Quick Info
When: Four days each March. Where: Multiple venues in downtown Boulder. What: 100+ independent films, filmmaker Q&As, panels, and parties. Tickets: Individual screenings and festival passes available. VIP options for parties and priority seating.
Each March, Boulder transforms into a hub for independent cinema. The Boulder International Film Festival (BIFF) screens over 100 films across four days - documentaries, narratives, shorts, and works from Colorado filmmakers. It's become one of the most respected regional film festivals in the country.
What makes BIFF special is the intimacy. Unlike larger festivals where you might glimpse a director from across a crowded room, BIFF brings filmmakers to Boulder for genuine interaction. Q&As follow most screenings, panels dive into filmmaking topics, and the coffee shop next door might have you sitting beside someone whose work you just watched.
Many BIFF selections go on to major distribution or Oscar consideration. The programming team has an eye for quality, and attending feels like getting a preview of films you'll hear about later.
Film Programming
Features and documentaries form the festival core. You'll find world and US premieres alongside festival circuit favorites. The documentary programming is particularly strong - Boulder audiences appreciate substantive, thought-provoking films.
Short film programs bundle multiple shorts by theme. They're excellent for sampling the festival's range without committing to a single feature-length film.
Colorado filmmaker showcases highlight local talent. The state's film industry is growing, and BIFF provides a platform for emerging voices from the region.
The BIFF Experience
Filmmaker Q&As happen after most screenings. Directors, writers, and cast discuss the creative process and answer audience questions. These conversations often reveal as much as the films themselves.
Panels and workshops cover industry topics, filmmaking techniques, and Colorado production. They're valuable for aspiring filmmakers and fascinating for anyone interested in how movies get made.
Opening and closing night galas premiere high-profile films with parties afterward. VIP passes include access to filmmaker lounges and networking events throughout the weekend.
Planning Your Visit
Tickets go fast for popular screenings. Festival passes offer guaranteed admission and VIP perks, but individual tickets work fine if you're selective. Check the schedule early and build your plan around must-sees.
Downtown Boulder locations make logistics easy. Venues are walkable, with time between screenings to grab food on Pearl Street. Plan for potential weather - March in Colorado can be sunny or snowy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I buy a pass or individual tickets?
Depends on how many films you want to see. Passes pay off around 8-10 screenings and include priority seating. Individual tickets work for casual attendees.
How do I choose which films to see?
Check film descriptions and trailers on the festival website. Documentaries and award winners from other festivals are usually strong bets.
Can I meet filmmakers?
Yes - Q&As follow most screenings, and filmmakers mingle at parties and lounges. The intimate scale makes genuine interaction possible.
Is parking difficult during the festival?
Downtown Boulder parking fills up on weekends. Use parking structures or consider RTD bus from Denver. Allow extra time.