Denver Film Festival Will Open October 22
The 49th annual festival in Denver will showcase 129 films across four venues through November 1.
Updated on Oct. 3, 2026 in Comedy
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Denver Film has announced the full lineup for the 49th Denver Film Festival, which runs from October 22 to November 1, 2026. The event will feature a total of 129 films, including documentaries, features, and shorts.
Why it matters
The festival provides a major cultural platform for both established and emerging cinematic voices before the Sundance Film Festival relocates to nearby Boulder in 2027.
The festival features 129 films as part of its 49th annual event. Programs are scheduled across several sites, including the Sie FilmCenter and the Ellie Caulkins Opera House.
The players
Carrie Coon
She is an actor receiving an excellence in acting award at the festival.
John Cho
He is an actor receiving an Outlaw Award at the festival.
Liz Sargent
She is a director receiving a breakthrough director award at the event.
Fred Hechinger
He is a performer receiving a rising star prize during the festival.
Michael Gitlin
He is a filmmaker receiving the Stan Brakhage Award.
The details
The festival kicks off with the film I Play Rocky and concludes with Paper Tiger. Screenings will be held at the Sie FilmCenter, Ellie Caulkins Opera House, MCA Denver at the Holiday Theater, and the Denver Museum of Nature & Science.
Timeline
October 22, 2026: The Denver Film Festival begins.
November 1, 2026: The Denver Film Festival concludes.
2027: Sundance Film Festival scheduled for Boulder, Colorado.
Industry Dynamics
The festival's current programming establishes a local cultural foundation just before the Sundance Film Festival moves to nearby Boulder in 2027. This shift signals a broader trend of high-profile cinematic events moving into the Colorado region.
Attendees can visit the Ellie Caulkins Opera House to access sliding-scale Pay-What-You-Can admissions for three public screenings. The films are spread across four venues, requiring ticket holders to plan travel between the city sites.
The takeaway
The 49th Denver Film Festival marks the final major local film event before the regional landscape changes in 2027. Residents are encouraged to check venue listings to take advantage of low-cost access options at the Ellie Caulkins Opera House.
Further reading
Explore upcoming local showcases in the Denver Comedy section.
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