Boulder International Film Festival (BIFF) released its program and film lineup and — aside from putting celebrity chefs to creative task, welcoming 60 filmmakers from around the world and screening three world premieres of films in little old Boulder — it’s the locally inspired poignant documentaries at this year’s festival that will move emotions, shake adrenaline and awaken your inner activist.

But, as the Beeck sisters always do, the film festival still delivers with its guest star icons and Hollywood flair.

The 21st annual shindig, co-founded and curated by Boulder-raised sisters Kathy and Robin Beeck, takes over downtown Boulder and the Longmont Museum from March 13-16 to cinephiles’ delight. The festival will screen 68 films from 18 countries and highlight Boulder-inspired gems.

New this year, fashion icon Kenneth Cole will be presented with BIFF’s first-ever Catalyst Award. The award-winning designer will swing through Boulder to be honored for his staunch activism for causes like championing LGBTQ+ rights, taking a decades-long lead in HIV/AIDS awareness and promoting well-being through mental health. At 3:15 p.m. March 16, “A Man with Sole: The Impact of Kenneth Cole” will make its Colorado premiere at the Boulder Theater, 2032 14th St., Boulder, followed by a Q&A with Cole.

Devo frontman Mark Mothersbaugh will also attend the film festival. After the 5:45 p.m. March 15 screening of “Devo,” the musician will be on hand for a Q&A at Boulder Theater.

Other notable personalities attending BIFF include astronaut Eileen Collins, world champion triathlete Siri Lindley, Olympic gold medalist Edwin Moses and more.

A film that hits Boulder right at home, “Come See Me in the Good Light” makes its Colorado premiere, a moving documentary from comedian Tig Notaro about Boulder County spoken word and poetry icon Andrea Gibson and their partner Megan Falley, also a poet. The pair tenderly navigates living between the lines of hope and despair as Gibson faces an incurable ovarian cancer diagnosis. The film, directed by Ryan White (“Tiger King,” “Good Night Oppy”), debuted at Sundance and won the “Festival Favorite Award.” It will screen at 10 a.m. March 16 at Boulder Theater.

“Chasing Time,” a new film from Boulder’s award-winning filmmaker Jeff Orlowski-Yang, is set to screen at 12:15 p.m. March 14 at Grace Commons Church, 1820 15th St., Boulder. Orlowski-Yang, Denver filmmaker Sarah Keo and the film’s subject — local photography legend James Balog (who lives in the hills outside Boulder) — will all appear at BIFF supporting 2024’s “Chasing Time.” The 39-minute documentary features the stunning photography of Balog and his Extreme Ice Survey team, who have been capturing impressive climate change proof with photos of rapidly melting glaciers spanning 15 years. In 2012, Orlowski-Yang nabbed an Oscar for “Chasing Ice,” another collaboration with Balog.

Another Boulder Icon, Ruth Wright, is the shining star of a brand-new film, “Citizen Ruth: Environmental Warrior,” which will make its world premiere at 4:30 p.m. March 16 at First United Methodist Church,1421 Spruce St., Boulder. Wright, an environmentalist and former Colorado democratic legislator (1981-1994), was the second woman to serve as the state’s House Minority Leader. Filmmaker, Boulder-born Pamela Hoge, (whose 2022 film “Mighty Oak” paid tribute to Boulder environmentalist Dr. Oakleigh Thorne II) follows the marvelous feats of a strong female amid obstacles and challenges.

There will be 20 filmmakers from Colorado in attendance.

In Longmont, all films will screen at the Stewart Auditorium, 400 Quail Road, in the Longmont Museum from March 14-16. There will be an Opening Party at the Longmont Museum on March 14 where attendees can walk the red carpet, pause for photos, sip on complimentary drinks, hors d’oeuvres and groove to live music.

In Boulder, BIFF’s CineChef will launch the festival on March 13, bringing in a friendly film-based competition of award-winning local chefs at Rembrandt Yard, 1301 Spruce St., Boulder.

Opening Night and Red Carpet Gala hits the Boulder streets on March 14 and will be up and running with two 5 p.m. parties — one at Hotel Boulderado and one at Rembrandt Yard — featuring a feast of food, drinks and live music. As BIFF tradition goes, the foot-stomping, beat-dropping Guerilla Fanfare Brass Band will lead attendees in a New Orleans-style second line parade to the Boulder Theater’s red carpet. Screening at 7:15 p.m., “The Friend,” starring Naomi Watts and Bill Murray, follows a writer (Watts) who adopts her friend/mentor’s dog after he commits suicide (Murray). The “friend,” a giant 180-pound Great Dane named Apollo, turns her life upside down in this canine-centric tearjerker.

On March 16, the closing night film was inspired by March being Women’s History Month, according to a release. The documentary “Spacewoman” looks at the accomplishments of Eileen Collins, the first female spacecraft commander in history. Collins will be in attendance for a Q&A.

Back for more will be BIFF staples, the Adventure Film Pavilion and the Singer-Songwriter Showcase.

After the film festival, select films will be available to watch from the comfort of your couch with “BIFF at Home” which launches on March 17.

For festival passes and ticket packs, head to biff1.com.