Breck Film Festival 2014
Thursday marks the opening day of the recently rebranded Breck Film Fest. It’s the only chance in Summit County to get a taste of indie filmmaking for four days straight – and it happens annually in the heart of Breckenridge on the third weekend of September. It’s an art house production nestled well away from the big city cinema houses, with breathing room and where limousine parking is replaced by a bike valet.
The Breckenridge Film Festival seeks to entertain its audiences at the same time it enlightens through intimate exposure to filmmakers and their craft in the town’s authentic mountain environment. Since the festival rebranded and began rebuilding itself in early 2013, the 34-year-old event is taking a new approach to presenting film in Summit County, which includes film programming oriented to locals (think: Adventure Reel) as well as a strong emphasis on workshops, panel discussions and other educational approaches, often involving collaboration with fellow arts organizations. This fall, the festival will be partnering with the Breckenridge Arts District to screen films and hold discussions in the intimate setting of the Fuqua Livery Stable with the goal of springboarding into a more interconnected relationship in the future. Think filmmaker-in-residence or an arts demonstration following a film screening.
To put on the annual flagship event, it takes many hands and long hours – and plenty of love. Six venues, more than 50 films, roughly 30 filmmakers, a day of educational forums, a free family program and a party or two each day comprise the festival each year. There are a few moving parts in that puzzle – which is one built on a minimal budget. The festival constantly seeks to improve its offerings while accepting its limitations. This year, the festival will present the Colorado premiere of “Higher,” the last in the Jeremy Jones trilogy produced by Teton Gravity Research, in addition to the return of the Adventure Reel. Opening and Closing night films are always surprises, though the regular film lineup (and tickets) will be available at www.breckfilmfest.com by mid-summer.
For tickets and information please visit the Breck Film Fest website. Make your plans for a great event in Breckenridge.
~Mtn Town Views
