Film festival marks 20 years in Boulder
Founders reflect on cinematic serendipity
Throughout history, the world has been shaped by some pretty bad-ass sisters.
From the Brontës, who revolutionized literature with their enduring compositions, to the Mirabals, who fearlessly fought against dictatorship in the Dominican Republic, the formidable bonds of sisterhood have, time and again, thwarted expectations and shattered barriers.
In the whole universe of cool sisters, Robin and Kathy Beeck would be right up there with Beyoncé and Solange.
The dynamic duo is responsible for creating the Boulder International Film Festival.
What began as a screening of a handful of films at the Boulder Theater back in 2004 has grown into a fullscale, internationally recognized film festival that has, in recent years, attracted more than 25,000 cinephiles from across the world. Other than the Bolder Boulder, few events in the city are as well-attended and beloved as BIFF.
The esteemed festival, which kicked off Thursday and runs through Sunday, returns to Boulder to celebrate 20 years of filmmaking fabulosity. In celebrating the milestone, the sisters and the team behind BIFF are bringing the heat with what they call the most compelling festival yet.
The 2024 BIFF will feature 74 films, two opening night parties, eight top chefs, five venues, a threetime Academy Award-nominated actress and several hundred mini-bundt cakes. At the heart of the festival, however, lies something a little less quantifiable, and is the basis on which the festival was founded: good old-fashioned storytelling. Storytelling is, according to Kathy Beeck, what keeps the festival together — and this year’s film selection will present the best narratives in BIFF history.
“When selecting films for the festival, what it comes down to is, it’s always about the story,” Kathy Beeck said. “It’s got to tell a great story, and we think that this year, we have the best lineup of stories that we’ve ever had.”
Added Robin Beeck: “It kind of started with our parents. Our mom is gone now, but she was very creative, gregarious and always liked to have a good laugh. Dad told us stories — he’d make up these wonderful, elaborate stories when we were younger, and between the two of them, I think that’s where our love of great storytelling came from.”
From an animated film about a mythical child based on an Irish Folk legend to a French-canadian drama about a gay teenager battling homophobia in the ’60s and ’70s and a documentary reclaiming the history of Black surfers, the Beecks’ love of storytelling radiates through this year’s festival’s lineup — presenting tales that traverse time, space, genre and medium.
In the same way that the Williams sisters could teach you a thing or two about a backhand groundstroke, Kathy and Robin Beeck have an encyclopedic knowledge of cinema that has not merely been acquired — it’s been lived, breathed and cherished.
Kathy and Robin recalled their early days in the film industry working at the Fox Theatre and Flatirons Theater on the Hill as two bright-eyed teenagers behind the concession stand who would sneak into every movie they possibly could.
A love for movies blossomed amid the storytelling and artistry showcased on the silver screen.
Late-night screenings with friends, like Oliver Stone’s “Midnight Express,” became cherished memories, igniting a passion that would shape the rest of their lives.
Their journey continued as they ventured into crafting documentary shorts, which helped grow their interest for smaller-scale and independent filmmaking, leading them to festivals like Telluride, Aspen and Toronto.
Under the sisters’ careful curatorial eye, BIFF has gained a reputation for screening under-the-radar films, premiering cuttingedge documentaries, resurrecting movies lost in time that should never have been forgotten and specializing in stories that linger long after the credits roll.
In short, when it comes to a good film recommendation, the Beecks are the ones you want to ask.
While many of the festival’s featured films are made by award-winning directors and feature bigname actors, according to the Beeck sisters, some of the very best movies in the program were made by Colorado filmmakers.
Coming to BIFF hot on the heels of the Sundance 2024 U.S. Grand Jury Prize: Documentary, “Porcelain Dolls” — produced by Boulderites Paula Dupré Pesmen and Olivia Ahnemann — follows the lives of three Ukrainian artists as they face the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Amidst the shock and shelling that completely upends their daily lives, artists Anya, Andrey and Slava (along with his dog, Frodo), are faced with a decision: stay back and fight, or lose the country that they know and love.
Kathy Beeck said that “Porcelain Dolls” is one of the most poignant films that will be featured at BIFF.
“It is absolutely brilliant,” Kathy Beeck said. “We are so, so lucky to be showing that film. We’re proud of our local filmmakers for bringing such wonderful films this year.”
The documentary, which will screen at the Boulder Theater on Saturday, is followed by a talk-back with the film’s director and producers, as well as two stars from the movie — Slava and his heroic pup Frodo. (Who’s cutting onions in here?)
Another local filmmaker that the Beecks are proud to feature is Donald Zuckerman, who produced the movie “Happy Clothes” which will screen at Century Boulder on Sunday.
“Happy Clothes” tells the story of 82-year-old Patricia Field, known for her work as a fashion designer on “Sex and the City,” “The Devil Wears Prada” and “Emily in Paris.” A trailblazer in the era of female empowerment, Field is straightforward, honest, self-reliant and her story is sure to leave viewers feeling charmed and inspired.
“It’s a great pop-culture film, and it is just so much fun,” Kathy Beeck said. “(Field) is super funky, down to earth, and fabulous. She’s one of those characters, where, if you don’t know her, you probably should.”
Aside from bringing forth a truly stellar selection of stories to BIFF’S 20th anniversary, Robin and Kathy Beeck are planning on saying thank you to the Boulder Community in a number of ways — the first way with a free community day of film screenings at etown Hall on Saturday.
“We really feel this is a celebration, and it’s our chance to give back to the community that has been so supportive of us,” Kathy Beeck said. “We looked back and reflected on the best films over the past 20 years, and we picked out five of them. Some of those films that have made a mark over the years, whether they were audience favorites or award winners.”
Another way to say thank you? In the best way possible — with free cake. On Saturday, BIFF volunteers will be passing out hundreds of mini bundt cakes to passersby on Pearl Street.
Seeing the festival grow and expand over the past 20 years has been entirely unexpected, but completely rewarding for the Beecks.
“it means so much to see how far the festival has come,” Kathy Beeck said. “We weren’t sure anyone was going to show up all of those years ago. And now it’s so gratifying to hear from all of the community members — whether they’re sponsors or donors or attendees — telling us that they had just seen a movie that they were never ever going to forget.
“We have those kinds of movies that, over the years, people just don’t stop talking about. And we also have those kind of movies that can make a change in the world.”
In reflecting on what has made BIFF such a resounding success over the past two decades, Robin Beeck points again to her partnership with her sister.
“The two of us used to make films together — Kathy was the producer, and I was the director,” Robin Beeck said. “It works out well that we aren’t completely alike, that we both have different strengths. Now, Kathy is the business one, and I’m the one working with the films.”
Kathy agreed with her sister, adding, “As a team, we bring more value to the festival — better ideas, better planning and together, we just bring so much more fun,” she said.
BIFF HIGHLIGHTS Singer-songwriter showcase
• Saturday
• Velvet Elk Lounge, 2037 13th St., Boulder
• While BIFF is indeed a fete rooted in film, the festival is honoring another medium of artists at its annual Singer-songwriter Showcase, curated by charity organization Sonic Guild. A pretty stellar lineup of Colorado’s up-and-coming musicians are slated to take the stage at the festival’s Filmmakers Lounge, the Velvet Elk, from 6-9:30 p.m. on Saturday. Guests can look forward to being serenaded by some of the best local talent in the state, including Kenny Lee Young, Ingrid Avision, Briana Harris, Kayla Marque, Lonely Choir, Edwina Maben, Nina de Freitas and Old Man Saxon. Oh, and another exciting tidbit? The showcase is totally free.
Adventure Film Pavilion
• Friday — Sunday
• Grace Commons Church, 1820 15th St., Boulder
• Being the outdoor haven that Boulder is, the 2024 Adventure Film Pavilion returns to the festival as one of the most popular features. Showcasing the latest and greatest adventure films, including shorts and features, AFP also presents discussions with renowned adventurers and filmmakers, allowing attendees the chance to engage with non-profit organizations to address vital issues in the adventure community. This wedge of the film festival will introduce two world premieres, three U.S. premieres, and host five “call to action” post-film talkbacks. For $150, guests can purchase an AFP Pass granting access to all films at the Adventure Film Pavilion, Call2action panels and talkbacks, as well as a special Adventure Film party at the Velvet Elk Lounge at 9 p.m. Friday .
BIFF in Longmont
• Friday — Sunday
• Stewart Auditorium at the Longmont Museum, 400 Quail Road, Longmont
• Sometimes snowstorms happen, sometimes babysitters fall through and sometimes people in Northern Boulder County just want to be in on the BIFF fun, too. For anyone in the Longmont area, BIFF is presenting a solid cross-section of festival films at the Longmont Museum, including “Hip-hoperation,” “Taking Venice,” “Sugar and Stars,” “Maestra,” “Pick of the Litter,” “Confessions of a Good Samaritan,” “The Fox,” “Arctic Ascent with Alex Honnold” and a selection of short films. Singlefilm tickets are available for $14-$18, and a Longmont Pass at $175 includes entrance to all films at the Stewart Auditorium, as well as an opening party at the Longmont Museum on Friday.
Opening night parties and screening
• Friday
• Hotel Boulderado, 2115 13th St., Boulder; Rembrandt Yard, 1301 Spruce St., Boulder; Boulder Theater, 2032 14th St., Boulder
• The festival will open with a bang in Boulder with two different parties to choose from: one at Hotel Boulderado and the other at Rembrandt Yard. The parties, both taking place from 5 to 7 p.m. will feature concessions, including Italian signature dishes and house-made specialties from Pasta Jay’s Catering, alongside offerings from the Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts and Savory Cuisines Catering. Libations from Scarpetta wines, local craft beers and hard seltzer from Upslope Brewing, as well as specialty cocktails featuring Whistlepig Rye Whiskey will be available. Music from R&B outfit Rex Peoples & Xfactr and contemplative crooners Stoned & Emotional will liven the pre-parties with tunes. The 5280 Brass Band will lead the crowd New Orleans “second-line” style to the Boulder Theater for the 7:30 p.m. screening of “Ezra,” the festival’s opening film starring Robert Deniro, Bobby Cannavale and Rose Byrne.
“Wildcat” with Laura Linney appearance
• Saturday
• Boulder Theater, 2032 14th St., Boulder
• This truly special evening will kick off with a 7:30 p.m. screening of “Wildcat,” a festival feature film about American novelist Flannery O’connor as she grapples with a lupus diagnosis while writing her first novel. The film stars Maya Hawke as O’connor and Laura Linney as O’connor’s mother, Regina. As the 2024 recipient of the festival’s Vanguard Award, the luminous Linney will join host Rob Bostwick on stage at the Boulder Theater for a post-screening discussion. Tickets for the screening and award presentation, including a post-show interview, are $35 and available online, with free admission for BIFF pass holders.
Free Community Day
• Saturday
• etown Hall, 1535 Spruce St., Boulder
• For one day only, BIFF is showcasing some of the best films from the past 20 years at this free event at etown Hall. Beginning at 10 a.m., with the last film screening at 7:15 p.m., guests are invited to dig into the magic with BIFF’S 2018 Grand Prize winner for Best Documentary, “The Biggest Little Farm,” groove along with the soulful beats of BIFF’S 2013 Grand Prize winner, “Muscle Shoals” and embark on an adventure with BIFF’S 2005 Best Adventure Film, “Farther Than the Eye Can See,” and more.
Closing night screening and awards celebration
• Sunday
• Boulder Theater, 2032 14th St., Boulder
• As they say, all good things must come to an end, and the festival will close down with live music and the annual BIFF awards ceremony, followed by a screening of “The Cowboy and the Queen” at 7:30 p.m. This feature-length film delves into the extraordinary life of Monty Roberts, the iconic American horse trainer whose revolutionary nonviolent methods forged a remarkable bond with her late majesty, Queen Elizabeth II. The film will be followed by a talkback by director Andrea Nevins, co-producer Graham Clark and the cowboy himself — Monty Roberts.
• For tickets, lineup information, event details and more, visit biff1.com.