It is once again time for the Denver Film Festival. The last few years have set records for attendance, and this year should be no different. The quality of the films remains excellent. The festival runs from November 1–10, and you can find the entire program and ticket information at: https://denverfilmfestival.eventive.org/welcome.

I preview several of the films here and give short reviews of a few that caught my eye. Take note of all the locations because they vary. There are several films with local connections of different sorts this year, so I include a few of those. Get your tickets soon, and I hope to see you there!

Chasing Time

This short film is a sequel (of sorts) to the brilliant and impactful Chasing Ice (2012). The latter was a powerful documentary that chronicled the work of Boulder resident James Balog and his Extreme Ice Survey. The Survey set up cameras on glaciers around the world and documented the diminishing state and actual melting of those glaciers. The images were beyond striking—more like shocking—and they changed the way we looked at climate change. It became an urgent issue, and it certainly changed my outlook.

Chasing Time is a follow-up to the landmark film and continues the story of James Balog, his crew, and, unfortunately, the end of the project. The story is bittersweet in many ways, but the project will continue in a different form. The brilliant locations, the stunning cinematography that captured those landscapes, and the inspired editing that shepherds us through the story all carry over from Chasing Ice into this film. If you were a fan of the first film, you will want to see this wonderful short. It has several local connections beyond the subject, and most will be in attendance for a post-film discussion. Get tickets fast!

Fri, Nov. 8, 4pm @ the Holiday Theater

Half-Life of Memory: America’s Forgotten Bomb Factory

If you are a Colorado native, you probably have heard of Rocky Flats. If you are not from here, it may be just a name on a map or even “that wildlife refuge.” But how much do any of us really know about the former bomb factory that covers 6,500 acres northwest of Denver? This insightful documentary tells the whole story of Rocky Flats, from the early days in the plant that assembled nuclear parts, to the stubborn protests of the late ‘60s and early ‘70s, to government coverups of its purpose and environmental effects, to the health hazards over the last several decades. There is a lot of information here.

The film covers a lot of ground in less than a one-hour run time, and it is directed by Jeff Gipe, whose father worked at the plant. The editing is particularly good: the film moves with alacrity through a short history lesson of the plant, information about activities therein, news accounts, and the faces of the protesters, and firsthand accounts of workers and nearby residents. It is an eye-opening and honest account of the nuclear parts that were built in our backyard and the lasting effects of that process on the land around it. Is it safe now? Ask yourself that question after screening this thoughtful film.

Sat, Nov. 2, 4:30pm @ Sie FilmCenter

Wed, Nov. 6, 2pm @ Sie FilmCenter

Fri, Nov. 8, 2pm @ Sie FilmCenter

A few other quick hits about films with local connections (the following two summaries are from the Film Society of films I did not get to review).

Fight or Flight

This 14-minute short centers on Denise Joi, the first female pilot ever employed by Colorado Parks and Wildlife, and it shares how pursuing her lifelong aviation dreams helped her overcome childhood trauma, face her past to heal, and forge her own story to excel as a backcountry aviator.

Wed, Nov. 6, 7pm @ Sie FilmCenter

Thu, Nov. 7, 4:15pm @ Sie FilmCenter

Lovers 

A love letter to the Queen City of the Plains, Lovers follows the story of two women who return to their hometown for the funeral of a friend who has taken his own life. Though Denver has changed in the years they’ve been gone, one thing remains: Lovers, the local dive bar music venue. As the women reconnect with their old community, they face their shared loss and are reminded of the power of coming together through music.

Shot primarily in Colorado, the beloved South Broadway haunt Hi-Dive is the stand-in for the titular bar. Unsurprisingly, the Lovers cast of characters also includes both local and national musicians. It also features a new original song by Nathaniel Rateliff.

Sun, Nov. 3, 5:30pm @ Holiday Theater

Tue, Nov. 5, 3pm @ Sie FilmCenter

Finally, my review of one of the more unique films I had the pleasure of screening.

Boys Go to Jupiter

This wonderful, thoughtful, spunky, and clever animated film tells the story of a suburban Florida teen who desperately wishes to make $5,000 through various hustles and gigs. He is soon helped (we think) by a tiny gelatinous-blob-alien as he navigates his way through various schemes, conversations, and musical numbers. Yes, musical numbers.

It is a musical, it is an animated film, and it is a philosophical/economic/sociological study of our society while also including a healthy dash of comedy and heart. It is extremely odd, unpredictable, and even quietly outrageous at points. It also has a great deal to say about our current world, the society we have formed, and the roles of individuals in the larger society. This one packs in a lot, and it is a joyous watch.

Sat, Nov. 2, 7pm @ AMC House 10

Sun, Nov. 3, 11:15am @ AMC House 10

Wed, Nov. 6, 2pm @ AMC House 10

Vincent Piturro, PhD., is a Professor of Film and Media Studies at MSU Denver. Contact him directly at vpiturro@msudenver.com or follow him on Twitter. For more reviews, search The Indie Prof at FrontPorchNE.com.