October 5, 2017 (DENVER) - The Denver Film Festival (DFF), produced by Denver Film Society (DFS), announced its educational programs for the 40th anniversary edition of the Festival. They will include access to the Festival for teachers and students K-8, a robust program for high school students, and a new initiative to connect college students, ages 18-24, with the film industry.
“The Denver Film Society's vision is to cultivate community and transform lives through film, and there's no better place to begin than with its young minds," says Education Director, Neil Truglio. "Opening an avenue for students to showcase their vision, while also creating the opportunity for current, working filmmakers to share their knowledge is an obvious win-win. Our goal through Project NEXT is to cultivate the next generation of filmmakers, festival audiences and cinema lovers right here in Denver."
Project NEXT announces the launch of a high school film festival that will coincide with DFF40. High school short-subject films may be submitted through a web portal and will be judged for inclusion by a panel of industry professionals. The selected films will screen as part of High School Day at the Festival, Friday, November 10 at the Festival Annex at the McNichols Building in Civic Center Park. High School groups from around the state will be encouraged to come to High School Day to take part in panels, workshops, equipment demonstrations, screenings and an award ceremony, sponsored by Riverfront Park Community Foundation, for the top high school films in multiple categories. The Project NEXT Festival submissions opened October 1 and will close on October 27. Students are encouraged to promote their inclusion in the program, as there will be a Viewer's Choice Award chosen through popular vote. To register a high school troupe or to submit a film please visit denverfilm.org/education/projectnext. High School filmmakers, whose films are selected for inclusion at High School Day, will receive an advanced badge to the 12-Film Festival which will include events, screenings, conversations with filmmakers and other exciting opportunities.
DFF40 announces a special curated program for Project NEXT students ages 18-24. This special badge will give students access to exclusive screenings and panel events, one-on-ones with industry guests - including directors, actors and producers, and Festival vouchers to be used for any DFF40 regular-priced screenings. The curated badge will include a specific schedule of events for the 12-day Festival, all chosen and created especially to give 18-24 year old students a deeper look at the Festival and place them firmly inside of the filmmaking industry as it celebrates the best in film from 2017. The badge will be on sale through DFS starting October 10, but the organization will also be giving away badges between now and the start of the Festival. Liberty Global is partnering with DFS on this initiative through a sponsorship that will allow 25-50 students access to a free Project NEXT badge through an application process hosted at denverfilm.org/education/projectnext. Students are encouraged to apply today.
Project NEXT will connect K-8 students to age-level appropriate content for teachers in the community who wish to participate in the programming through DFS' connection with the SCC (Scientific & Cultural Collaborative). Teachers interested in engaging with DFF40 may contact the Society's Education Director, Neil Truglio at neil@denverfilm.org to create a school specific outing.
Individual tickets go on sale to DFS members on Tuesday, October 10 and to the general public on Thursday, October 12. High-level members will be able to purchase their tickets in advance of the public & member onsale dates. Tickets will be available for purchase online at www.denverfilm.org or the DFF main box office location at the Sie FilmCenter (2510 E. Colfax Ave., Denver, CO 80206).
Festival Packages are currently on sale. The following packages offer the best discounted price to attend the Festival. Packages increase in price after Sunday, October 8.
Six Pack: $60 ($10 per ticket) Member, $78 ($13 per ticket) Non-Member - Valid for matinee and regular screenings and panels, not valid for special presentations. After October 8: $66 Member, $84 Non-member. secure.denverfilm.org/package/package.aspx?PID=603
Fifteen Pack: $135 ($9 per ticket) Member, $180 ($12 per ticket) Non-Member – Valid for matinee and regular screenings and panels, not valid for special presentations. After October 8: $150 Member, $195 Non-member. secure.denverfilm.org/package/package.aspx?PID=604
Red Carpet Package: $75 ($25 per ticket) Member, $90 ($30 per ticket) Non-Member - Three Red Carpet film experiences at the Ellie Caulkins Opera House, including Opening Night - November 1, Centerpiece - November 3; and Closing Night - November 11. secure.denverfilm.org/pass/index.aspx
Dinner and a Movie Packages: $75 Member, $85 Non-Member. Enjoy an amazing night out with dinner at any Larimer Square restaurant ($50 gift certificate), free parking at the Larimer Square garage, and Red Carpet evening at the Denver Film Festival. secure.denverfilm.org/pass/index.aspx
Flavor of the Fest: $100. The Flavor of the Fest Package is your opportunity to engage in a sampling of our Festival offerings. Package includes a ticket to one Red Carpet Premier with After Party and 4 tickets to regularly priced DFF40 screenings. secure.denverfilm.org/tickets/film.aspx?id=29612
Enjoy the Denver Film Festival in a whole new way by becoming a Member. Memberships begin at just $65 and allow you to purchase DFF40 tickets at a member discount. No matter what membership level you choose to join Denver Film Society, your contributions will be appreciated and make a difference. For more information on membership please visit: denverfilm.org/membership
Experience DFF as an insider. Join the DFS Leadership Circle for exclusive Festival access. Please visit: denverfilm.org/membership for a breakdown of levels and benefits. In addition, please contact Suzanne Yuzer at suzanne@denverfilm.org or 303-595-3456 ext. 223 to purchase a Leadership Circle Membership.
Press accreditation is currently open and closes on Friday, October 13. Complete details on how to apply are currently available at: denverfilmfestival.denverfilm.org/media/media-accreditation/
To keep up to date with DFF40 on social media: like the DFF Facebook (Facebook.com/DenverFilmFestival) page, follow @DenverFilm on Twitter and join the conversation by using the hashtag: #DFF40.