The importance of cultural understanding and communication has rarely been as important as it is in our current world climate. And film has proven itself time and time again as a perfect medium to create empathy for other people.
All this makes the 29th annual Denver Jewish Film Festival (DJFF) not just an opportunity for entertainment, but one for education.
“Films shown during the festival tell human stories, and in a time when there is more and more worldly tension, it is important to remind us that we are all human,” said Tim Campbell, program director of the Mizel Arts and Culture Center at the JCC. “DJFF celebrates the human experience and tells compelling stories that bring thoughtfulness and joy to festival-goers.”
The festival kicks off on Thursday, Jan. 23 and runs through Sunday, Feb. 2 at the Mizel Arts and Culture Center, 350 S. Dahlia St. in Denver. This year’s event features more than 20 documentaries, comedies, narratives and shorts, and presents an exciting sampling of Israeli and Jewish cinema, actors and producers.
Some highlights from this year’s lineup include Running on Sand, We Will Dance Again and Centered: Joe Lieberman.
We interviewed Campbell about the festival, how to approach it and more
The interview was edited for brevity and clarity.
What makes this festival unique?
The festival brings the community together to experience stories that are brought to life in our 380-seat theatre. We are able to tell compelling stories through a media type that allows the viewer to escape from the outside world for a moment and experience thoughtfulness, joy, intrigue and fun. Our experience is unique because the films we show may not always be shown in a traditional theatre setting. Our space crosses many different genres to celebrate humanities and the stories we tell.
If someone has never attended a film festival, what should they know?
DJFF has so many different opportunities to enjoy film and is open to all. The schedule is varied to allow for viewings throughout most days during the festival. We offer family-friendly events, comedies, dramas, documentaries and more. Plus, we’ve planned many different supplemental programs that include talkbacks with filmmakers, specialty food offerings, and even a game night. The best way to take advantage of all of these options is by purchasing our DJFF All Access Pass.
What do you hope audiences come away from the festival with?
Through the films we have selected and the programming we have coordinated, we are able to share amazing stories with the greater Denver community. There is a story for everyone. We want people to leave with a deeper and more empathetic understanding of the world around them. We hope the festival will inspire people and help create community.
Find the full schedule and ticket options at www.jccdenver.org/macc/djff/.
Find Some Summertime at the Arvada Center
As we work our way through the winter, sometimes you need a blast of summer. That’s just what the Colorado Jazz Repertory Orchestra is bringing to the Arvada Center, 6901 Wadsworth Blvd., with Summertime in Winter: The Music of Gershwin and more with Tatiana LadyMay Mayfield.
The concert will be at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 25 and will feature the immortal music of Gershwin, as well as other classics like “Summertime.” All the vocals will be handled by Mayfield, a rising star in the jazz world. A frequent performer with the orchestra, Mayfield has been recognized by publications like “Downbeat.”
Details and tickets can be found at www.coloradojazz.org/concerts.
New John Fielder Exhibition Comes to History Colorado
The John Fielder Mezzanine Gallery in the History Colorado Center, 1200 Broadway in Denver, is getting an update with Horizon: On the Plains with John Fielder.
Opening on Friday, Jan. 24, this new exhibition features a selection of “iconic large-format Fielder prints that evoke the photographer’s emotional connection to these sublime and diverse landscapes of Colorado, and invites viewers to lose themselves in the expanse of the Great Plains,” according to provided information.
Information and tickets are available at www.historycolorado.org/john-fielders-colorado-collection.
Clarke’s Concert of the Week — Billy Strings at Ball Arena
You don’t often hear about breakout stars coming from the world of bluegrass and folk music, but that’s just what’s happened over the last few years with Billy Strings.
Hailing from Michigan, Strings’ top-notch guitar and banjo playing, coupled with his warm vocals and songwriting has made him a favorite in the music industry and with listeners. Last year he released a stellar live and solo album, and who knows what 2025 will hold for him.
One thing we do know is Strings will be performing at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 24, Saturday, Jan. 25 and Sunday, Jan. 26 at Ball Arena, 1000 Chopper Circle in Denver. Buy your tickets at www.ticketmaster.com.
Clarke Reader’s column on culture appears on a weekly basis. He can be reached at Clarke.Reader@hotmail.com.
Related
‘ The preceding article may include information circulated by third parties ’
‘ Some details of this article were extracted from the following source coloradocommunitymedia.com ’
