We’re so excited to announce that we’ve broken another record this year. We have 12 world premieres! Such a notable number of world premieres is incredible for any festival, and it’s a great reward for us to know that so many filmmakers have decided we are worthy of earning their film’s “world premiere” status. Here is the list:
Rouge Ciel [Saturday, Jan. 16 12:00p @ The Bug]
Wings of Silver: The Vi Cowden Story [Sunday, Jan. 17 1:00p @ The Bug]
Black Ops Arabesque [Saturday, Jan 16 4:00p @ The Oriental]
There’s Still Hope for Dreams: A Phamaly Story [Saturday, Jan 16 2:00p @ The Oriental]
Watermelon Seeds [Sunday, Jan. 17 5:00p @ The Bug]
The Atro-City Sleepers [Saturday, Jan. 16 12:00 @ The Bug]
Between the Upper Lip and Nasal Passageway [Saturday, Jan 16 4:00p @ The Oriental]
Rainbow Chasers [Thursday, Jan. 14 9:00p @ The Bug]
We advertise every year in the Onion, and our first full-page ad of the season is in the current issue. Pick up a copy when you see it! Of, you can check out a pdf of the ad by clicking HERE.
We aren’t joking when we say Festivus Film Festival has an international reach… we’ve got guys as far away as Iraq sporting our gear! The soldier on the right is First Lieutenant Matthew Wright. He was a volunteer our first year and has been a Festivus supporter ever since. Thanks for sending this pic Matt!
Once a month, Denver’s First Monday Art Talk (FMAT) provides a unique look into the life and influences of a local artist(s). On January 4, 2010 FMAT will be featuring Festivus’ very own Johnathan McFarlane and Tim DeMasters! FMAT is FREE to the public, so come enjoy some appetizers and drink a couple beers while you experience the inner-workings of Festivus Film Festival from the creators themselves. Johnathan and Tim’s passion is infectious, guaranteed. Through music, video and Q&A, you’ll experience what makes these two “tick” and how they continue to bring people together for the fun of independent film. Host Eric Matelski will also lead an audience Q&A with our dynamic duo. If you’re still wondering what this whole Festivus deal is all about, spend a wintry Monday night with the people who know it best.
FMAT begins at 7pm and is held at Dazzle Restaurant & Lounge: 930 Lincoln St., Denver, CO 80203
They were never formally recognized, received no military benefits, many Americans don’t even know that they exist - yet today, women’s place in this country might be very different if Vi Cowden, and the 1073 other women like her hadn’t been willing to do the job they did. A story of triumph and inspiration over adversity, Vi and her fellow Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP) were not only crucial to the war effort during WWII, they also changed the course of Women’s history.
Filmmakers Mark and Christine Bonn are returning filmmakers. They won Best Documentary Short at Festivus Film Festival 2008, and we are thrilled to have them back!Wings of Silver: The Vi Cowden Story screens at 1:00pm Sunday January 17 at The Bug. This screening is a WORLD PREMIERE!!
When Jesse discovers that his youngest daughter, Priscilla, can rap and perform, he sees redemption for his own failed music career and financial salvation for his family and commits his life to making her a star. We follow the father-daughter duo through the grit and glamour of the music industry, capturing the daily struggles of a single parent raising his two children alone, and the sacrifices a child makes in order to make her daddy proud. P-Star Rising has sold out screenings at Tribeca, HotDocs, and many others. This documentary is a film fest heavy-hitter. Don’t miss out on this screening, get your tickets now! P-Star Rising plays 8:15 Saturday, January 16 @ The Oriental Theater.
So our online schedule is now up, complete with film synopsis’ and ticketing. Just click on the SCHEDULE/TIX tab to check it out. We’re really excited to be using B-Side’s Festival Genius service this year. You can create your own unique festival itinerary, leave film ratings and feedback, and buy tickets all from our interactive schedule. For ticketing the best value of all is our Festival Pass, which grants admission to all festival screenings and special events. Not only that but it gives you access to our Filmmaker Lounge, where you can mingle with the filmmakers, relax between screenings, and HAVE A FEW DRINKS ON US! Great deal for $40.00. Get yours now by clicking HERE.
Below is the list of films that have been selected for our 2010 program. A complete schedule, including online ticketing, will be available on the SCHEDULE tab in a few days.
There’s a great little article about Festivus in the December issue of 303 Magazine. We’re featured on page 14. It’s on newsstands now, and you can also check it out online on the magazine’s website. Special thanks to Sarah Coughlin for the article, and Tim Sorenson for the photography.
It’s just about time, folks… We’re just tweaking and making all the final adjustments to the program for the 2010 season. Without a doubt this is going to be our best year yet. Expect to see the program up here on the site just after December 9.
We’re proud to have Circle 8 Gallery as one of our newest supporters! Coming up on Friday Dec. 4 at the gallery the first 50 people through the doors receive a free Festivus Film Fest single screening ticket. These tickets are good for any screening throughout the whole festival. Doors open at 6:00. Don’t be late or you’ll miss out on this great giveaway! The Circle 8 Gallery is located at 4415 W. 43rd Avenue, Denver, 80212. Questions? Email the gallery at circle8gallery@comcast.net
We’re happy to announce that Denver rockers The Knew will be performing live at our Friday night afterparty at The Oriental. These guys were recently voted to be one of Denver’s best bands. They are sure to play an incredible show, and we’re really excited to have them. Check out their website HERE, and become a fan on facebook by clicking HERE.
Well that’s it for the 2010 submission period. We closed submissions at midnight on Monday. We destroyed our previous record by quite a bit. Seems like word has gotten out and filmmakers are chomping at the bit to be a part of one of the hottest young film fests in North America! Filmmaker notification is December 9. Film fans: Our complete schedule will be posted online shortly after, so stay tuned.
That’s right, the submission period for our 2010 festival is coming to an end. The Withoutabox-only extended deadline closes at midnight on Monday. No more procrastinating! It’s now or never folks! If you have any questions, drop us a line at info@festivusfilmfestival.com
We’re giving away a free Festivus t-shirt to the 3rd, 13th, and 30th people to send an email to info@festivusfilmfestival.com with T SHIRT GIVEAWAY in the subject line. So get to it, and maybe you’ll get lucky!
Tim reviews documentary short Centro Nicaragua, by filmmaker Tyler Bliss. Centro Nicaragua explores how surfing changed the lives of the subjects in post civil war Nicaragua.
Once a month, Denver’s First Monday Art Talk (FMAT) provides a unique look into the life and influences of a local artist(s). On January 4, 2010 FMAT will be featuring Festivus’ very own Johnathan McFarlane and Tim DeMasters! FMAT is FREE to the public, so come enjoy some appetizers and drink a couple beers while you experience the inner-workings of Festivus Film Festival from the creators themselves. Johnathan and Tim’s passion is infectious, guaranteed. Through music, video and Q&A, you’ll experience what makes these two “tick” and how they continue to bring people together for the fun of independent film. Host Eric Matelski will also lead an audience Q&A with our dynamic duo. If you’re still wondering what this whole Festivus deal is all about, spend a wintry Monday night with the people who know it best.
different if Vi Cowden, and the 1073 other women like her hadn’t been willing to do the job they did. A story of triumph and inspiration over adversity, Vi and her fellow Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP) were not only crucial to the war effort during WWII, they also changed the course of Women’s history.
There’s a great little article about Festivus in the December issue of 303 Magazine. We’re featured on page 14. It’s on newsstands now, and you can also check it out online on the magazine’s 
the doors receive a free Festivus Film Fest single screening ticket. These tickets are good for any screening throughout the whole festival. Doors open at 6:00. Don’t be late or you’ll miss out on this great giveaway! The Circle 8 Gallery is located at 4415 W. 43rd Avenue, Denver, 80212. Questions? Email the gallery at 