Educational Outreach Program

“Great storytelling is the oldest of all arts, the glue that holds together our culture and ourselves.”

Robin Beeck, Executive Director,
Boulder International Film Festival

Mission

To use film as a visual form for great storytelling — an effective way to open student eyes to the world outside their communities, and help them gain an understanding of critical issues facing our society. Additionally, to use film like literature to develop critical analysis skills and to reach a non-traveling student population with information on other cultures and societies. Finally, to encourage students to see film as an important avenue of expression, in addition to a potential career path.

Programs and Activities

Boulder International Film Festival

Free tickets for students to films, panels, workshops • Students meet filmmakers • Free Screenwriting Seminar • Student Volunteer Program • “Best New Filmmaker” Award • “Best Student Film” Award

World Cinema Days

BIFF hosts several 'World Cinema Days' throughout the school year. The goal is to keep students meaningfully engaged by screening thoughtful student appropriate documentaries, films and animation during unstructured days off such as teacher “professional development” or “in-service days,” and to help parents arrange activities for their child on these non-school days. World Cinema Days features a free film program, presentation and group discussion for students in grade 4 through 12.

Youth Advisory Council

In keeping with its commitment to bringing independent films to a wider audience the Festival formed a Youth Advisory Council (YAC). The Council was founded in 2008 and is made up of 12-15 local film enthusiasts in grades 8-12. The Council represents a youth voice at the Festival and helps select films for its student film program, juries the student film category and helps organize and promote film opportunities for students in Boulder County. The Council has also produced, directed and edited several of their own films as well. Applications are available through our website in the spring for openings in the fall.

Open Call for 2010-11

CFS is currently accepting applications for its Youth Advisory Council. This year-long unpaid internship begins in September and ends in mid May. Applicants must be in grades 8-12 and Boulder County residents. Application deadline is Friday June 4, 2010. For more information contact Catherine Lee at 303-449-2289 or Catherine@biff1.com.

Visual Literacy Library

Grants teachers and community groups access to BIFF films that can be integrated into various curriculums and film programs.

Film Screenings for Teens

BIFF films for teen groups at the Boulder Museum of Contemporary Art (BMOCA).

Free Film Program

BIFF presents Great Films, Free! The BIFF International Spotlight at the Boulder Public Library Film Program in September, October, and November of 2008. The Spotlight includes ten “Best of the Fest” films and is free to students and the public.