Step into the Spotlight of World Cinema at Denver Film Festival 2025 with Unmissable Premieres and Legendary Tributes: Know More About it

The 48th Annual Denver Film Festival (DFF48), scheduled for October 31 to November 9, 2025, promises to be a spectacular celebration of global cinema. With a diverse lineup of 136 feature films, documentaries, and shorts, the festival showcases talent from around the world. From thought-provoking documentaries to genre-defying feature films, the festival offers a platform for both celebrated filmmakers and emerging voices. Attendees can look forward to premieres, Q&A sessions, red carpets, and special awards as the Denver Film community unites for a celebration of storytelling.

Opening Night: A Double Feature of Thrills

The curtain rises for DFF48 on October 31, 2025, with two thrilling presentations that promise to set the tone for the festival’s exciting 10-day run.

Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery

The festival’s Opening Night will feature the much-anticipated Netflix release, Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery, the latest installment in Rian Johnson’s highly successful Knives Out series. Written and directed by Johnson, the film brings back Southern detective Benoit Blanc, played by Daniel Craig, as he tackles a new case brimming with intrigue and eccentric suspects. The film is packed with star power, including Josh O’Connor, Glenn Close, Josh Brolin, Mila Kunis, Jeremy Renner, and Kerry Washington. The red carpet screening at the Ellie Caulkins Opera House will undoubtedly be one of the festival’s most glamorous and widely attended events.

Primate – Late Night Horror Showcase

After the excitement of the opening presentation, the festival will continue the Halloween celebrations with a Late Night Showcase screening of Primate, an American horror film directed by Johannes Roberts. Featuring Johnny Sequoyah, Jessica Alexander, and Troy Kotsur, Primate delves into chilling territory, making it the perfect late-night film for horror enthusiasts looking to dive deep into the unknown.

The Centerpiece Presentation: Is This Thing On?

One of the festival’s highlights will be the Centerpiece presentation of Is This Thing On?, set to screen on November 3, 2025, at the MCA Denver at the Holiday Theater. Directed by Bradley Cooper, the film features Cooper alongside Will Arnett and Laura Dern in a comedy-drama that explores the complexities of modern relationships, personal growth, and self-discovery. Is This Thing On? is expected to be a crowd favorite, showcasing brilliant performances and captivating storytelling.

Closing Night: The World Premiere of Elway

The festival concludes with a special treat: the World Premiere of Elway, a documentary produced by Netflix and Omaha Productions. This film chronicles the extraordinary career of John Elway, the iconic Denver Broncos quarterback who led the team to multiple Super Bowl victories. From his early days at Stanford to his 16-season tenure with the Broncos, Elway offers a deep dive into the life of one of football’s greatest legends. The screening on November 8 will be attended by Elway himself, along with co-directors Ken Rodgers and Chris Weaver, providing an exciting opportunity for attendees to engage with the team behind the film.

Honoring Cinematic Excellence: Tribute to Filmmakers and Actors

In addition to the exciting film presentations, DFF48 will honor several influential filmmakers and actors for their outstanding contributions to cinema.

Lucy Liu – John Cassavetes Award

Lucy Liu, known for her iconic roles in Kill Bill, Charlie’s Angels, and Rosemead, will receive the prestigious John Cassavetes Award at a special screening of Rosemead on November 8. Liu’s remarkable career and her impact on the film industry, particularly in the action and drama genres, make her a deserving recipient of this honor.

Delroy Lindo – Next50 Career Achievement Award

Veteran actor Delroy Lindo, whose credits include Malcolm X, Da 5 Bloods, and Get Shorty, will be presented with the Next50 Career Achievement Award. Lindo’s powerful performances have made him a celebrated figure in Hollywood, and his career is a testament to his ability to bring depth and complexity to every role. He will be honored following a special screening of Sinners on November 1, 2025.

Gus Van Sant – Excellence in Directing Award

Acclaimed director Gus Van Sant, whose works include Good Will Hunting, Milk, and My Own Private Idaho, will receive the Excellence in Directing Award. Van Sant’s visionary filmmaking has inspired generations, and he will be honored with a screening of his film Dead Man’s Wire on November 4 at the MCA Denver at the Holiday Theater. His films have consistently pushed the boundaries of storytelling, exploring complex human emotions and societal issues.

Niecy Nash-Betts – CinemaQ LaBahn Ikon Award

Niecy Nash-Betts, an actress and producer known for her work on All’s Fair, Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story, and Reno 911!, will receive the CinemaQ LaBahn Ikon Award. This award recognizes individuals from the LGBTQIA+ community whose work has had a lasting impact on culture and representation in entertainment. Past recipients of this honor include Jesse Tyler Ferguson and Colman Domingo. Nash-Betts will be celebrated during a special event on November 2, 2025, at the Denver Botanic Gardens.

World Premieres and Must-See Films

DFF48 will feature several world premieres and notable films from a variety of genres. The following films are expected to generate significant buzz:

Sentimental Value

Winner of the Grand Prix at the Cannes Film Festival, Sentimental Value stars Stellan Skarsgard as a film director attempting to reconcile with his estranged daughters. This heartfelt drama explores themes of family, redemption, and the impact of personal choices on professional life.

Hamnet

Directed by Oscar-winner Chloe Zhao, Hamnet tells the story of the real-life tragedy that influenced William Shakespeare’s Hamlet. With Jessie Buckley and Paul Mescal in lead roles, the film explores loss, love, and the devastating effects of grief.

The Testament of Ann Lee

Mona Fastvold’s The Testament of Ann Lee offers a speculative retelling of the life of Ann Lee, the founder of the Shakers. With a rich historical context, the film delves into faith, power, and the complexities of leading a religious movement in the 18th century.

Jay Kelly

Directed by Noah Baumbach, Jay Kelly stars George Clooney as a successful movie star who reflects on his choices and life as a celebrity. This dramedy features Adam Sandler as his manager, providing a unique lens into the entertainment industry.

Christy

Starring Sydney Sweeney in a powerhouse performance, Christy follows the journey of a boxer navigating the complexities of her personal and professional life. The film touches on themes of ambition, sacrifice, and identity in the world of sports.

Rental Family

Featuring Brendan Fraser in a role that blends drama and comedy, Rental Family tells the story of an actor who stumbles into an unusual job playing stand-in roles for strangers. This quirky and heartwarming film promises to be a crowd-pleaser.

A Rich Program of Documentaries

In addition to feature films, DFF48 boasts a robust selection of documentaries that explore significant events, figures, and cultural movements. Nuremberg, starring Rami Malek and Russell Crowe, is a psychological drama centered on the Nuremberg Trials, one of the most significant legal proceedings in history. Another notable documentary is Man on the Run, directed by Morgan Neville, which examines the life and career of music icon Paul McCartney.

The Festival Experience: More Than Just Films

Beyond the films, DFF48 offers numerous opportunities for engagement, including filmmaker panels, industry events, and parties. These events provide a platform for professionals to connect, exchange ideas, and discuss the future of cinema. The festival will be hosted across several venues in Denver, including the Sie FilmCenter, Ellie Caulkins Opera House, MCA Denver at the Holiday Theater, and Denver Botanic Gardens.

A Cinematic Celebration

The 48th Annual Denver Film Festival promises to be a dynamic celebration of the film industry, offering audiences the chance to experience world-class cinema, meet industry legends, and witness the next generation of filmmakers. From the exciting premieres to the emotional tributes, DFF48 continues its tradition of bringing the best of global cinema to Denver. With a lineup that spans a wide array of genres and subjects, the festival invites audiences to celebrate the transformative power of film and the human stories that inspire it.

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