, November 3rd // 1:00pm // Denver Botanic Gardens
Universal Language (89 mins)
It’s about: seemingly unrelated tales set between Tehran and Winnipeg. Negin and Nazgol stumble upon a sum of money frozen beneath the ice of the sidewalk and embark on a quest to retrieve it. Meanwhile, Massoud guides a group of bewildered tourists through an increasingly bizarre walking tour of Winnipeg's historic sites, while Matthew leaves his job with the Québec government to embark on a mysterious journey to reconnect with his estranged mother.
Recommending it: since it’s been quietly taking home awards on the festival circuit and is Canada’s official submission for the 'Best International Feature Film' at this year’s Oscars.
See it if you like: absurdity, Wes Anderson, and Tim Horton’s.
Details: Farsi, French, Narrative, Feature, Comedy
Showtimes:
Thursday, November 7th // 5:00pm // Sie FilmCenter
Friday, November 8th // 9:00pm // Sie FilmCenter
Saturday, November 8th // 11:00am // Sie FilmCenter
A Real Pain (89 mins)
It’s about: two cousins reuniting in an airport shortly after the death of their grandmother, bound for Poland on a Holocaust-themed tour. Eisenberg and Culkin’s performances are grounded, grating, charming, and funny, providing an intimate look into profound relationships with strangers, family, ourselves, and the past. I’ve never used the word “whipsmart” before, but this is the epitome of a “whipsmart” dramedy, and we'll likely be hearing more about Culkin’s performance during awards season.
Recommending it: because it was one of my favorite films from this year’s Sundance.
See it if you like: Little Miss Sunshine and Roman Roy.
Details: English, Narrative, Feature, Comedy
Showtimes: Sunday, November 3rd // 6:30pm // Denver Botanic Gardens
No Other Land (95 mins)
It’s about: the destruction experienced by a group of Palestinian villages in the southern West Bank at the hands of the Israeli military. Headed by a Palestinian-Israeli collective of four directors over the course of five years, they film and protest the demolitions of homes and schools and the resulting displacement of their inhabitants, which were carried out to make way for Israeli military training ground.
Recommending it: because the filmmakers described it as “both a document of a war crime happening now in the occupied West Bank, and a plea for a different future, one without occupation and oppression, one which is based on empathy, respect for international law, and true security and equality between Palestinians and Israelis. It has never been more urgent.”
See it if you like: 20 Days in Mariupol and being moved to take action.
Details: Arabic, Hebrew, Feature, Documentary
Showtimes:
Saturday, November 2nd // 10:30am // AMC CO+9
Sunday, November 3rd // 7:45pm // AMC CO+9
Thursday, November 7th // 4:15pm // AMC CO+9
Champions of the Golden Valley (81 mins)
It’s about: the remote mountain villages of Bamyan, Afghanistan, where a newfound passion for skiing attracts young athletes to tackle the high peaks. With minimal gear and makeshift skis, young villagers from rival ethnic groups convene for a thrilling mountain race, where they find they have more in common than they may have thought. Champions of the Golden Valley is the uplifting tale of young people learning incredible camaraderie and resilience on the slopes — lessons they must call upon when they experience the shocking collapse of their country.
Recommending it: because it’s relevant to a Colorado audience but also contains a profound message and call to action.
See it if you like: underdog stories and tearing up watching Netflix sports docs.
Details: English, Persian, Documentary, Feature, Sports
Notes: Includes a post-film Q&A with director Ben Sturgulewski and producer Katie Stjernholm
Showtimes:
Saturday, November 9th // 3:30pm // Holiday Theater
Sunday, November 10th // 10:30am // Sie FilmCenter
Ben and Suzanne, A Reunion in 4 Parts (110 mins)
It’s about: Ben, who journeys to Sri Lanka to rekindle his relationship with Suzanne, an American NGO worker, after a long separation. However, when Suzanne's boss demands that she work during their vacation, their love is tested by a dilemma: desire versus duty. As Suzanne grapples with the responsibilities of her job, Ben does everything he can to revive their intimacy, leading to candid conversations and chaotic twists as New Year's Eve—and Ben's departure—looms ahead.
Recommending it: because I can’t have a Currentss issue without recommending at least one rom-com.
See it if you like: Modern Love and The Smiths.
Details: English, Narrative, Feature, Romantic
Notes: Includes a post-film Q&A with actor Anastasia Olowin
Showtimes:
Saturday, November 2nd // 6:45pm // AMC CO+9
Sunday, November 3rd // 10:00am // AMC CO+9
Monday, November 4th // 4:15pm // AMC CO+9
The Fire Inside (110 mins)
It’s about: the inspirational true story of boxer Claressa Shields from Flint, Michigan. As a high school junior and aided by her tough-love coach, she pushes past all limitations to become the first American woman to win an Olympic gold medal in boxing. But even at the pinnacle of success, Claressa has to reckon with the fact that not all dreams are created equal, and the real fight has only just begun.
Recommending it: because writer Barry Jenkins also wrote Moonlight and produced Aftersun.
See it if you like: Air, boxing, and the Olympics.
Details: English, Narrative, Feature, Drama
Notes: Includes a post-film conversation with actor Ryan Destiny
Showtimes: Sunday, November 3rd // 2:00pm // Holiday Theater
Heartless (15 mins)
It’s about: a relationship therapist who must abandon her practical instincts to evade a coroner, crash her own funeral, and reconnect with her wife in a quest to rediscover her missing heart after a doctor declares her legally dead.
Recommending it: because it’s written and directed by Ann Allsopp who I recently met and worked alongside with on the set of the film, Pleasure Chest.
See it if you like: supporting local filmmakers.
Details: English, Narrative, Short
Showtimes:
Thursday, November 7th // 7:00pm // Sie FilmCenter
Friday, November 8th // 4:00pm // Sie FilmCenter
Thanks for being here.
— Justin