The end of February and beginning of March mean a few things in Durango: It means there’s snow, there’s skiing, Valentine’s Day is over and the annual Durango Independent Film Festival is starting.
Now in its 13th year, the festival will run Feb. 28 through March 4 and, as much as it’s about films, it’s also about festival-ing. The easiest way to enjoy all the films and screenings, parties and events, panels and workshops is with a festival pass. The All Festival Pass gets you access to, well, everything, while other pass options provide varying levels of access to film programs, such as all films or 10 films or six. Find the pass that’s right for you!
Film Festival Events
Things kick off with, what else? A kick-off party Wednesday, Feb. 28, at Animas Chocolate Co., 920 Main Ave., with food and drinks provided by the Ore House restaurant.
Festival-goers can participate in the Craft Beer and Culinary Crawl on Thursday, March 1, and try craft beers paired with appetizers at several local establishments, including Brew Pub and Kitchen, Carver Brewing Co. and Sorrel Sky Gallery, which will feature Ska beer paired with bites from The Container Restaurant, and Studio & Gallery, where Durango Brewing Co. will pair its beer and food.
People can mix and mingle with the filmmakers during the Meet the Filmmakers Party on Friday evening at the Irish Embassy Pub, and the Late Night VIP Party will be held Saturday night at Mutu’s Italian Kitchen. Things wrap up with — you guessed it — a wrap party and awards Sunday night at the Irish Embassy Pub.
Films and Filmmakers
Per usual, the Durango Independent Film Festival features a wide array of films covering a wide range of topics. Check out this year’s festival schedule to be sure you don’t miss anything you might be interested in seeing. This year’s featured films include a variety of shorts and full-length films, documentaries and animated pieces, and topics ranging from outdoor adventure to global human rights.
Durango Hotels
If you’re looking for Durango hotels during the film festival, you found the best: the Durango Econo Lodge Inn and Suites. One other very important note: Feb. 28 is the first day of the film festival and the last day of our “Share the Love” package. Stay at the Econo Lodge Inn and Suites Durango any night in February (including the last night) and get a free bottle of local wine from Durango’s own Four Leaves Winery. Book your room today!
Econo Lodge Inn & Suites 