When the Independent Film Channel and Comcast teamed up for a film tour, Denver was an obvious choice for one of the 10-city stops.
“To do an outdoor film festival and not do Denver would be stupid,” said Evan Shapiro, general manager at IFC. “It’s just such a beautiful place to hold an outdoor event.”
The IFC Free Film Fest made it’s fifth national stop in Denver yesterday at City Park, with a showing of the Coen brother’s classic, “Raising Arizona.”
The fest continues this evening and Thursday with viewings of “The Princess Bride” and “Napoleon Dynamite.”
Short films made by local talent will be showcased in a Media Lab Lounge on both nights.
Aside from the aesthetic value that Denver offers, the city’s interest in independent film made the stop a good choice, Shapiro said.
Comcast and IFC wanted to reward viewers, he said, and the channel does extremely well in Denver. There is definitely and independent spirit in the city, he said.
Local indie film aficionados credit the fact that the city is free of Hollywood-hype.
“We’re kind of like virgins,” said Michael Conti, founding director of Denver’s Group 101.
There’s no big money involved which provides a sense of purity, he said.
The Denver Chapter of Group 101, which challenges film makers to make one short film a month for six months, has more than 300 contributors and generates five to eight short films a month, Conti said.
Films that stay true to the vision of artists is what IFC is all about, Shapiro said.
The festival gave local talent a chance for recognition on local and national levels, said Jan Diedrichsen, IFC’s vice president of affiliate marketing.
Submissions from Denver were higher than from many of the other cities on the tour, which included San Francisco, Atlanta and Philadelphia.
“When we have a higher pool to choose from we’re going to get the best of the best,” Diedrichsen said.
Six short films were chosen from 30 to 40 entries; they included mystery, comedy, drama and horror genres.
“We’re trying to expose people to independent film,” Diedrichsen said.
A free film is a good way to attract them. Moviegoers at the park on Monday said they came to the event for the simple lure of watching a movie outdoors.
“Finding a moment of peace at night in front of a silver screen, is pretty special,” Shapiro said.
The festival starts at 6 p.m. with movies starting at sunset on both nights.
New and used DVD donations for the National Jewish Medical and Research Center’s pediatric unit are appreciated.
Staff writer Simona Gallegos can be reached at 303-954-1555 or at sgallegos@denverpost.com.
