The Sie Film Center in Denver is a Hub for Cinema
A view of the signage of Denver’s Sie Film Center, located in the Congress Park neighborhood on E. Colfax Ave.
On a recent trip to Denver, a friend and I stumbled upon a film center while looking for a spot to watch the latest Paul Thomas Anderson film, One Battle After Another. Traveling from different parts of the country, he from San Francisco, and I flying in from Rochester, New York, we didn’t really know where the hip spot to catch a film was. After hitting up a local brewery, we found ourselves walking around on East Colfax in the Congress Park neighborhood, following a hunch that led us to a unique cultural landmark, the Sie Film Center. The film center, which is home to Denver Film, a 501 (c)(3) cultural arts organization that operates the venue, is tucked away behind a stellar vinyl shop called Twist & Shout. It’s worth plugging since they have some solid hits. Consider this a two-for-one special.
What stands out about the Sie Film Center is its dedication to the art of cinema. It is an intimate venue that is reminiscent of a nearby historic theater I frequent here in Rochester, New York, the Little Theater. As the year-round home of Denver Film, the Sie Film Center feels like a clubhouse, designed for film lovers, and includes a full cocktail lounge for those who enjoy a drink with their movies.
The films shown at the center shift between international releases, cult classics, documentaries, and all sorts of indie films. In terms of screen size and film quality, you’re likely to catch a movie shot on 35mm, which can make for a fantastic intimate screening. However, it is worth noting that films shown here will not be on a large-format screen like those inside an IMAX theater, so if you’re looking for an enhanced cinematic experience, you’re likely going to feel underwhelmed. This is the type of space where the audience feels more connected through the aura of a smaller theater.
A backdrop for the annual Denver Film Festival, which is hosted at the Sie Film Center.
What really gives the Sie Film Center its identity is the unique and ongoing festival culture. Each year, the Denver Film Festival is hosted at the center, as are other programs such as Denver’s only LGBTQ+ film festival, CinemaQ, and the Women+Film Festival, which celebrates female filmmakers. Denver Film also produces the Film on the Rocks summer film series at the Red Rock Amphitheater. Look it up, it’s an enchanting outdoor music space.
When visiting a new theater, especially one that focuses on international and indie films, I am always pleased when I know the staff is excited about the work they do. You get the sense that those supporting the curation of the film schedule, making your popcorn, pouring your drinks, and taking your ticket stubs are all deeply interested in the art of filmmaking. There is much to love about the Sie Film Center, and it is absolutely worth dropping in for a science fiction double feature.
A calm, lounging area inside the Sie Film Center with two stacked bookshelves.
