Boulder International Film Festival
In the historic, beloved Boulder Theater — where dancing, drinking, eating and watching movies are all acceptable behaviors — March's Boulder International Film Festival has earned the reputation as one of the most influential young film festivals in the country. The event invites international filmmakers to show their work for an audience full of aspiring filmmakers. While the event hosts academics, directors, writers, actors, producers and the like, a large part of the festival's goal is to inspire film hopefuls, so that one day they can see their creative dreams projected onto the big screen. If you're a fan of boldly independent cinema, make sure to catch one of the well-hyped Boulder screenings.
Denver Jewish Film Festival
Get ready for 20-plus screenings of top cinematic delights from newly released Israeli and Jewish cinema, actors and producers at the Denver Jewish Film Festival. At this March event, you'll get the chance to view films ranging from documentaries and culinary explorations to heart-warming feature films and shorts, many of which aren't always available in your neighborhood theater. In addition to hours of fabulous films, you'll also be treated to Q&A sessions with more than a dozen filmmakers.
Durango Independent Film Festival
The southwest Colorado town of Durango has earned some indie street cred with its own late February to early March festival, which has been held since 2001. Held during the spring, when some of the sunniest and warmest skiing can be had at Purgatory, Durango Independent Film Festival lures lovers of both pastimes each year. Many of the festival's events are held at the Durango Arts Center and galleries, where bands (indie ones, of course!) play live music, parties are held and other artsy events happen.
Aspen Shortsfest
This is the film fest of royalty. Keeping in sync with Aspen’s tradition of big names and big fur, this April festival includes major productions, Oscar hopefuls and lavish benefit dinners. But perhaps the most impressive piece to Aspen Shortsfest is the variety of genius that can be seen at any of the participating theaters. The festival’s premise of “taking a chance to be taken somewhere new and unexpected,” speaks to the in-depth documentary films and shorts — but also to the town itself. Aspen is like no place you’ve ever been, where Prada opens its doors next to REI, designer dogs run in fields of rugby players and world-renowned art galleries are visited by fully garbed skiers.
5Point Film Festival
With a subtitle of "Inspiring Adventure," you know this Carbondale fest's films will leave you with a dropped jaw at least once each April. But don't expect run-of-the-mill ski shots. Organizers of the 5Point Film Festival sum it up with this statement: "We avoid films solely about hucking yourself off a cliff and love films with a story and a human element." So there you have it: adventure films that might make your wipe a tear or expel a bit of laughter.