The Starz Denver International Film Festival kicked off Thursday with a black-tie party and screening at the Buell Theatre that boasted celebrity attendees and the U.S. debut of an American epic.
Actors Jamie Foxx, Regina King and Kerry Washington, along with the director and producers of “Ray,” the movie selected to initiate the 27th annual film festival, turned up to support a film that’s close to their hearts.
“Ray” was backed by Colorado financier Philip Anschutz, who also made an appearance Thursday with his wife, Nancy. Ron Henderson was an early arrival on the red carpet.
The Denver Film Society co- founder and artistic director showed up only moments after Popsicle, the Scientific and Cultural Facilities District polar bear mascot, strutted in a lumpy tuxedo jacket.
“I think this has to be one of our most exciting evenings in the history of the film festival,” said Henderson, who lauded the biographical Ray Charles story for its stellar performances and rave reviews after opening last month at the Toronto International Film Festival.
Washington plays Ray Charles’ wife in the film. The New Yorker stepped out of her limousine with her boyfriend, actor David Moscow, and a handful of family and friends who live nearby.
King, an actress well-known for films such as “Boyz ‘N the Hood” and “Friday,” arrived next.
Foxx, who portrays Ray Charles in the film, said he considers Denver to be like a second home after years of doing stand-up comedy here. But “Ray” director Taylor Hackford explained the clearest connection between his film and Colorado: Philip Anschutz.
The Colorado businessman “stepped up and paid for this movie” when no one else would, Hackford said. He contemplated leaving the film when faced with Anschutz’s conservative politics, which dictated that the movie have a PG-13 rating.
But, thanks to advice from Ray Charles himself, the director stuck with it. “Ray” might never have been made were it not for Anschutz’s support, Hackford said.
Staff writer Elana Ashanti Jefferson can be reached at 303-820-1957 or ejefferson@denverpost.com.
