Party time, BIFF style

Denver chanteuse Lannie Garrett entertains the crowd at the Opening Night festivities of BIFF 2010.

Movies? What movies?

Some people just come for our parties. And why not? Part of our ultra-cool reputation rests on the strength of the zany shindigs we’ve thrown over the years. Our friends, partners, sponsors, hosts, filmmakers, and fans get together and have fun in any number of remarkable ways (and nobody’s even wound up in jail yet, knock wood).

Here’s a handy guide to all our social events this year. Four days, eight parties. Not too shabby, eh? Of course, films are shown at some of them. And we want you to pay attention to THEM. This is a film festival, after all. Right?

1. Opening Night Red Carpet Gala

When: Thursday, Feb. 17, 6:30 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Where: Boulder Theater, 2032 14^th St.

Cost: $45 (FREE for passholders)

Music, 6:30 to 8 p.m.

Film at 8 p.m.

Come walk the red carpet and help kick off this year’s festival while you take a trip back to the ’70s with our Opening Night Film, the music documentary “Troubadours.” Here's a writeup on that film, along with the trailer, from the Wall Street Journal --

Enjoy delicious appetizers from Jax Fish House, Centro Latin Kitchen & Refreshment Palace, Happy, Zolo Southwestern Grill and The West End Tavern, courtesy of Big Red F Restaurant Group, one of our hottest new sponsors. The evening also features wine by Francis Ford Coppola Winery. Seth Ellis Chocolatier returns to tantalize your taste buds with a variety of mouthwatering chocolates. And Boulder’s award-winning a cappella group Cool Shooz will keep you entertained. Glam it up! Black tie optional.

2. Digital Media Symposium reception

When: 5 to 6 p.m. (panels begin at 1 p.m.)

Where: St. Julien Hotel & Spa, 900 Walnut St.

Cost: $50 in advance/$65 door/$40 in advance/$65 for students gets into both DiMe panels and the reception as well!

Panelists, guests and BIFF staff will mingle and network in the wake of this exciting event. There will be hors d’oeuvres, a cash bar and live digital music from Colin Bricker.

3. Public Filmmaker Party

When: 7 to 9 p.m.

Where: Lazy Dog Lounge, 1346 Pearl St.

Cost: $18 in advance/$20 door (FREE for passholders)

Rub egos with filmmakers and film lovers alike, and meet the provocative artists behind the films. Enjoy the Lazy Dog’s tasty appetizers and perfectly balanced, hand-crafted beers, along with memorable and unique wines from Francis Ford Coppola Winery.

"Old School": OK, you may not end up streaking with Will Farrell.

4. AND 6. Keen Footwear Happy Hours

When: Friday, Feb. 18 and Saturday, Feb. 19, 4 to 6 p.m.

Where: Lazy Dog Lounge, 1346 Pearl St.

Cost: FREE drinks and appetizers with your BIFF ticket stub or pass.

Keen Footwear wants to buy you a drink! Come check out their latest styles in active footwear. Enjoy a pint, some Francis Ford Coppola wines and delicious appetizers from the Lazy Dog Lounge.

5. VIP Filmmaker Reception

When: Saturday, Feb. 19, 4 to 6 p.m.

Where: Ted’s Montana Grill, 1701 Pearl St.

PASSHOLDERS ONLY

Lights, camera, action! Ted’s Montana Grill is ready to make its debut appearance at BIFF. Fresh, hand-prepared appetizers and delicious beverages, including wines from the Francis Ford Coppola Winery, will be served. At Ted’s, authentic is something you’ll experience, but it’s also something you’ll taste. Bring your pass and stop by early as space is limited.

Griffith's "Intolerance": we tend to Babylon.

7. Later with Luna Bar and Lunafest/Celebrate Women in Film

When: 7 to 9 p.m.

Where: Ten20 Spa, 2005 Pearl St.

Cost: Free with BIFF ticket stub or Pass

Meet BIFF and LUNA FEST filmmakers Jisoo Kim (“Thembi’s Diary”) and Jen McGowen (“Touch”). Enjoy wine and desserts, plus free polish changes and brow waxing (on a first-come, first-served basis).

8. Closing Night with Oliver Stone/Tribute and Awards Ceremony

When: Sunday, Feb. 20, 7 to 10:30 p.m.

Where: Boulder Theater, 2032 14^th St.

Cost: $60 (FREE for passholders)

The evening begins with a reception featuring great music by roots rock trio Something Underground, tasty appetizers from Whole Foods Market, desserts by The Cheesecake Factory, tea by Bhakti Chai, French press coffee from OZO and specially priced wines from Francis Ford Coppola Winery.

At 8:30 p.m., the Best of the Fest will be honored with their Vielehr sculptures at the BIFF Awards Ceremony. Immediately afterward, BIFF will be honored to present Oliver Stone with our “Master of Cinema” award for his decades-long achievements in writing, directing and producing.

The tribute will include a special film retrospective of Stone’s powerful and thought-provoking work followed by a presentation of the award, an interview by BIFF Executive Producer of Special Events, Ron Bostwick, and an audience Q&A session.

And remember: the ONLY WAY to get in to each and every one of these functions, except the DiMe reception, is to purchase a BIFF VIP pass (only $345; available at the Boulder Theater box office or on line at http://www.biff1.com/). Or grab a tray and make like a waiter.

"Animal House": we may all end up on double secret probation.