FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Denver Film Media Contacts:
Ambriehl Turrentine: ambriehl@denverfilm.org
Marty Schechter: marty@schechterpr.com
DENVER – May 3, 2024 – Denver Film, in collaboration with several of its long-term and new community partners, today announced a robust lineup of summer events that promise to captivate audiences of all ages and tastes, according to the organization’s programming team.
“We’re excited to bring a jam-packed, diverse lineup of films and events that will carry our film-loving audiences through the summer with a variety of indoor and outdoor experiences,” said Denver Film CEO Kevin Smith. “From free outdoor screenings of animated favorites, the LGBTQIA+ spotlight film festival CinemaQ, and curated programs including Sci-Fi Film Series with the Denver Museum of Nature & Science and Reel to Real with History Colorado, there’s something for everyone in this season’s cinematic offerings.”
Summer Scream
Denver Film will host its annual Summer Scream fundraiser on Thursday, Aug. 24 from 6 – 11 p.m. at the historic Lakeside Amusement Park, 4601 Sheridan Blvd. In addition to unlimited rides and nightlong open bars for the 21-plus, end-of-summer event, Summer Scream will celebrate its 12th anniversary with live music and an immersive experience. Tickets, at the lowest rate of $50, go on sale Monday, May 6 for Denver Film members only, with a limited quantity of four-pack tickets available for $225 beginning May 20. Tickets are available at denverfilm.org. Individual tickets, on sale at a later date, are $75.
CinemaQ
The 16th Annual CinemaQ Film Festival celebrating the vibrant and diverse stories in the LGBTQIA+ community through a captivating selection of curated movies, panels and discussions, and iconic events will take place Aug. 8 – 11 at the Sie FilmCenter. Festival passes are $60 for Denver Film Members/$75 Non-Member and are available beginning May 8 at 10 a.m. at denverfilm.org. Individual film tickets, on sale June 24, are $12 for Denver Film members/$15 non-member. Before the lineup is revealed on June 24 on denverfilm.org, Denver Pridefest attendees who visit the Denver Film booth will get a chance to see the lineup before anyone else and enter a giveaway to win two All-Access Passes.
Sci-Fi Film Series
Denver Film will also allow audiences to explore the outer reaches of the universe with its Sci-Fi Film Series, presented in partnership with the Denver Museum of Nature & Science (DMNS). Screenings, alternating between the Sie FilmCenter and the Infinity Theater at DMNS, take place July 10, July 17, July 24, July 31, and Aug. 7. With the lineup yet to be announced, expect a journey into the unknown with groundbreaking science fiction on the screen and with fascinating talks with museum scientists that will leave you questioning the very fabric of reality. Passes on sale May 23 at denverfilm.org.
Sunset Cinema
June will bring the start of Denver Film’s free series in partnership with Denver Arts & Venues: Sunset Cinema, with this year’s theme, Animation Celebration. The films that embody the best of that theme will be announced on May 21 – when free RSVP begins as well. Save the dates of June 25, July 9, July 23, August 6, and August 20 for five nights of film fun underneath the stars at Denver Performing Arts Complex Sculpture Park.
Cine en La Colina/Film on the Hill
Denver Film is also introducing two new summer series and partnerships. Beginning in June, Denver Film is partnering with Levitt Pavilion and the Biennial of the Americas for a free outdoor film series “Cine en La Colina” or “Film on the Hill.” Film presentations include the 2017 animated fantasy-adventure film Coco, June 6 (presented in English with Spanish subtitles) with pre-film music by PINK HAWKS, and a screening of the 1973 Luchadore action/thriller Santo vs. Doctor Death (presented in its original Spanish with English subtitles), August 15 with pre-film music by YUGS. Tickets are free but require a reservation available at: levittdenver.org.
Summer Cinema Sundays
The second new series, Summer Cinema Sundays – in partnership with MCA Denver – includes three double features and other themed activities throughout the summer at the historic Holiday Theater, 2644 W 32nd Ave. June 16 will feature a Father’s Day pairing of Indiana Jones & The Last Crusade with Field Of Dreams (both celebrating their 35th Anniversaries). July 14 pairs screenings of The Fast & The Furious with 2Fast 2Furious with a special pre-show appearance from classic cars and lowriders outside the theater. On August 4, in preparation for Denver Film’s CinemaQ Film Festival, a double bill of To Wong Foo, Thanks For Everything, Julie Newmar and Some Like It Hot along with a showcase of local drag talent between films. Tickets for each film are $5 for adults and $3 for kids and will be available at mcadenver.org.
Reel to Real
Closing out the summer is Denver Film’s and History Colorado’s Reel to Real, a four-week series that brings to life Colorado’s history, culture, and communities through film. After each screening, held at the Sie FilmCenter, History Colorado curators, and other experts will lead a discussion covering the film’s historical context, impact, and thematic connection to the state.
Reel To Real Film presentations include The Prestige, The Farewell, BlacKKKlansman, and The Shining. Tickets are $5 for Denver Film members/$12 non-member and will be available at denverfilm.org.
CINE EN LA COLINA (FILM ON THE HILL)
COCO
Directors: Adrian Molina, Lee Unkrich
Thursday, June 6, 7 p.m.
In English with Spanish subtitles
Despite his family’s generations-old ban on music, young Miguel dreams of becoming an accomplished musician like his idol Ernesto de la Cruz. Desperate to prove his talent, Miguel finds himself in the stunning and colorful Land of the Dead. After meeting a charming trickster named Héctor, the two new friends embark on an extraordinary journey to unlock the real story behind Miguel’s family history.
SANTO VS. DOCTOR DEATH
Director: Rafael Romero Marchent
Thursday, Aug. 15, 7 p.m.
In Spanish with English subtitles
Famed Mexican wrestler and secret agent, Santo “The Silver Mask,” is back in action. This time, Santo is sent to Madrid not only for a big wrestling event, but also to investigate an international case involving counterfeit art. Partnered with an Interpol Agent named Paul (aka. “Agent 9004”) the two are quickly greeted by a number of trigger-happy assassins sent to keep them from uncovering the truth behind the art forgeries. However, the case becomes even more complicated when Santo and Paul learn that beautiful models have been going missing and that it all may be linked to an art restorationist named Dr. Mann.
SUMMER CINEMA SUNDAYS, IN PARTNERSHIP WITH MCA DENVER AT THE HOLIDAY THEATER
INDIANA JONES AND THE LAST CRUSADE
Director: Steven Spielberg
Sunday, June 16, 11 a.m.
The intrepid explorer Indiana Jones sets out to rescue his father, a medievalist who has vanished while searching for the Holy Grail. Following clues in the old man’s notebook, Indy arrives in Venice, where he enlists the help of a beautiful academic, but they are not the only ones who are on the trail, and some sinister old enemies soon come out of the woodwork.
35th Anniversary! Double feature with Field of Dreams
FIELD OF DREAMS
Director: Phil Alden Robinson
Sunday, June 16, 1:30 p.m.
When Iowa farmer Ray (Kevin Costner) hears a mysterious voice one night in his cornfield saying “If you build it, he will come,” he feels the need to act. Despite taunts of lunacy, Ray builds a baseball diamond on his land, supported by his wife, Annie (Amy Madigan). Afterward, the ghosts of great players start emerging from the crops to play ball, led by “Shoeless” Joe Jackson. But, as Ray learns, this field of dreams is about much more than bringing former baseball greats out to play.
35th Anniversary! Double feature with Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade
THE FAST AND THE FURIOUS
Director: Rob Cohen
Sunday, July 14, 11 a.m.
Dominic Toretto (Vin Diesel) enjoys the adrenaline of street car racing and his fans treat him like a rock star. After a blazing encounter with the ruthless Johnny Tran, Dom decides to take Brian (Paul Walker), a newcomer to street racing, under his wing. Dom’s sister Mia sees something she likes in Brian, too. Trouble is, neither of them realize he’s an undercover cop, and Dominic and his rival Johnny Tran are both the prime suspects in a case involving dirty money and big-rig hijacking.
Double feature with 2 Fast 2 Furious
2 FAST 2 FURIOUS
Director: John Singleton
Sunday, July 14, 1:30 p.m.
This sequel focuses on ex-police officer Brian O’Conner (Paul Walker), who relocates from Los Angeles to Miami to start over. Becoming involved in the street-racing scene in his new city, Brian befriends car-savvy Tej (Chris “Ludacris” Bridges) and Suki (Devon Aoki), but his competitive streak ends when federal agents apprehend him and he must enter into a deal with the FBI. Working with new partner Roman Pearce (Tyrese), Brian begins a dangerous mission to take down a powerful drug dealer.
Double feature with The Fast and The Furious
TO WONG FOO, THANKS FOR EVERYTHING! JULIE NEWMAR
Director: Beeban Kidron
Sunday, Aug. 4, 11 a.m.
Elite Manhattan drag queens Vida Boheme (Patrick Swayze) and Noxeema Jackson (Wesley Snipes) impress regional judges in competition, securing berths in the Nationals in Los Angeles. When the two meet pathetic drag novice Chi-Chi Rodriguez (John Leguizamo) — one of the losers that evening — the charmed Vida and Noxeema agree to take the hopeless youngster under their joined wing. Soon the three set off on a madcap road trip across America and struggle to make it to Los Angeles in time.
Double feature with Some Like It Hot
SOME LIKE IT HOT
Director: Billy Wilder
Sunday, Aug. 4, 2 p.m.
After witnessing a Mafia murder, slick saxophone player Joe (Tony Curtis) and his long-suffering buddy, Jerry (Jack Lemmon), improvise a quick plan to escape from Chicago with their lives. Disguising themselves as women, they join an all-female jazz band and hop a train bound for sunny Florida. While Joe pretends to be a millionaire to win the band’s sexy singer, Sugar (Marilyn Monroe), Jerry finds himself pursued by a real millionaire (Joe E. Brown) as things heat up and the mobsters close in.
Double feature with To Wong Foo
HISTORY COLORADO PRESENTS REEL TO REAL FILMS IN PROGRAM:
THE SHINING
Director: Stanley Kubrick
Tuesday, Aug. 6, 6:30 p.m.
Jack Torrance (Jack Nicholson) becomes winter caretaker at the isolated Overlook Hotel in Colorado, hoping to cure his writer’s block. He settles in along with his wife, Wendy (Shelley Duvall), and his son, Danny (Danny Lloyd), who is plagued by psychic premonitions. As Jack’s writing goes nowhere and Danny’s visions become more disturbing, Jack discovers the hotel’s dark secrets and begins to unravel into a homicidal maniac hell-bent on terrorizing his family.
THE PRESTIGE
Director: Christopher Nolan
Tuesday, Aug. 13, 6:30 p.m.
Two rival magicians, partners until the tragic death of an assistant during a show, feud bitterly after one of them performs the ultimate magic trick – teleportation. His rival tries desperately to uncover the secret of his routine, experimenting with dangerous new science as his quest takes him to the brink of insanity and jeopardizes the lives of everyone around the pair.
BLACKKKLANSMAN
Director: Spike Lee
Tuesday, Aug. 20, 6:30 p.m.
Ron Stallworth is the first African-American detective to serve in the Colorado Springs Police Department. Determined to make a name for himself, Stallworth bravely sets out on a dangerous mission: infiltrate and expose the Ku Klux Klan. The detective soon recruits a more seasoned colleague, Flip Zimmerman, into the undercover investigation of a lifetime. Together, they team up to take down the extremist hate group as the organization aims to sanitize its rhetoric to appeal to the mainstream.
THE FAREWELL
Director: Lulu Wang
Tuesday, Aug. 27, 6:30 p.m.
In this funny, uplifting tale based on an actual lie, Chinese-born, U.S.-raised Billi (Awkwafina) reluctantly returns to Changchun to find that, although the whole family knows their beloved matriarch, Nai-Nai (grandma), has been given mere weeks to live, everyone has decided not to tell Nai Nai herself. To assure her happiness, they gather under the joyful guise of an expedited wedding, uniting family members scattered among new homes abroad. As Billi navigates a minefield of family expectations and proprieties, she finds there’s a lot to celebrate: a chance to rediscover the country she left as a child, her grandmother’s wondrous spirit, and the ties that keep on binding even when so much goes unspoken.
About Denver Film
Founded in 1978, Denver Film is a membership-based, 501(c)(3) nonprofit cultural institution that produces film events throughout the year, including the award-winning Denver Film Festival and the popular, summertime series Film on the Rocks. With a vision to cultivate community and transform lives through film, Denver Film provides opportunities for diverse audiences to discover film through creative, thought-provoking experiences.
The permanent home of Denver Film, the Sie FilmCenter is Denver’s only year-round cinematheque, presenting a weekly-changing calendar of first-run exclusives and arthouse revivals both domestic and foreign, narrative and documentary – over 600 per year, all shown in their original language and format. Denver Film’s one-of-a-kind programs annually reach more than 200,000 film lovers and film lovers-in-training.
