Not much in life is free, but Wednesday’s opening of Durango Film offers that rare opportunity.
With free shows at 6:30, 7 and 9 p.m. Wednesday at the Gaslight Theatre, the annual festival kicks off its five-day extravaganza. In its 10th season, Durango Film will offer 91 different films at three venues Wednesday through Sunday.
Contacted Wednesday morning in the middle of a staff meeting, Executive Director Joanie Fraughton pointed out that Durango Film had actually already begun. The staff went Tuesday to Ignacio and Wednesday morning to Animas High School to present “The Reel Learning,” a program of films picked out specifically for the students.
“We’ve been going for a couple days now,” Fraughton said.
For those curious what movies were selected for the students, “The Reel Learning” will be screened for the public at 9 a.m. Sunday.
Yes, there are films. But don’t forget the extra attractions that for film aficionados make this more than just a filmgoing event. For example, you can attend a “Meet the Filmmakers Party” from 5-9 p.m. Friday at the Irish Embassy. Or you can go to panels and workshops at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at the Henry Strater Theatre.
“We have some really great panels this year,” Fraughton said.
Much of the hard work is done – for example, whittling the 300-400 submitted films down to the 91 that will be shown – and Durango Film’s brass is anxious to get underway.
“Seems to be going well,” Fraughton said. “We’re excited for this year.”
johnp@durangoherald.com
If you go
The films: Of the 300-400 films that filmmakers submitted, 91 made it into this year’s festival. Durango Film Executive Director Joanie Fraughton is most excited about the “awesome” shorts, including the Academy Award-nominated “The Damkeeper,” on the family program. A few other films on her “must-see” list include the feature-length animated adult film “Cheatin” by filmmaker Bill Plympton and the “very timely” feature documentary film “Amina Profile” that just premiered at Sundance, exploring the topic, “How do you trust someone you meet on the internet?” Check out the whole lineup of films at http://durangofilm.org/wp/2015-films/
The filmmakers: More than 30 filmmakers are expected to attend this year’s festival. Pass-holders get to schmooze with them at the Meet the Filmmakers Party from 5-9 p.m. Friday at the Irish Embassy Pub Ambassador’s Lounge, 900 Main Ave.
Free movie night: 6:30 p.m., 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. Wednesday at the Gaslight Theatre. This is the fifth year in a row that Durango Film has been offering free flicks for the community on the Wednesday night of festival week. Free (of course) and open to the public.
Craft beer and culinary crawl: 5:30-8 p.m. Thursday. Sample craft beers from Durango breweries paired with appetizers from talented local chefs. Pairings will take place at five locations. Start wherever you like and crawl to all locations within the allotted time. For any festival pass-holders. Must be 21 or older.
Panels and workshops: 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at the Henry Strater Theatre, 699 Main Ave. This year’s offerings include a filmmaker’s panel featuring speakers from FX Networks and the vice president of programming for CBS; a casting panel with talent agents who will dish on how to be successful in auditions; a student panel with student filmmakers from the Sante Fe University of Art and Design; and a screenwriters panel with Emmy-nominated writer Rich Henrich leading a discussion on writer’s block. Free and open to the public.
