The Boulder International Film Festival features an eclectic mix of various films ideal for movie fans looking to start off the year including some 2014 Oscar Nominated Films to local cinematic mix of Colorado based/produced features to a section of activist based movies with an emerging, special Call2Action section. The cool distinction with those movies are the Call2Action films invite viewers to share thoughts and learn more about how to make a difference. Discussions will take place after most of the Call2Action film programs at the Call2Action Tent (14th and Pearl Street) or at film venues. Various special programming include CU@BIFF which allows University of Colorado students able to participate in the event and a Singer/Songwriter Showcase that features local musicians. Here are additional highlights:

Opening Night is on February 13th at the Boulder Theater. Their Opening Night Red Carpet Gala features a few high class parties and a screening of Fading Gigolo, directed, written by and starring John Turturro. The film co-stars a mix of actors and filmmakers including Woody Allen, Sharon Stone, Sofia Vergara, Vanessa Paradis and Liev Schreiber. Tickets are $65.

Closing Night on the 16th is a way to “Celebrate a decade of independent film in Boulder!” This includes live music by The Dexter Payne Quartet, a ceremony presenting awards honoring the Best of the Fest followed by a screening of the remarkable documentary Tim’s Vermeer which played at Telluride, Toronto, and New York festivals. This is something to be seen to be believed and with the subject matter Tim in person, this event will be worth every dollar. Speaking of which, tickets to the event screening are $30.

From Sundance to Boulder: The Boulder Film Festival usually screens one of the big documentaries that had a world premiere a few weeks prior at the Sundance Film Festival. For Colorado cinephiles, this is a real treat and an outstanding opportunity for residents to take a peek at what could promise to be one of the most discussed documentaries of 2014. No No: A Documentary is about Dock Ellis throwing a no-hitter for the Pittsburgh Pirates… while high on LSD. Since it is playing at the SXSW Film Festival in March, No No seems to be hitting the major festival circuit this year. Colorado residents have a great opportunity to catch this at two screenings: February 14th at 9:30pm at the Boulder Theater and Saturday at 2:30pm at the eTown Hall. Director Jeffrey Radice and producer Chris Cortez will be in person.

Background on the Boulder International Film Festival:

The Boulder International Film Festival (BIFF) is presented by the Colorado Film Society, a nonprofit organization founded by local filmmakers Kathy and Robin Beeck. The Festival was created in 2004 and has since hosted more than 250 filmmakers from around the world. Celebrating the art and spirit of cinema, BIFF features entertaining and inspiring films, filmmaker panels, workshops, parties and red carpet galas. More information can be found at www.biff1.com.