The Boulder International Film Festival (BIFF) is an annual film festival held in Boulder, Colorado, United States. The festival was founded in 2005 by Kathy and Robin Beeck, who were inspired by the Sundance Film Festival and wanted to bring a similar event to Boulder. The first BIFF was held in 2006 and featured 18 films, including documentaries, shorts, and features.

Over the years, the festival has grown in size and reputation, attracting filmmakers and moviegoers from around the world. BIFF has featured a variety of films, including independent and foreign films, documentaries, shorts, and feature-length films. The festival also offers workshops, panels, and events that provide opportunities for filmmakers and industry professionals to connect and share their experiences.

photo credit: BIFF

In addition to showcasing films, BIFF has also been involved in community outreach programs, such as the Youth Pavilion, which offers filmmaking workshops and screenings for local students, and the BIFF CineChef, a culinary competition that pairs local chefs with filmmakers to create a unique culinary and cinematic experience.

Today, BIFF is recognized as one of the top film festivals in the country, and has been named one of the “25 Coolest Film Festivals in the World” by MovieMaker Magazine. The festival continues to provide a platform for independent filmmakers to showcase their work, while also engaging and entertaining audiences with diverse and thought-provoking films.

Boulder International Film Festival has attracted many famous celebrities and filmmakers over the years. Some of the most notable attendees include:

  1. Alec Baldwin – American actor and filmmaker
  2. James Franco – American actor and filmmaker
  3. Shirley MacLaine – American actress and author
  4. Oliver Stone – American filmmaker and screenwriter
  5. William H. Macy – American actor and director
  6. Alan Arkin – American actor and director
  7. Academy Award-winning director, Louie Psihoyos
  8. Academy Award-nominated director, Jason Reitman
  9. Academy Award-winning documentary filmmaker, Davis Guggenheim
  10. Academy Award-winning actress, Cloris Leachman.

These are just a few examples of the many famous celebrities who have attended the Boulder International Film Festival over the years.