Denver Film Festival's 48th Edition: Celebrating Global Cinematic Excellence
The 48th Denver Film Festival (DFF48) is set to dazzle audiences with a splendid program lineup featuring a remarkable array of films from around the world. Kicking off the festival from October 31 to November 9, 2025, this year’s event promises an engaging mix of 136 films, including feature-length narratives, thought-provoking documentaries, and captivating shorts.
The festival will open with Netflix's 'Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery,' the latest installment in the beloved mystery series directed by Rian Johnson. Actor Daniel Craig returns as the renowned detective Benoit Blanc, navigating through another intricate case intertwined with a star-studded cast including Glenn Close, Josh Brolin, and Mila Kunis.
Following the Grand Opening, the festival will present a late-night showcase featuring Paramount's horror film 'Primate,' directed by Johannes Roberts. This series opener alludes to an evening full of thrill and excitement as it unfolds at the Ellie Caulkins Opera House. The centerpiece of the festival will highlight 'Is This Thing On?' directed by Bradley Cooper, scheduled for November 3 at the MCA Denver, featuring Cooper himself alongside actress Laura Dern and comedian Will Arnett.
Concluding the festival is the highly anticipated world premiere of 'Elway,' a documentary chronicle that dives into the legacy of the Denver Broncos' iconic quarterback John Elway. Elway, joined by co-directors Ken Rodgers and Chris Weaver, will engage with audiences during this special presentation on November 8.
This year's program not only celebrates major productions but also spotlights several acclaimed independent films and rising filmmakers, fostering diversity in storytelling. Honorees for the festival include actors Lucy Liu and Delroy Lindo, who will be recognized for their outstanding contributions to film. Liu will receive the John Cassavetes Award for her work in 'Rosemead,' while Lindo will be presented with the Next50 Career Achievement Award.
The festival lineup encompasses films that have already garnered attention on the international stage, including 'Sentimental Value,' awarded the Grand Prix at Cannes, and 'Hamnet,' helmed by Oscar-winning director Chloé Zhao. Other noteworthy features include 'The Testament of Ann Lee,' a unique retelling of a 19th-century religious leader, and 'Christy,' featuring Sydney Sweeney in a gripping narrative about a female boxer.
Artistic Director Matthew Campbell emphasized the challenge of curating such a diverse selection, affirming that the festival aims to present films that prompt urgent conversations about societal issues and personal resilience.
The Denver Film Festival remains a pivotal platform for connecting communities through the shared appreciation of cinema. In addition to the films, attendees can look forward to engaging panels, filmmaker talks, and industry tributes enhancing the festival's immersion experience. Throughout the ten-day celebration, venues across Denver—including the renowned Sie FilmCenter and the Denver Botanic Gardens—will host screenings, making it accessible to a broad audience eager for cinematic exploration.
Kevin Smith, the CEO of Denver Film, expressed excitement over the festival welcoming bold new voices from the local and international film community. He noted the significant momentum within Colorado's film industry and the festival's role in promoting independent filmmaking.
With tickets going on sale as early as October 5 for Denver Film members, followed by general ticket sales on October 6, the festival encourages film enthusiasts to secure their spots for what is anticipated to be a transformative cinematic journey.
Join the festivities and discover the eclectic and vibrant world of cinema at the 48th Denver Film Festival! For the complete lineup and scheduling details, visit the Denver Film official website.
The festival will open with Netflix's 'Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery,' the latest installment in the beloved mystery series directed by Rian Johnson. Actor Daniel Craig returns as the renowned detective Benoit Blanc, navigating through another intricate case intertwined with a star-studded cast including Glenn Close, Josh Brolin, and Mila Kunis.
Following the Grand Opening, the festival will present a late-night showcase featuring Paramount's horror film 'Primate,' directed by Johannes Roberts. This series opener alludes to an evening full of thrill and excitement as it unfolds at the Ellie Caulkins Opera House. The centerpiece of the festival will highlight 'Is This Thing On?' directed by Bradley Cooper, scheduled for November 3 at the MCA Denver, featuring Cooper himself alongside actress Laura Dern and comedian Will Arnett.
Concluding the festival is the highly anticipated world premiere of 'Elway,' a documentary chronicle that dives into the legacy of the Denver Broncos' iconic quarterback John Elway. Elway, joined by co-directors Ken Rodgers and Chris Weaver, will engage with audiences during this special presentation on November 8.
This year's program not only celebrates major productions but also spotlights several acclaimed independent films and rising filmmakers, fostering diversity in storytelling. Honorees for the festival include actors Lucy Liu and Delroy Lindo, who will be recognized for their outstanding contributions to film. Liu will receive the John Cassavetes Award for her work in 'Rosemead,' while Lindo will be presented with the Next50 Career Achievement Award.
The festival lineup encompasses films that have already garnered attention on the international stage, including 'Sentimental Value,' awarded the Grand Prix at Cannes, and 'Hamnet,' helmed by Oscar-winning director Chloé Zhao. Other noteworthy features include 'The Testament of Ann Lee,' a unique retelling of a 19th-century religious leader, and 'Christy,' featuring Sydney Sweeney in a gripping narrative about a female boxer.
Artistic Director Matthew Campbell emphasized the challenge of curating such a diverse selection, affirming that the festival aims to present films that prompt urgent conversations about societal issues and personal resilience.
The Denver Film Festival remains a pivotal platform for connecting communities through the shared appreciation of cinema. In addition to the films, attendees can look forward to engaging panels, filmmaker talks, and industry tributes enhancing the festival's immersion experience. Throughout the ten-day celebration, venues across Denver—including the renowned Sie FilmCenter and the Denver Botanic Gardens—will host screenings, making it accessible to a broad audience eager for cinematic exploration.
Kevin Smith, the CEO of Denver Film, expressed excitement over the festival welcoming bold new voices from the local and international film community. He noted the significant momentum within Colorado's film industry and the festival's role in promoting independent filmmaking.
With tickets going on sale as early as October 5 for Denver Film members, followed by general ticket sales on October 6, the festival encourages film enthusiasts to secure their spots for what is anticipated to be a transformative cinematic journey.
Join the festivities and discover the eclectic and vibrant world of cinema at the 48th Denver Film Festival! For the complete lineup and scheduling details, visit the Denver Film official website.
Topics Entertainment & Media）
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