A new film series that features Colorado-related movies will bring dozens of titles to dozens of theaters starting in June as part of the state’s sesquicentennial.
The ambitious festival, titled The CO150: 150, highlights the biggest and best films that were set or shot in Colorado — or that featured notable Colorado actors — since 1876, said co-presenters Switchboard Strategies and Denver Film.
The 150 screenings will sample from a list of 25 films chosen by industry and exhibitors, and take place across 30 independent venues identified for their local relevance to the film, Switchboard said in a statement. Switchboard’s co-founder is Chris Getzan, a veteran programmer from events such as Summer Scream, the Denver Film fundraiser that takes place at Lakeside Amusement Park each year.
Alamosa, for example, will host a screening of “Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade,” which shot its opening scenes there. Films from East High School graduates Pam Grier (“Coffy”) and Don Cheadle (“Hotel Rwanda”) will screen in Denver, while Boulderites can watch the romantic comedy “Catch and Release,” which was set and partially shot in that city. (See the full list of venues below.)
“From historic marquees to intimate local theaters, our venues are part of the story,” programmers wrote online.
Coloradans will also be able to vote for their favorite Colorado-related films at colorado150film.com. Each live screening will be preceded by short films, music videos, and presentations from filmmakers, artists, critics, and other Colorado creative workers, he said.
“Switchboard’s goal for the Colorado150 is to use film as a novel, direct way to reach as many communities as possible,” said Rob DuRay, CEO of Switchboard.
Participating theaters for CO150
Denver – Sie FilmCenter and locations around Denver
Colorado Springs – Kimball’s/ENT Center/CC
Grand Junction – Avalon Theater
Durango and Pagosa Springs – Multiple venues
Cortez – Sunflower
Mancos – Mancos Opera House
Pueblo – Multiple venues
Boulder – Boedecker Theater
Steamboat Springs – Wildhorse Cinema
Fort Collins – The Lyric
Lamar – Lamar Theater
Breckenridge – Eclipse
Greeley – The Kress Cinema
Center – Frontier Drive-In
Ouray and Silverton – Wright Opera House & Powerhouse
Flagler – Flagler Theatre
Fort Morgan – Cover 4 Theater
Limon – Lincoln Theater