New Technology World

Aspen Films’ 43rd Annual Film Fest runs September 27th through October 2nd.

Aspen Film Executive and Artistic Director Susan Wrubel spent months researching some of the world’s biggest film festivals, including South by Southwest, Cannes, Toronto, Venice and Telluride, highlighting upcoming highlights. was “selected”. This fall and winter season in the film industry, she said.

“It’s an invited festival, so we look for things that resonate,” said Wrubel. “Looking at the line-up, these movies have a lot to say.”

Wrubel explains that many of this year’s films bring pathos and empathy to the screen, and bring up notable themes. Common motifs include family, friendship, loyalty, advocacy for equality and justice, and the nature of mental health.

“A lot of the themes are very important to this community and something that people here can relate to,” says Wrubel. “I try to focus on movies that have messages that I think this community will respond to.

The Filmfest kicks off with one of the more “feel good” stories at its opening night screening on September 27th at the Wheeler Opera House. The first movie, ‘Good Night Oppy,’ tells the true story of a rover named ‘Opportunity’ who was sent to Mars for her 90-day mission and survived for 15 years. This family-friendly documentary follows Opportunity’s journey to Mars and the rover’s amazing relationship with the human space team back on Earth.

Wrubel mentioned “Good Night Oppy” as a highlight of this year’s festival, saying the film is an inspiration for people of all ages. Opening Following his Night debut, Aspen Films is working to bring an educational screening of “Good Night Oppy” to Aspen Middle School during Filmfest week.

Other festival highlights include a special tribute screening of The Postman Always Rings Twice, a 1981 remake of the 1946 classic film noir. The new version was directed by the late Bob Rafelson, a longtime Aspen Knight who passed away in July.

Rafelson was awarded the first-ever Aspen Film “Independent by Nature” award in 1999, and 20 years later received the “Lifetime Achievement Award” at Aspen Film’s 40th anniversary in 2019.

“We are doing this as a celebration of Bob and a tribute to him as a filmmaker,” Wrubel said. “He embodies our ‘Independent by Nature’ ethos.”

“The Postman Always Rings Twice” will premiere at the Wheeler Opera House on Thursday, September 29th as a free community event in addition to 16 curated films. Pre-registration is required to participate.

Filmfest will also have a surprise screening at Wheeler on Sunday, October 2nd. Wrubel said Aspen Film always had surprise screenings as part of his Filmfest program, although it hasn’t happened in the last few years. She explained how the festival will be revived for a highly anticipated film that just finished its world premiere this year and was not allowed to make an announcement before its screening.

“This is a very strong movie,” said Wrubel. “I encourage all viewers and everyone to roll the dice and get your tickets.”

The surprise film is one of many other film fest selections coming to theaters soon, continued Wrubel, adding that the films being screened are regional premieres from renowned festivals, some of which include Award winner.

“The fact that we were able to bring these films to Aspen before theatrical releases is huge,” said Wrubel. “This is a very timely festival…and distributors love to see their films in markets like Aspen because of their cultural prestige.”

Filmfest’s timelines are in line with the early buzz of the industry’s awards season, falling within the same weeks as other major festivals. The Aspen Film Festival comes just before the New York Film Festival and overlaps with it. This makes it difficult to attract filmmakers and directors to Aspen, as many filmmakers and directors travel to New York for prestigious programs.

Aspen Film welcomed one of its filmmakers this year. Julia Mintz, the writer and director of the documentary “Four Winters,” said she attended a screening of her film at the Isis Theater on Saturday, October 1, and joined her post-screening Q&A. increase. “Four Winters” tells the resilient story of the last surviving Jewish partisans who fought back against the Nazis from the forests of Eastern Europe during World War II.

From human guts to friendship, the 43rd Annual Film Fest offers viewers plenty of meaningful take-home opportunities. Selected films also provide access to stories from around the world, from cities such as South Korea and Paris to remote locations such as the Amazon rainforest and Mars.

“A lot of movies have a duality,” said Wrubel. “And whether it’s a comedy or a heartbreaking drama, there’s a lot to learn from and a lot to walk away from.”

Filmfest runs from September 27th to October 2nd. Screenings are held throughout the week at the Aspen’s Wheeler Opera House, the Isis Theater and the Crystal Theater in Carbondale. The All-Access Film Fest Pass is $350 and is currently available for purchase through his website at Aspen Films. Single tickets to the screening, priced at $25, go on sale to the general public starting Wednesday.

For more information on this year’s festival schedule and films, visit aspenfilm.org.