Coming to a couch near you: BIFF presents free virtual movie series ahead of 20th festival
Jan. 10—Sit back, relax, grab some popcorn, and wear your bathrobe if you want — it doesn't matter, because Boulder International Film Festival (BIFF) is kicking off its 20th anniversary with a free virtual movie series, bringing a blockbuster experience to the comfort of your own home (or park bench, coffee shop, chairlift — wherever you feel like catching a flick).
The lineup is made up of "BIFF 20th Anniversary Classics," a selection of five popular films from past festivals. A new movie — four critically acclaimed documentaries and one short film program — drops every Thursday for five weeks. The series kicks off Thursday with "Mission: Joy — Finding Happiness in Troubled Times" (2021) from Boulder filmmaker by Louie Psihoyos.
Next up: "Jimmy Carter: Rock & Roll President" (2020) will screen Jan. 18, "BIFF Short Film Program" (2023) on Jan. 25, "Maya Angelou: And Still I Rise" (2016) on Feb. 1 and "Don't Stop Believin': Everyman's Journey" (2013) on Feb. 8.
Access to the films is free for all who sign up for BIFF newsletters at biff1.com/about/newsletter.
According to Kathy Beeck, festival director and co-founder, the free movie series is just one of the ways that the folks over at BIFF are expressing gratitude towards the Boulder community.
"One of our goals for this year is to say 'thank you' to our community of supporters, including moviegoers, volunteers, sponsors, donors and everyone who's helped grow our festival," Kathy Beeck said in a release.
The festival returns to Boulder Feb. 29 to March 3 with a couple of added celebrations. BIFF will host a free community day at eTown Hall on March 2 that will screen films from past BIFF award winners all day along with a movie for the kiddos.
And, as a part of the 20th birthday festivities, BIFF will also be serving birthday cake on the Pearl Street Mall during the festival.
For the festival, BIFF will bring back its popular CineChef competition, the Adventure Film Pavilion, its singer-songwriter showcase, a live recording of The Hollywood Reporter's "Awards Chatter" podcast, a teen film competition and more.
"Community has been such a huge part of BIFF's success over the years," said Robin Beeck, executive director, festival co-founder and sister of Kathy Beeck. "We're proud that BIFF has become one of Boulder's biggest cultural events, with 25,000 attendees each year. That's something to celebrate."
Festival passes and gift packs are on sale, including the all-inclusive Festival Pass at an early bird price of $450. BIFF gift packs are available in denominations of $34 for two film tickets, $68 for four film tickets, and $100 for six film tickets. For more information on passes and gift packs, visit the biff1.com.
Since its inception in 2004, BIFF has become a prominent platform for new and established filmmakers, featuring A-list actors and renowned filmmakers.
This year will be no different, Kathy Beeck said.
"It's going to be a memorable year for the festival," she said.
