Get the popcorn ready, Denver! The 49th Annual Denver Film Festival rolls out the red carpet from October 22 through November 1, 2026, turning the Mile High City into a true celebration of cinema for ten days.
This year’s program features 129 feature-length films, documentaries and shorts from around the world, many of them already celebrated on the international festival circuit and generating awards-season buzz. Screenings will take place at some of Denver’s most beloved cultural venues, including the Sie FilmCenter, the Ellie Caulkins Opera House, MCA Denver at the Holiday Theater and the Denver Museum of Nature & Science.
The festival opens on October 22 at the Ellie with the Opening Night presentation of “I Play Rocky,” directed by Academy Award winner Peter Farrelly, starring Anthony Ippolito as a young Sylvester Stallone. The Centerpiece presentations on October 24 bring “Behemoth!” with Pedro Pascal and “Ink” directed by Danny Boyle. The festival closes on October 31 with “Paper Tiger,” starring Adam Driver, Scarlett Johansson and Miles Teller.
Star power shines beyond the screen too: Carrie Coon will accept the Excellence in Acting Award, John Cho takes the Outlaw Award, Fred Hechinger is named Rising Star, and honorees include Liz Sargent, Benedetta Porcaroli, David Acord and Michael Gitlin. Red carpets, parties, Q&A conversations and the beloved Colorado Spotlight celebrating local filmmakers round out the experience.
Thanks to Denver Arts Venues and the Arts Complex Creates grant program, the three public screenings at the Ellie Caulkins Opera House offer Pay-What-You-Can admissions, and sliding-scale tickets are available at other venues as well. Tickets are on sale now, and Denver is ready for its close-up.
Photo: Jennifer 8. Lee, Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)
