The Denver Film Society today announced plans to relocate its film center in early November to 2510 East Colfax, across the street from East High School and the former site of Neighborhood Flix. The new Denver FilmCenter/Colfax will join neighborhood specialty retailers including the Tattered Cover Book Store and Twist & Shout Records in creating a premier cultural arts and entertainment destination on East Colfax Avenue.
DFS has signed a lease agreement with an option to purchase the site from building owner Frank Schultz, President and Co-owner of Tavern Hospitality Group. Says Schultz, "I was originally drawn to the location because of the tremendous potential for that area of Colfax. Shortly before we were to begin construction on our approved plan, The Denver Film Society approached us with a request to lease the space from us. We both share the same vision of bringing a cultural revitalization to the neighborhood. I felt it was the right decision for DFS to use the space for the new Denver FilmCenter. The Denver Film Society lease provides an immediate benefit for the community and I'm thrilled to make this happen for them and this neighborhood."
For the Denver Film Society, the property provides the best opportunities for future growth and stability.
"We're excited to take a step beyond just a location and truly find a home that is in the heart of an entertainment and cultural corridor," said Tom Botelho, executive director of the Denver Film Society. "Frank Schultz demonstrated a willingness to listen to our proposal and shares a vision for what our new Denver FilmCenter home has to offer to the community."
The Denver FilmCenter/Colfax will feature three screens, leather stadium seating, state-of-the-art sound, as well as a full bar and restaurant with seating for 80 in the theater lobby.
"Our new home is in an incredibly vibrant neighborhood and is within walking distance of 50,000 potential customers," said David Charmatz, DFS board chair. "We're looking forward to the opportunities this location will present in terms of educational and cultural programming with our neighbors, especially the students and staff at East High School."
The 33rd Starz Denver Film Festival will operate in two locations - at the Starz FilmCenter (Downtown Auraria Campus) and the Denver FilmCenter/Colfax. Year-round DFS programming will begin at the Denver FilmCenter/Colfax location on Nov. 15. DFS will maintain its business office and host select special events at the Starz FilmCenter through November 2011 when its existing lease expires. Educational programming and partnership with the University of Colorado at Denver College of Arts & Media will continue at both locations.
"Our new home is a perfect match for the kind of intimate programming that DFS does best," said Britta Erickson, Festival Director. "Through the combination of year-round film and Festival programming that annually draws international attention, we're confident that our members and film lovers throughout the region will experience one of the best social and cultural environments our city has to offer."
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