Have you ever wanted to explore the streets of Denver through the lens of a movie camera? Hi, my name is Aidan Sloan, and if you are a film lover like me, I have the perfect Denver film guide for you and any fellow film buffs.
While it might not be expected to some, the Mile-High City is a hidden gem for film lovers. Denver boasts a vibrant film scene with a diverse array of events, festivals and locations that celebrate the art of filmmaking. With community favorites like the Landmark Chez Artiste Theatre and Esquire Theatre closing this August, it’s more important now than ever to get out and support the incredible film scene that this city has to offer before we lose any more of its rich history.
Whether you’re a seasoned cinephile or just a casual moviegoer, I can assure you that Denver offers a treasure trove of cinematic experiences waiting to be discovered. From indie screenings and grand film festivals to immersive film tours and local film clubs, there is something for everyone. Here’s your guide to Denver movie activities for film buffs.
Sie FilmCenter
The Sie FilmCenter is an independent and world cinema hub in the bustling Colfax Avenue district. It is easily accessible by public transportation and offers ample free parking for those who prefer to drive. As the home of Denver Film, it offers over 600 titles that include everything from new releases to arthouse retrospectives.
From hosting the Denver Film Festival to screening independent works from up-and-coming directors, the center allows you to see every aspect of film creation and the people behind it. When you visit the center, I recommend you leave time to check out the Tattered Covered Book Store in the same complex, which houses film memorabilia and soundtracks ranging from “The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly” to “Barbie.” It’s the perfect way to bookend your experience at the Sie.
Sie FilmCenter, 2510 East Colfax Ave., Denver. HOURS: Monday to Thursday: 2:30 p.m. to 7 p.m., Friday: 2:30 p.m. to 10 p.m., Saturday: 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Sunday: 11:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. COST: Varies by film and festival. Learn more at www.denverfilm.org/about/sie-filmcenter/.
Denver Film Festivals
Some of the most popular attractions that bring film buffs in from all over the world are Denver’s wide variety of film festivals. While there are what seems like hundreds of different festivals offered around the city, I feel the three most prominent are the Denver Film Festival, the Boulder Environmental / Nature / Outdoors Film Festival, and the Denver Silent Film Festival. These festivals feature everything from documentaries to independent features to classic silent films, making them a must-visit for any Denver film buff.
The Denver Silent Film Festival, held by the Sie FilmCenter, presents a slate of silent-era films and newly restored relics of the past on the big screen. What sets this festival apart is the live musical performance that accompanies the silent films, just like they did 100 years ago. Last year’s festival featured iconic films like “Lady Windermere’s Fan,” “The Narrow Trail” and “The Johnstown Flood.”
This year’s event will feature “Beggars of Life,” about a woman on the run from the police, a look at early short films by Thomas Edison, the Lumiére Brothers, George Méliès and Alice Guy, Buster Keaton Revue and more. Individual tickets and All-Access Passes to the festival are now available, so don’t miss it if you want to see films the way they used to be.
Denver Film Festival, Sie FilmCenter, 2510 East Colfax Ave., Denver. DATES: Sept. 27-29. COST: All Access Pass, $75; individual tickets, $15. Learn more at www.denverfilm.org/denver-silent-film-festival/.
A short drive from Denver, you will find the Boulder Environmental / Nature / Outdoors Film Festival. This four-day festival showcases the best environmentally-themed documentary features, short films and the artists who help create them from around the globe. I find this festival so intriguing because of the focus it has on the environment, only showing films that follow that theme. You can expect a four-day experience where you see up-and-coming films from aspiring directors and each screening is accompanied by a post-screening Q&A with guests from the film, along with science and outdoor sports enthusiasts. One of the fan-favorite films from this year’s July festival was “Hard Miles,” an independent documentary about a road biking team at a correctional school in Colorado.
While there is still very limited information about the details of next year’s event, festival coordinators will share dates, ticket availability, price and other general information closer to the event date.
Boulder Environmental / Nature / Outdoors Film Festival, 2590 Walnut St., Boulder. Learn more at www.boulderenoff.org/.
Last but not least is the Denver Film Festival. Returning for its 47th year, this ten-day event, held from November 1 to 10, is one of the most prominent film festivals in the world. The festival was established in 1978 and has become a platform for groundbreaking films and emerging talent to step into the spotlight. Each year, it draws over 40,000 attendees for a dynamic lineup of innovative and diverse films from around the globe. The festival offers an array of screenings of unreleased feature films, Red Carpet presentations, filmmaker Q&A sessions, panel discussions, and networking opportunities.
While many different awards and ceremonies honor the people involved in the film industry, my personal favorite is the Italian Filmmaker Award. This award is selected by members of the public, and it is meant to honor an exceptional talent with a $10,000 honorarium and a screening of their work; the award was created by the Sie FilmCenter creators, Anna and John J. Sie, in memory of Anna’s parents, leaving everyone feeling a little better after it is all said and done. Whether you are just a film enthusiast or a full-blown industry professional, the Denver Film Festival promises an immersive cinematic experience. The full program for 2024 will be announced in October, so keep a close eye on its website for more information.
Denver Film Festival, Sie FilmCenter, 2510 East Colfax Ave., Denver. DATES: Nov. 1-10. COST: $60-$1000. Learn more at www.denverfilm.org/denverfilmfestival/.
Local Film Clubs and Meetups
One of the biggest issues I had living in Denver was that I struggled to find like-minded film buffs. That is no longer the case. Local film clubs and meetups offer a fantastic opportunity to connect with other enthusiasts. Groups like the Denver Documentary Society are dedicated to filmmaking and the Denver-based people who make it their life. They have no set location but use their online community to schedule events all over the city to socialize and network with others who share a passion for filmmaking.
The Denver Documentary Society offers opportunities to create and workshop on films. The group also provides screenings and discussions on impactful documentaries that affect the Denver area, such as “13th,” which focuses on race, justice and mass incarceration in the United States. The Denver Documentary Society is the city’s only non-profit-centered group focused on presenting and producing documentary films, factual storytelling, media literacy and innovation while producing and assisting others in creating non-narrative work. As a member, you can access exclusive screenings, workshops, and networking events.
Denver Documentary Society. Learn more at www.denverdocsoc.org/.
Self-Guided Denver Film Tour
A fun opportunity that you could partake in on your next day off is a self-guided film tour of iconic Denver locations featured in prominent documentaries. The first location you should visit is Denver’s Union Station, highlighted in the film titled “Ride the Rails.” This documentary talks about the history of rail travel in Colorado during the Great Depression and how it shaped the city into what it is today. Visiting Union Station today after seeing it in the 1997 film will allow the viewer to see just how far the city has come with the help of trains.
Union Station, 1701 Wynkoop. Learn more at www.denverunionstation.com/.
Once you are done, head over to the RiNo Art District at 1320 27th St. In this district, you can see iconic shots from one of my favorite documentary mini-series, “Street Art Stories. In this ten-part documentary series, the director follows ten of the world’s most infamous and gifted graffiti artists of our time as they partake in their craft. Walking down the art district will allow you to see some of the pieces and areas featured in the film, along with many new works from the next generation of street artists. This tour offers any Denver film buff the chance to see a location featured in a movie and explore it for themselves.
RiNo Art District, 1320 27th St. Learn more at www.rinoartdistrict.org/.
Craving more Denver film locations? Check out this blog post by Eric Peterson for more about Denver’s screen credits in film and television: www.denver.org/blog/post/filmed-in-denver/.
Landmark Mayan Theatre
The final location you should visit is the almost 100-year-old Landmark Mayan Theatre at 110 Broadway in Denver. Marked a historical landmark by the city, this theater is a must-visit for film enthusiasts and history buffs. Opened in 1930, this 94-year-old venue still has the original Art Deco Mayan Revival design, making each visit feel like stepping into a piece of cinematic history. Originally part of the Fox Theaters, the Mayan was known for its role in bringing films to the community, even hosting “grocery nights” during the Great Depression, where people who were down on their luck could get groceries for cheap.
Today, the Mayan is owned by Landmark Theatre but continues to entice visitors with its beautifully preserved interiors and diverse lineup of independent, foreign and classic films. Whether you’re a film buff, a lover of history, or just looking for a fun night out, the Mayan Theatre offers an unforgettable experience combining excellent films with a touch of historical elegance. It’s an opportunity to step back into what theaters used to be!
Landmark Mayan Theatre, 110 Broadway. HOURS/COST: Varies by day and movie. Learn more at www.landmarktheatres.com/our-locations/x02ak-landmark-mayan-theatre-denver/.
Overall, Denver’s dynamic film scene offers film enthusiasts a rich array of experiences. From the independent screenings at the Sie FilmCenter and engaging film festivals to the Denver Documentary Society’s hands-on workshops and the Mayan Theatre’s iconic venue, there’s something for every film lover. Whether you are a longtime local or just looking for a fun day out, this guide invites you to immerse yourself in Denver cinema. Plan your visit soon and discover why Denver is a top destination for film fans.
