The ninth annual Durango Film: An independent Film Festival, began Wednesday evening, and is ramping up for a weekend packed with screenings, panels, parties and workshops.
The serious film connoisseur, the aspiring filmmaker and the family looking for indoor entertainment during a rainy weekend will find something that satisfies at this well-crafted community event that is part of an increasingly robust menu of cultural celebrations that Durango hosts. Plan to attend movies during Durango Film.
With a rich assortment of feature, documentaries, shorts, family entertainment, adventure sports and Native American films, the festival honors themes that are culturally relevant to the region, featuring productions specific to these topics as well as celebrating independent filmmaking more broadly.
The films will be screened at Animas City Theatre and the Gaslight Theatre, with panels, workshops and parties held at various locations throughout Durango. For a complete listing of films and venues, visit www.durangofilm.org.
This year’s festival brings special guest Wes Studi, whose film credits include performances in “The Last of the Mohicans,” “Dances With Wolves,” “Heat” and “The Only Good Indian.” Studi will attend a screening of this last film at noon Saturday at the Gaslight. He will also serve on the “Lying to tell the truth” panel from 10-11 a.m. Saturday at Durango Arts Center. Joining Studi for top festival billing is Judge Reinhold, a comedic staple in such favorites as “Beverly Hills Cop” – 1, 2 and 3 – and “The Santa Clause” – 1, 2 and 3 – and “Ruthless People.” Reinhold will attend a “Fast Times at Ridgemont High” – the 1982 Cameron Crowe classic – screening at 9 p.m. at the Gaslight. He will be available for a question and answer session after the movie.
Durango Film is the product of dedicated staff members and a volunteer base who come together to select content and organize an event that celebrates so many talented independent filmmakers and their offerings to film buffs and casual moviegoers alike. Enjoy the festival.
