READY, SET… ACTION!

Durango Rolls Tape on More Than 60 Independent Films in March

By Tonya Poole, 2-26-06

The Durango Independent Film Festival (DIFF) is gearing up to turn the spotlight on some of southwestern Colorado’s finest filmmakers this year, taking the ball on court from the financially troubled Durango Film Festival last year when it announced it would not put on a festival in 2006. Successfully rallying more than 50 staff and volunteers since mid-summer of last year, many from the previous Durango Film Festival staff roster, the newly-formed organization was able to pull together resources and gel a knockout festival set to roll the week of March 1st – 5th.

The festival kicks off March 1st at 6 p.m. with a free movie night and the Shorts Program at Durango’s Abbey Theater on East College, and wraps up on March 5th at 6 p.m., also at Abbey, with an invitation-only awards ceremony available to All Access Pass holders. From roll to wrap, festival goers can have their pick of roving parties, opportunities to rub elbows with filmmakers, and previews of the more than 60 independent films playing at Abbey Theater and Gaslight Cinema, including:

Rising Up: the Alams
Konrad Aderer

The Alams, a Bangladeshi family living in Coney Island, face deportation of the father as a consequence of the racist policy of Special Registration. But the Alams are not just victims; learn how they fight back.

Dreams from a Red Planet: The Next Giant Leap for Humanity
Kurt Lancaster

Has humanity attained the pinnacle of its potential? Or is it about to be reached? In an age of shallow news and celebrity-centered media overload it may appear to many that humanity is in a downward spiral. But for others, we’re on the cusp of a new age --humanity is about to become a space-faring civilization.

The Sandman's Garden
Arthur Crenshaw

The film follows self-taught artist Lonnie Holley as he builds a sculptural installation in the Birmingham Museum of Art’s sculpture garden. As he creates, he reflects on a tortured past. His art is profound, playful, and deeply moving. Lonnie’s life and work confront the viewer with his unique way of dealing with deprivation and prejudice. The camera follows his process as he gathers materials, creates pieces, interacts with others, and relives the joys and sorrows that fuel his creative and genuine artwork.

American Zeitgeist
Robb McGann

Before the United States entered the crossfire of war and nation-building in Afghanistan and Iraq, and suicide bombs poured flames across the skylines of London, Beslan, Madrid, Istanbul, Bali and downtown Manhattan, there was an optimistic moment at the turn of the millennium when almost anything seemed possible. But with the War on Terrorism entering its fifth year, that pre-9/11 spirit already seems a long way behind us. Questions of American empire and unilateralism are being levied abroad by friend and foe alike. What began as a widely supported effort to protect American lives has led us to an uncertain crossroads.

… and many more, including short film “The Last Farm�, nominated for an Academy Award.

Tickets are $8 per film, $75 for a 10-movie pass, and the All Access Pass – offering priority seating, access to all movies and an open invitation to special events – is $199. See party and event information, printable film schedules and descriptions and other festival details at www.durangofilm.org.

Like this story? Get more! Sign up for our free newsletters.