The 12th annual Durango Independent Film Festival will kick off March 1 with five days of cinematic fun! This year’s festival will feature 115 independent films, panels and workshops, parties and events from March 1-5.

The festival kicks off with — what else? — as festival kick-off party at the Ore House from 4-6 p.m. followed by free movie night at 6 pm. the Gaslight sponsored by DGO. That event is free and open to the public, but seating is first-come, first served so get there early. Films of all kinds — features, shorts, documentaries and more — will be screened throughout each day of the festival at a variety of venues, so check out the film schedule to be sure not to miss your favorites.

A big part of the festival fun is the non-film events, like the Craft Beer & Culinary Crawl on Thursday, March 2, that allows visitors to sample Durango craft beers paired with appetizers from a few of our talented local chefs. Pairings will take place at Brew Pub & Kitchen, Carver Brewing Co., The General Palmer Hotel (pairing Ska Beer with apps from The Container Restaurant) and Studio & (pairing Durango Brewing Co. with Home Slice Pizza). Start wherever you like and crawl to all locations within the allotted time (see map on this page for locations). This event is only for festival pass holders only. Must be 21 and over.

This year’s special guest comes with a lot of name recognition and screen cred: Jim Belushi! Although he’s known for his comedy and acting chops on the stages of The Second City and Saturday Night Live, and on the big screen for K-9 and Mr. Destiny, this will give people a chance to see him as a musician. Jim Belushi & the Sacred Hearts will play at Fort Lewis College on Saturday, March 4, bringing a lot of Memphis-seasoned R&B. Admission isn’t included in the film festival pass. VIP tickets are also available that include a pre-show reception with appetizers and beverages, premium reserved seating and a backstage post-show “meet and greet.”

The festival festivities wrap up Sunday with a wrap party at Irish Embassy Pub Underground from 8 p.m. to midnight.

While you’re in town for the Durango film festival, be sure to book your room with us at the Quality Inn Durango. We are one of the top-rated Durango hotels and offer a great value for your Durango vacation. Book your room at the Durango Quality Inn today!