Denver Film Festival reveals front-runners
The Denver Film Society announced the first slate of films for the 41st annual Denver Film Festival, which returns to the Sie FilmCenter and other venues Oct. 31-Nov. 11. “The Front Runner,” the new Hugh Jackman-starring film about Colorado presidential hopeful Sen. Gary Hart, will screen as part of the red carpet presentations at the Ellie Caulkins Opera House on Nov. 8, with fest-veteran and director Jason Reitman (“Juno,” “Up in the Air”) in attendance and on stage.
In addition, the festival will feature special presentations of “Everybody Knows,” “Maria by Callas,” “Shoplifters” and “Wildlife”; a Culinary Cinema screening of “Ulam: Main Dish”; and screenings of “General Magic,” “Anna and the Apocalypse,” “Being Frank: The Chris Sievey Story,” “Old Boys,” “Postcards from the 48%” and “Swimming With Men.” Single tickets and the full schedule will be announced later this month.
Meow Wolf puts out call for Denver artists
As part of its planned, 90,000-square-foot complex at the junction of the Interstate 25, West Colfax Avenue and Auraria Parkway viaducts, Santa Fe-based art company Meow Wolf is inviting Denver artists to submit ideas for original installations and exhibitions beginning Friday, Oct. 5. Meow Wolf wants sculptures, “fantastic storylines,” new-media works and more before the experiential project opens in 2020, according to a press statement.
In addition to courting writers, musicians, designers and performers for the 60,000-square-foot exhibition space — which will feature at least 40 percent Colorado artists, Meow Wolf has promised — the for-profit art company is also holding a pair of free sessions titled “Demystifying Propsals” at Steam on the Platte (Oct. 6) and the Denver Museum of Nature & Science (Oct. 7). Visit meowwolf.com/meow-wolf-open-call to RSVP and for more details.
Live Nation takes control of Emporium
Mega-promoter Live Nation on Monday completed its majority-stake investment in concert promotion company Emporium Presents, which maintains offices in Denver, Seattle and Birmingham, Ala., Pollstar reported. Founded by Dan Steinberg and Jason Zink, Emporium grew out of Steinberg’s Square Peg Concerts and Zink’s Sherpa Concerts and has worked with heavy hitters such as Luke Bryan, The Avett Brothers, Dolly Parton and Jason Mraz.
With Live Nation’s backing, the company plans to expand into the southeast U.S. market from its Alabama office while taking advantage of Live Nation’s national resources — and operating independently from Live Nation’s corporate offices, according to Pollstar. Emporium is also looking to beef up the booking at Ruby Hill Park’s 7,500-capacity Levitt Pavilion amphitheater, which just completed its second summer concert season.
History Colorado adds Ritchie
Amid an expansion of its board of directors and criticism from respected Colorado historian and professor Patty Limerick, History Colorado has announced Daniel L. Ritchie will join as head of its strategic planning advisory committee. Ritchie, 86, is the chancellor emeritus of the University of Denver and someone with a long, valuable list of civic and cultural connections in the metro area.
“Dan Ritchie is a transformational leader, as evidenced in his work with the University of Denver, Denver Center for the Performing Arts, UCHealth and so many organizations,” History Colorado executive director Steve Turner said in a press statement. “We are fortunate he chooses to bring his considerable insight and experience to History Colorado at this significant moment in the history of our 140-year-old state cultural institution.”