BIFF plays a crucial role in cultural landscape

As the Boulder International Film Festival (BIFF) approaches once again, it’s essential to reflect on why this event holds such significance for our community and why everyone should make time to attend.

Beyond the entertainment and the stories told on the screen, the Boulder County Film Commission feels BIFF plays a crucial role in shaping Boulder’s cultural landscape, fostering creativity, and bringing people together.

First and foremost, the film festival offers an invaluable platform for filmmakers, both local and international, to showcase their work.

For those of us who live in Boulder, it provides the rare opportunity to engage with talented individuals whose voices might otherwise go unheard. Whether they’re telling a local story or addressing global issues, the films presented at BIFF open our eyes to diverse perspectives, ideas, and experiences.

BIFF also serves as a vital economic and social engine for the city. The festival draws visitors from near and far, providing a boost to local businesses, hotels and restaurants.

It’s a chance for Boulder to shine as a cultural hub, enhancing its reputation as a city that supports the arts and encourages creativity.

But perhaps the most important reason to attend BIFF is the sense of connection it fosters.

The screenings, panels and events bring together individuals from all walks of life. The shared experience of watching a film and discussing its themes afterward builds a sense of community and mutual understanding.

It’s more than just a night out — it’s an opportunity to connect with our neighbors, learn from each other and celebrate the power of storytelling.

In a world where it’s easy to feel disconnected, the Boulder International Film Festival reminds us of the importance of coming together and appreciating the arts in all their forms. So, whether you’re a long-time supporter or new to the festival, I urge you to attend BIFF this year.

You’ll be supporting local artists, enjoying incredible films, and becoming part of a vibrant, creative community.

— Bruce Borowsky, Boulder County Film Commissioner

What has happened to doing the right thing?

The members of Congress lacked both courage and integrity in the confirmation of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as the Head of Health and Human Services. They voted in accord with President Trump’s wishes, apparently out of fear.

Just as they did when they cleared the nomination of Pete Hegseth as Secretary of Defense. And Linda McMahon as Secretary of the Department of Education (the founder and CEO of Worldwide Wrestling Entertainment … what better credentials could we ask for?) And Kash Patel, a severe critic of the FBI who will now lead the FBI. Congress has confirmed the worst possible choices for their selected positions, all in order to save their jobs.

We should all be prepared for a resurgence of COVID (oh, wait, the COVID pandemic that killed millions of people never really happened; just more fake news from the Democrats), mumps/measles/diphtheria in babies, and polio (which has been eradicated for decades thanks to effective vaccines).

RFK Jr has already claimed that the measles outbreak that led to the death of one individual so far is “not unusual.” The facts say otherwise, but who needs facts when you can have fiction?

In the 1990 film “The American President,” Michael Douglas portrays the President of the United States.

He states, “I was so busy keeping my job, I forgot to do my job.” Members of Congress, take note … this applies to you! You have taken the easy way out, to save yourselves and your jobs. Marjorie Taylor Greene stated that federal workers do not deserve their jobs. Aren’t members of Congress nothing if not federal workers?

— Carrie Kass, Longmont