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New Collaboration Debuts with Film Festival in Boulder
Boulder Histories Film Festival highlights the People, Places, and Preservation throughout the Region
The Boulder Histories Film Festival (BHFF) is Boulder’s newest documentary film festival. Taking place at the foot of the iconic Flatirons in the newly renovated Chautauqua Auditorium, BHFF screens short documentaries about Boulder County made by Boulder-based filmmakers, focusing on the People, Places, and Preservation Efforts in the region.
This one-day festival takes place September 13 and will feature 17 short documentaries broken into three thematic screening blocks — People, Places, and Preservation. The event also features a discussion with the filmmakers, and the day culminates with an awards ceremony.
Block 1: People
Doors open at 9:30am. Screening 1 begins at 10am
“Baseline ‘Mo Seigel’”
This film by Rob Shearer highlights Mo Seigel, founder of Boulder-based Celestial Seasonings tea.
“Boulder International Film Festival – 20 Year Anniversary”
As the Head of Video Production for the Boulder International Film Festival, Tom Parkin shares his film on the 20-year impact of the Boulder International Film Festival.
“Frozen Dead Guy Days”
Directed by Mike Scalisi and Bruce Borowsky, this short explains the real-life (and death) story behind Colorado’s creepy yet cool Frozen Dead Guy Days.
“Oscar White’s Story”
This film by Clare Brandt tells the remarkable journey of Oscar F. White, a formerly enslaved man who served in the United States Colored Infantry during the Civil War, reunited with family members after years of separation, and became one of Boulder’s early Black residents.
“Seeding The Front Range”
Directed by Debbie Lee, this documentary explores a story rooted in Colorado’s Front Range region and its people, contributing to the festival’s broader mission of documenting Boulder County’s history and cultural heritage.
Block 2: Places
Doors open at 12:30pm. Screening 2 begins at 1pm
“150th Anniversary Of CU Boulder”
This film by Benjamin Albuisson commemorates the University of Colorado Boulder’s 150th anniversary through archival imagery and historical reflection on the university’s legacy and impact.
“Building Boom!”
Director Bud Leonard examines Boulder’s post-World War II housing explosion and the dramatic growth of the city between 1947 and 1967.
“Golden Ponds Sketchbook”
Director Steve Bigelow is an historical documentary featured in the festival’s Places category.
“A Land Made From Water”
This documentary by Len Aitken tells how irrigation ditches and water development transformed the Boulder Valley and Front Range from semi-arid grasslands into the community and landscape seen today.
“A New Season At Chautauqua”
Scott J. VanOrdstrand explores the ongoing evolution of Colorado Chautauqua, a National Historic Landmark that continues to serve as a center for culture, history, education, and the arts in Boulder.
“The Sink: The Rest[aurant] Is History”
Directed by Rachael Caraluzzi, Jessica Benjamin, and Bruce Borowsky, “The Sink: The Rest[aurant] Is History” chronicles the 100-year history of Boulder’s iconic Sink restaurant through stories from owners, employees, patrons, and local personalities.
“Trident Book Store | Community Focused. Employee Owned”
Director Chad Weber profiles Boulder’s beloved Trident Booksellers & Café, focusing on its transition to employee ownership and its role as a longstanding community gathering place.
Block 3: Preservation
Doors open at 3:30pm. Screening 3 begins at 4pm followed by an awards ceremony.
“Colorado University of Boulder 150th Anniversary Celebration”
Doug Conway uses archival photographs and footage to celebrate 150 years of CU Boulder, highlighting the people, ideas, and innovations that shaped the university’s history.
“Gwentheon Cottage”
Pixel Mill Studios showcases Boulder County’s historic Gwenthean Cottage through a documentary-style video tour created to preserve and share the site’s history and significance.
“No Small Idea – A Chautauqua Story”
Director Jared Bunn explores the history and enduring community impact of Colorado Chautauqua, one of Boulder’s most important cultural and historic institutions.
“Of Song And Earth”
Directed by Frank Jean Fazzio, “Of Song And Earth” examines the connection between music, landscape, and place preservation in a story rooted in Boulder County’s cultural heritage.
“Peaks To Prairie”
Director Chad Weber follows an innovative Front Range project that uses fungi, forestry byproducts, and regenerative agriculture to restore prairie soils and strengthen ecological resilience.
Screenings take place at Chautauqua Auditorium located at 100 Morning Glory Drive. Tickets range from $16 to $38.52 and are available at the Chautauqua.com. An opening night screening of Robert Redford’s Downhill Racer on September 12 is available at Historic Boulder’s website. Come be a part of this festival celebrating Boulder’s unique history!
