Photo Essay 2: Opening Night Setup!

Howdy! RC Special Events got the Tent set up before the snowflakes began to fly (photos 1-4); the marquee is spelled properly (photo 5); the Registration Room is buzzing over at the St. Julien (photo 6); every seat in the office is filled (in photo 7, Producer Kevin Smith and Executive Director Kathy Beeck preside over the madness! Right now we are setting up for some mighty fine parties -- more photos later! [All photos courtesy Bonnie Chaim -- BIFF DigiComm Commando]

BIFF Buff Guide! CU is @ BIFF this year . . .

By ADAM ROWAN
BIFF DigiComm Commando

[Editor's note: For the first time ever, the University of Colorado students have created their own "CU @ BIFF" pavilion at Shine Restaurant, 2027 13th St. all day Saturday, 2/16, during the festival, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. From Saturday morning cartoons through panels with CU alumni in the film industry and women in film, culminating with screenings of student films, this FREE day-long extravaganza is a great collaboration for us! More info here: https://www.facebook.com/CUBIFF?fref=ts]

With a choice selection of features, documentaries and shorts, not to mention workshops and other
events, the Boulder International Film Festival (BIFF) is a prime spot for learning and finding
inspiration. However, though BIFF presents several lifetimes of wisdom from February 14-17, Boulder
has a perennial option for acquiring knowledge as well.

The University of Colorado (CU) campus is a key landmark that brings thousands of old and young
minds alike to Boulder, not to mention scores of visitors. With the university less than a mile from
Pearl Street Mall (the epicenter of BIFF screenings and events), CU-Boulder is a perfect destination to
visit when you're exhausted from the hustle and bustle and want to find a new place to take in scenic
sights and view a different part of the city.

[Note: Hours of access may vary for buildings on campus, especially during weekends. Please consult
the CU website for more information]

BIFF Guide to CU: University Memorial Center (UMC)

The undisputed hub of CU-Boulder is the University Memorial Center, a complex hosting events,
student and university offices and commons areas where visitors of all kinds can congregate. Not only
is the area around the center a perfect place to find visitor parking, outdoor or above-ground, the UMC
is home to a host of amenities perfect for any BIFF attendee.

If you're looking for a quick bite or a place to grab a juice or coffee beverage, the UMC has several
options, including a Celestial Seasonings serving hot and cold drinks and the Alferd Packer Restaurant
& Grill, a campus institution cheekily named for the infamous “Colorado cannibal.” The CU Book
Store isn't just for students seeking academic materials: the top floor contains a treasure trove of
mementos perfect for displaying CU pride, whether you're a current student, alumnus, staff member or
just a guest caught up in the black and gold Boulder spirit.

One of the UMC's best amenities are the couches, chairs and community tables, allowing BIFF
attendees the chance to mingle with CU students, faculty and staff, or just find a quiet place to rest
and relax away from the festival. There's plenty of seating inside, but good weather will afford you the
opportunity to check out the center's scenic exterior. On the north side, you'll find the Dalton Trumbo
Fountain Court, named for a former CU student, screenwriter and one of the foremost Hollywood
figures to combat blacklisting during the Red Scare.

BIFF Guide to CU: Norlin Quad

Though Colorado weather can be treacherous, often changing at a moment's notice, Norlin Quad is
another popular gathering place for students and visitors alike. In addition to a plethora of grassy areas,
shade and benches ideal for some R&R, the surrounding buildings are also a sight to see.

Though small, administrative building Old Main is a must-see for fans of nifty architecture. The eastern
side of the building has two wrought-iron spiral staircases perfect for photo opps. You can also pay a
visit to quintessential American poet Robert Frost: His statue graces the south side of Old Main.

No BIFF visitor's time at CU-Boulder would be complete without a visit to Macky Auditorium, the
preeminent performing arts location at the university. Whether you're hoping for a glimpse of the
opulent interior or just want to admire the spires and stained-glass windows dominating the facade,
Macky is a perfect spot to get a taste of CU's theater scene before or after a BIFF screening.

BIFF Guide to CU: Farrand Field

Completing the trio of major student hangouts at CU, Farrand Field, located roughly at the center of
campus, is a popular gathering spot for students. The grassy plain comprising the field is often the
arena for pickup games of Ultimate Frisbee, touch football and hacky-sack. There's also a gazebo built
into the wall at the north end of the field, so you don't have to brave the outdoors entirely if you're
seeking a spot to relax.

Farrand Field is also bordered by five major dorms, meaning you'll get a great look at CU student life
on the go. All the activity during the week might make things noisy, but weekends are usually fairly
calm.

BIFF Guide to CU: Varsity Lake

My favorite spot at CU is one of the campus' best-kept secrets: Varsity Lake. A serene pond separated
by a rustic stone bridge located just west of the McKenna Languages building, Varsity Lake sees
minimal foot traffic, making it the ideal relaxation spot for the weary BIFF attendee.

The pond is home to a variety of animals, including coy, turtles and ducks. Benches nestled under trees
make it a good place for resting, and a walking path to the west means easy access to off-campus hot
spot University Hill. Varsity Lake is so atmospheric that you might find students and Boulder residents
enjoying the area, too: I've seen people have picnic lunches and even pose for wedding photographs at
this scenic locale.

BIFF Pearl Street guide: You're not in Kansas anymore

 Photo courtesy Downtown Boulder (BoulderDowntown.com)

By ADAM ROWAN

BIFF DigiComm Commando

The pedestrian Pearl Street Mall is the center of the Boulder International Film Festival (BIFF). With major screenings and events held throughout the weekend of February 14-17, there's much to see and do when waiting for the next program to start.

Here's a look at Pearl Street Mall, and what visitors should know about the four blocks of Boulder institutions that BIFF calls home.

BIFF 2013 Pearl Street User's Guide: Restaurants

If you're looking to catch a bite between screenings, Pearl Street's many eateries won't disappoint. Virtually every style of restaurant and cuisine is available, from Italian to Mexican to Americana to sushi. And yes, befitting Boulder's emphasis on health and sustainable living, there are vegetarian options, too.

Need something quick and easy before the next show? Fast-casual joints like Illegal Pete's can satisfy your hunger and get you in line well before the theater lights dim. Looking to sit down and soak up the Pearl Street atmosphere? Local fine-dining restaurants like the Boulder Cafe, Trattoria on Pearl (an authentic Italian restaurant) and Japango (which specializes in sushi) have menus with a range of tasty items to entice the festival attendee with time to taste some great food and linger awhile on the Mall.

And all you vegetarians and vegans: Be sure to keep an eye out for Leaf Vegetarian Restaurant. Located just two blocks east of the Boulder Theater (after the pedestrian portion ends and traffic resumes along Pearl Street), Leaf Vegetarian Restaurant offers a seasonably fresh, sustainable menu with naturally grown fruits and vegetables.

BIFF 2013 Pearl Street User's Guide: Bars

The collaborative camaraderie of a film festival wouldn't be possible without a venue to grab a drink. Whether you're looking to congregate with friends and talk film or steal some time alone before the next movie on your schedule, BIFF is blessed to be located close to a number of local watering holes.

The Boulder Theater has its own place to pick up comfort food and cocktails between screenings. Located next door to the theater, George's Food & Drink is a great bar to meet fellow BIFF attendees and unwind amid the whirlwind of events.

Other Boulder bars are perfect meeting places and relaxation spots; it all depends on what you're looking for. Authentic Irish pub Conor O'Neill's brings the best of the Old Country to Boulder, complete with Guinness, fish and chips and other Emerald Isle specials. The Lazy Dog, meanwhile, keeps the energy up with plenty of TVs to watch the game, as well as opportunities to take in some of Boulder's best bands playing live for the crowd.

BIFF 2013 Pearl Street User's Guide: Smoking Ban

As one of America's healthiest cities, it should come as no surprise that Boulder frowns upon lighting up. To combat the proliferation of the nasty habit, the Boulder City Council last year adopted a smoking ban on the Pearl Street Mall. The ban went into effect this month.

No matter how tempting it might be to get into the spirit at BIFF by reenacting your favorite Humphrey Bogart-Lauren Bacall onscreen moments or channeling the spirit of French New Wave flicks, think twice before breaking out your lighter. Though ticketing isn't expected to begin until March, first offenses carry a fine of $500 – a hefty price to pay, and one sure to put a damper on your BIFF 2013 experience. (Editor’s note: This is Boulder, man – but you still can’t smoke ANYTHING on the Mall, dig?)

BIFF 2013 Pearl Street User's Guide: Entertainment

Though the programs at BIFF are designed to entertain, inspire and engage, the festival has to compete with an array of colorful characters lining Pearl Street Mall. When you're not in a darkened theater or crowded event, enjoy the fresh air and seize the chance to check out Boulder's finest local musicians, artists, performers and daredevils.

Music from many instruments provides a soundtrack to the hustle and bustle along the pedestrian mall, with performers playing everything from guitar to piano and singing to passersby. Other personalities entertain the crowds with different methods, opting for magic tricks, walking on stilts, juggling and feats of contortionism. Observant bystanders might even catch a seemingly innocuous bronze figure move slightly: A human statue is just one more street performer to watch out for as you stroll Pearl Street Mall.

Though it might be tempting to think of the characters along Pearl Street as free entertainment, the musicians, magicians and other performers add character to the historic sites and customer-friendly venues along the mall. A little cash is always appreciated by any entertainer; remember to tip your statue.

BIFF 2013: Film Festival Survival Guide

Pandemonium at the Filmmakers Lounge at BIFF 2012. 47 films, 4 days -- how do you pace yourself? Adam Rowan provides the answers. [Photo courtesy Peter Wayne]

By ADAM ROWAN

BIFF DigiComm Commando

Running February 14-17 on and around Boulder's scenic Pearl Street Mall, the Boulder International Film Festival (BIFF) provides an opportunity to check out not only dozens of great films – from shorts to documentaries to features – but the beating heart of a beautiful city, too. Nestled against the Flatirons and lined with shops and restaurants, Pearl Street is the perfect place to get a taste and look at Boulder while mingling with everyone from local families to university students, not to mention colorful street performers and merchants.

BIFF is probably unlike just about any event you've attended, film festival or otherwise. That said, it still pays to be prepared.

BIFF 2013 Must-Have #1: Good Walking Shoes

Pearl Street is a pedestrian mall, so getting to and from screening venues on or off the mall makes pounding the pavement the most practical method of transportation. Plan to park your vehicle nearby (Pearl Street has both metered parking and garages) and hoof it to screenings and events of your choice.

Walking the cobblestone and seeing the sights is a fine way to spend a weekend, but it's essential to have the strong sole and sturdy arch support to keep your feet from aching in line, in the theater or elsewhere.

BIFF 2013 Must-Have #2: Stay Hydrated

Whether you prefer water or sports drinks, it's important to keep the liquids flowing regularly to fuel the aforementioned walking and standing. Beyond keeping your body in peak fitness for a film festival, though, hydration is crucial for another, environmental reason: altitude.

Boulder is situated 5,430 ft. above sea level. It doesn't tower above the Earth like Park City, but the change in atmosphere at BIFF might come as a shock for out-of-town attendees more used to a Tribeca or Toronto.

Altitude sickness can take its toll on anybody’s body, especially those unaccustomed to such heights; symptoms include a throbbing headache, fatigue, loss of appetite and nausea. Drinking liquids and avoiding alcohol, overexertion and large meals (sorry, foodies) are keys to avoiding altitude sickness and making sure your stay at BIFF isn't spent catching your breath.

BIFF 2013 Must-Have #3: Energy

Whether you prefer coffee, tea or energy drink, staying energized is vital to maintaining the rigorous schedule necessary to get the most out of your BIFF experience. Though you'll spend a lot of time sitting, whether in a darkened theater, amphitheater, restaurant or one of Pearl Street's many park benches, you might be surprised how much a film festival can take out of you.

I attended BIFF 2010, taking in roughly half of the films on the program and attending many of the festival's signature events. Upon returning home at the end of the final night, I was surprised to find my body undergoing what felt like severe jet lag. While it's true my mind was also reeling with positive memories and the excitement of seeing so many engaging movies, I probably would have benefited from a little extra protein (and probably an extra dose of caffeine) to prevent the post-film festival “crash.”

BIFF 2013 Must-Have #4: Cash

 Like any tourist activity, whether you're coming from six blocks away or halfway across the world, it's worth coming to BIFF prepared. Not only will a well-stocked wallet mean you can take advantage of screenings, fine dining and fast-casual restaurants and the wares at Boulder boutiques and merchants, you'll also be prepared for the oft-dreaded parking on city streets and at lots and garages.

[NOTE: City Of Boulder Parking Services offers three hours of FREE parking on Thursday night and all day Friday at the parking structure at 15^th and Pearl Streets during the Festival. Present your same-day BIFF ticket or pass to the lot attendant! Parking is free there Saturday and Sunday.]

Metered parking stations on Pearl Street will take credit cards, but change might be just as practical if you can't find a garage. Parking for an hour along the Mall costs five quarters, with a three-hour limit in place for street parking every day except Sunday.

In addition to currency, save time by arriving early: parking garages issue tickets that are payable upon leaving, so you won't have to race or interrupt your film festival activities to feed the meter. And, on weekends, some garages are free.

BIFF 2013 Must-Have #5: Enthusiasm and an Open Mind

 As a celebration of global independent film, BIFF is dedicated to exposing its audience to moving, engaging pictures from around the world. After perusing the program, you'll see a number of names and titles you'll want to check out. Be sure to allot your time accordingly so you don't opt for screenings that overlap, and allow plenty of time to move from venue to venue: It would be a shame to miss a movie or event, especially if you're unfamiliar with the area and don't know the travel time, because it sells out before you get there or you don't your timetable is incorrect.

Beyond the theater or auditorium, though, BIFF brings visitors from across the country and around the world to an eclectic city with much to see. Take time to check out must-see locations like Pearl Street Mall, University Hill and the University of Colorado campus, and keep an eye open for attendees who want to talk movies.

And be on the lookout for celebrities wandering around: You never know when you might find a stray A-lister checking out the sights around Boulder! 

Photo essay: BIFF 2013 Program Release Party

[All photos and video courtesy Bonnie Chaim]

On Thursday, Jan. 24, the annual BIFF Program Release Party was held. For the second year, it was staged in the fabulous confines of Todd Reed Jewelers at 2015 Pearl St.! What a fabulous design the place has . . . we nearly walked through three or four glass walls before the night was over.

A string duo enchanted the BIFF crowd.

Among the display cases sporting expensive and exquisite baubles, our guests and we wandered about schmoozing, enjoying some delicious wine, beer, and snacks from our sponsors . . . Beehive, Kim & Jake's Cakes, Avery Brewing, and Francis Ford Coppola Winery.

The gluten-free ones went first!

Program Distribution / BIFF Signage Coordinator John Kubley does a quality control check on the wine. No worries, folks, it's OK!

Streetside Dance performed as well -- 

The audience loved it!

Finally, the moment everyone has beenwaiting for all year . . . Robin Beeck announces the release of the BIFF 2013 program and schedule!

The Beeck sisters (from left) Robin, Kathy, and Shelley, swear to mount the 'BEST . . . BIFF . . . EVER!"

And 20 seconds later, everyone in the room was doing as this couple below -- Tweeting the list of movies and special guests to friends and family.

Last and least, below was DigiComm Director Brad Weismann, trapped amid the glass walls, desperately trying to get people to go home at the end of the night. Hope you're feeling better, dude!

Call 2 Action: BIFF’s signature outreach program

By BRAD WEISMANN

Director of Digital Communication, Boulder International Film Festival

Can a movie really make a difference?

If so, can we translate its passion into action?

Films rouse us; they fascinate us. Whether they are documentaries, or dramas that raise our consciousness, they move us.

Veterans featured in the film "High Ground" applaud the audience after the screening of Michael Brown's documentary, which took both the Best Call 2 Action award and the People's Choice award at BIFF 2012. [Photo by Leah Mayotte]

And then we move on. Countless times, filmgoers have confronted a compelling issue in the dark cinema, then stepped out into the light or night and perhaps discussed it over coffee or dessert, and forgotten it completely by the time they got home.

In 2010, a constellation of groups and individuals in Boulder, Colorado – the Boulder International Film Festival (BIFF), Philanthropiece, the Twisted Foundation, Mothers Acting Up, and Sandy Younghans -- came up with an innovative new way to integrate audience and film. Call 2 Action is a program that offers concrete ways for filmgoers to translate the energy and passion that film evokes into action -- to utilize cinema to organize a community. A film is a springboard, a departure point that unleashes a torrent of thought, dialogue and energy – all of which can be purposed toward healing the world, one person and act at a time.

Since then, BIFF has devoted 25 to 30 percent of its programming each year to the Call 2 Action initiative, with remarkable success. BIFF’s volunteer Call 2 Action committee matches film topics with social change groups in the region, partnering with them on the presentation of the film and its focus, during which they present the “Five Ways” in which they feel the audience can take immediate and effective action. Call 2 Action films are a well-promoted highlight of the festival, drawing a dedicated coterie of fans throughout the event.

Call 2 Action films feature representatives that lead post-screening discussions, debates, interviews, and Q-and-A sessions, as well as providing resources for immediate engagement and involvement for motivated filmgoers. Entities associated with the causes championed in these films will be on hand in The Call 2 Action Tent (yes, a big tent) erected at 14^th and Pearl Streets, conveniently close to all our screening venues. Our festival program contains detailed information on all Call 2 Action topics, for continuing reference.

Past Call 2 Action films have consistently drawn sold-out crowds, and have offered insights into subjects such as the struggle of returning veterans (“High Ground”), the attractions of gang life (“Down for Life”), the not-so-incremental ebb of glaciers (“Chasing Ice”), and a triumph of developmentally disabled musicians (“For Once in My Life”).

Convinced of the effectiveness of the program, its originators are now crafting a Call 2 Action Toolkit, a blueprint available to all that outlines how to generate and grow a Call 2 Action program as well. We are very excited about this expanded opportunity to help people connect and make a difference!

"Patriocracy" in action -- director Brian Malone leads the talkback after his  documentary on political polarization airs at Boulder High School at BIFF 2012. [Photo by Bonnie Chaim]

You can find out more information about our Call 2 Action films on our Web site, at http://www.biff1.com/call-to-action.html. Plus, we’ll be discussing these movies in greater detail, and outlining the special activities and groups involved in the presentation of each, in future blog posts.

Shootout success: honors go to current, former Y.A.C. members

The Youth Advisory Committee's Shoot Out Boulder film team. (Photos in this post courtesy Ruth Wight)

Congratulations to the many members of the Boulder International Film Festival's Youth Advisory Committee, who participated, and won honors, in the ninth annual Shoot Out 24 Hour Filmmaking Festival Boulder!

The festival took place from Friday evening, Oct. 19 through Sunday afternoon, when the top 10 entries were screened and prizes were awarded at the beautiful new eTown Hall at 16th and Spruce Streets. Teams were tasked with creating a seven-minute film in only 24 hours, edited in-camera and including five of eleven items outlined in the opening "Brief." 

The awards for Best Performance and Best Film went to "Appearances," created by former Y.A.C. member, BIFF 2012 video editor, and Selection Committee member Ted Chalfen. Best Art Direction went to Y.A.C. member Carter Linsley for his "The Path." And our all-Y.A.C. effort, led by screenwriter/director Sabrina Caplis, received an honorable mention for their film, "Good Amid These." The other members fo the Y.A.C. filmmaking squad -- Derek Aiello, Danie Thomas, Dane Fogdall, Hunter Schoech, Tristan Santos, Clara Horst, and Anson Adams.

Other winners:

Best Linear Editing - Team #15 "ZOLO"

Best Screenplay - Team #24 "The Phone-y Bad Boy"

Best Comedy & Best Director - Team #31 "Ditchin'"

Best Sound Design & Best Cinematography - Team #26 "Autumn"

Best Original Score - Team #25 "Son of a Mitch"

Honorable Mention - Team #45 "Inhuman"

Silver Spur - Team #49 "The Voter"