Last year's films at the festival included two edgy dramas that went on to critical acclaim, as "Black Swan" and "127 Hours" screened for Denver audiences before picking up Oscar nominations. Natalie Portman won Best Actress for her role as a disturbed ballerina in "Black Swan," while "127 Hours" went home empty-handed despite six nominations.
This year's crop of films offers a bit lighter fare, with "Like Crazy" being billed as an international romance with the scope of "Love Story." Newcomer Felicity Jones stars as a British college student who falls in love with an American in the drama that tracks the couple's relationship over a span of five years.
Meanwhile, George Clooney also stars as a cuckolded Hawaiian on the track of his wife's lover in the comedy "The Descendants." The film is directed by Alexander Payne, known for his biting social satire in "Sideways" and "Election."
The Starz Denver Film Festival also offers a glimpse into some of the leading filmmakers from across the globe. Lars von Trier, the controversial Danish filmmaker who directed "Breaking the Waves," takes a chance on American actress Kirsten Dunst as the star of psychological drama about the end of the world with "Melancholia."
With another European offering, French director Michel Hazanavicius goes retro with his production of a modern silent film called "The Artist." Set in the era of silent films, the black-and-white drama follows the swan song of a matinee idol destined for obsolescence once talking pictures emerge as the dominant art form.
Sponsored by Denver cable channel Starz, the festival also includes documentaries and short films. A special presentation of the documentary "Wish Me Away" will be held at the festival. The documentary follows a singer as she struggles to come out of the closet in the conservative industry of country music.
The majority of regular screenings will take place at the Denver FilmCenter/Colfax at 2510 E. Colfax Ave, but other screenings will be held at the Ellie Caulkins Opera House and the Tivoli Center. The film festival runs from Wed. Nov. 2 - Mon. Nov. 14, 2011.
For more information, visit the complete list of films showing at the festival. Tickets for most films are $12 for the general public, and may be purchased at the Starz Film Center box office or online at denverfilm.org. Red carpet events and panel discussions are listed below.
Red Carpet Premiere Events
Date: Wed. Nov. 2, 2011
Time: 8 p.m.
Location: Ellie Caulkins Opera House
Cost: Tickets are $35 for the film only, or $90 for the film and reception.
Date: Thurs. Nov. 3, 2011
Time: 7 p.m.
Location: Denver FilmCenter/Colfax
Cost: Tickets are sold out.
Date: Fri. Nov. 4, 2011
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Location: Highlands Church
Cost: Tickets are $15.
Date: Sat. Nov. 5, 2011
Time: 8 p.m.
Location: Ellie Caulkins Opera House
Cost: Tickets are $35 for the film.
Date: Sat. Nov. 12, 2011
Time: 8 p.m.
Location: Ellie Caulkins Opera House
Cost: Tickets are $35 for the film only, or $60 for the film and reception.
