by Missy Votel

Whether you’re a dedicated film buff or a casual moviegoer, the 7th annual Durango Independent Film Festival promises to bring a little something to everyone this week. The five-day festival, which kicked off Wednesday and runs through Sunday, features 103 independent films, including everything from shorts and animation to documentaries, adventure films and full-length features. There will also be a full slate of parties, filmmaker panels and special workshops open to the public.

According to DIFF Executive Director Joanie Fraughton, the local festival continues on its steady course of growth, attracting world-class independent film, filmmakers and fans from throughout the country.

“Every year we wonder what will come our way to top the next,” said Fraughton. “And every year we are pleasantly surprised. The growth of the Durango Independent Film Festival is a testament to the power of independent film, the stories told through film and to the people who enjoy this platform.”

This year, films will be shown at three venues: the Durango Arts Center and the Gas Light Theatre (which has two screens.) Films will begin in 3-hour increments, from 9 a.m. - 9 p.m.

According to Robb Brantley, programming director, highlights of this year’s festival include a Saturday morning screening at the Gaslight of the cult classic “Repo Man,” followed by a question and answer session with director Alex Cox. In addition to the Q & A, Cox will lead a panel discussion “The Power of Story” from 11 a.m. - 12 noon at the Back Space Theatre.

Other film highlights include “Tears of Gaza,” a 90-minute documentary compiled entirely from the personal cell phones and cameras of Palestinians. “It’ strung together to tell the story of what’s happening right now on the Gaza Strip,” said Brantely. “It’s pretty powerful.”

Robb also recommends a 4-minute mockumentary “The Majestic Plastic Bag,” narrated by Jeremy Irons. “It’s a farcical story of a plastic bag’s journey from the store to its homeland in the plastic vortex in the ocean,” said Brantley.  

Another film of note is “Holiday Road,” a feature-length anthology of 12 different holidays throughout the year, each shot by a different director.

In addition, the festival will also be featuring several special and shorts programs including: “Shorts That Go Bump in the Night”; “Time Machine” shorts program, featuring historical films and films on historical events; The Family Program, one of the festival’s most popular programs; “About Children (but not for them),” featuring “Incest - The Musical”; Adventure Sports Program; Native American Program; and LGBTQ Program.

The Back Space Theatre, while not showing films, will play host to several public panels and workshops including:

- “The Power of Story,” featuring Alex Cox, of “Repo Man” fame, Sat., 11 a.m. - 12 noon

- “Stunts on a Budget” led by Hollywood stunt legend Bud Davis, Sat., 4 p.m.

- “What’s So Funny?” with comedians Steven Michael Quezada, Craig Semetko and John Rubano, Sun., 11 a.m. - 12 noon
In addition, there will be a party with the filmmakers Fri., 4 - 9 p.m. at the Derailed Saloon. “We encourage everybody to come out and meet the filmmakers,” said Brantley.

For a description of the films and full schedule of showings and events, please visit