Denver Film Festival unveils lineup and honorees

DENVER – The 48th annual Denver Film Festival will return Oct. 31–Nov. 9 with 136 films, documentaries and shorts from around the world. The event will open with Netflix‘s *Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery* and close with the world premiere of *Elway*, a documentary on legendary Broncos quarterback John Elway, who will present the film in person.

Tickets are available at denverfilm.org.

This year’s lineup features a range of global storytelling with screenings, panels and events across Denver venues including the Sie FilmCenter, Ellie Caulkins Opera House, Denver Botanic Gardens and the MCA Denver at the Holiday Theater.

Searchlight’s *Is This Thing On?*, directed by Bradley Cooper, will serve as the festival’s Centerpiece presentation Nov. 3, and Paramount’s *Primate* will screen as the Late Night Showcase on opening night.

Denver Film will also honor several artists during the 10-day festival. Lucy Liu will receive the John Cassavetes Award following a screening of *Rosemead*. Delroy Lindo will receive the Next50 Career Achievement Award after a showing of *Sinners*. Gus Van Sant will be honored with the Excellence in Directing Award for *Dead Man’s Wire*. Niecy Nash-Betts will receive the CinemaQ LaBahn Ikon Award for her contributions to LGBTQIA+ representation.

Festival selections include award-winning and anticipated titles such as *Sentimental Value*, *Hamnet*, *The Testament of Ann Lee*, *Jay Kelly*, *No Other Choice*, *Rental Family* and *Christy*.

“Selecting from so many accomplished works was an incredibly difficult process,” said Denver Film Festival Artistic Director Matthew Campbell. “We’ve curated a lineup that reflects the diversity and strength of contemporary storytelling with a remarkable selection of films and performances.”

Denver Film CEO Kevin Smith said this year’s festival will highlight the state’s growing creative industry. “There is a clear and noticeable momentum coming from Colorado’s film industry,” he said. “This festival is as much about our incredible community as the films themselves.”

Additional guests and honorees will be announced in the coming weeks. The full schedule and ticket information are available at denverfilm.org/denverfilmfestival.