The Boulder International Film Festival (BIFF) will return on March 13 through March 16 for its 21st year, showcasing 68 films selected from a pool of nearly 2,000 submissions and scouted entries from film festivals worldwide. Film showings and events will occur at a variety of locations in Boulder County as part of the festival. According to BIFF co-founder Kathy Beek, the festival's programming is “the cream of the crop,” featuring a dynamic lineup of films and offering opportunities for attendees to engage directly with filmmakers, producers, and film subjects.
This year, more than 60 filmmakers will attend BIFF, participating in post-screening question-and-answer sessions and mingling with audiences at festival parties. “The parties are the place to meet filmmakers,” Beek said, highlighting public events like the Biff Noir party on Saturday and the Adventure Film party on Friday.
Beyond film screenings, BIFF offers a Call 2 Action program, now celebrating its 15th year, which aims to inspire audiences to take meaningful steps on social and environmental issues presented in select films. This year's lineup includes films on topics ranging from veteran PTSD and psychedelic therapy to conservation efforts and mental health advocacy, including a film about fashion designer Kenneth Cole’s impact on social issues such as homelessness, mental health, and gun control. After select screenings, BIFF will host “Talk Backs,” which are informational sessions presented by filmmakers and community organizations that offer attendees actionable steps to support related causes.
Erin Espelie, Chair of Cinema Studies and the Image Arts Department at the University of Colorado Boulder, said that the connection is strong between the university and the festival. "The [festival] is helping us create more fluidity between what's happening on campus and off," Espelie said. “We feel very much a part of the Boulder cinema community. That continued connection is one of our goals going forward.”
BIFF will also continue its tradition of community engagement through partnerships with local organizations and institutions, including the Longmont Museum and CU Boulder. “We love collaborating with CU because that’s where we went to school,” Beek said, emphasizing the festival’s connection to local students, filmmakers, and the broader community. Espelie echoed the sentiment. “[The festival] is inspiring for students studying cinema,” she said. “They get to experience films in a festival setting, meet filmmakers, and gain insight into the professional and creative sides of the industry.”
In addition to the array of films, BIFF offers workshops and panels for aspiring filmmakers and students on how to produce documentaries, how to shape stories, and more. Next year, Espelie will host a workshop that focuses on environmental filmmaking. “The workshop will focus on thinking through environmental crises in film,” she said. “We’re passionate about using cinema to address pressing environmental issues, and BIFF shares that passion.”
Espelie’s department is also developing a new course on the art of the film festival, which will examine the role festivals like BIFF play in fostering creative communities. “Festivals really help unify the local film community, connecting artists, students, and filmmakers from different backgrounds,” she said. “It’s all about creating spaces for collaboration, whether that’s through cinematography, producing, or other aspects of filmmaking.”
With diverse programs like the youth short film competition, free student workshops, and the annual CineChef competition, where chefs create dishes inspired by movie themes, BIFF claims to offer something for everyone. The festival also features a singer-songwriter showcase, adventure film screenings, and a slate of community events.
Looking ahead, Beek envisions continued growth for BIFF, noting that last year was the festival’s best revenue year yet. As ticket sales trend upward, BIFF aims to expand its reach, introduce new programs, and deepen its ties to the Boulder County area. “We believe in the power of film to change the world,” Beek said. “We’re proud to bring our community together through film. When people gather to watch and discuss films, it fosters deeper connections. It’s not just about the movie; it’s about the conversations and community that spring from it.”
A full schedule of events and ticket prices can be found on BIFF’s website.
