A couple of weeks ago I got an email from my friend Maitri. A friend of hers was in serious trouble and she wanted my help.

“I’d seen her the day before and everything was fine. And she said, ‘I think my husband has leukemia‘.” Maitri said. “And they’ve checked him into the UW cancer ward.”

Here in Madison the University of Wisconsin is home to one of top research facilities in the county the Carbone Cancer Center. With very little notice Maitri’s friend was immediately admitted to the affiliated community hospital.

“I was most surprised with how quickly it happened and how urgently the medical profession had to respond,”

Maitri said. “Sunday I was at church with her. She went home after church. Her husband said ‘I have some pain in my legs. I think I’ll go to the doctor tomorrow.’ And she said ‘Let’s give the nurse on call a quick phone call and just make sure this is fine.’ The nurse said you need to go to the emergency room now. We went and they were ready to check him into the hospital that afternoon. So one minute fine, leg cramp, next minute checked into the UW Hospital ward.”

“With leukemia,”I said.

“Correct,” she said.

I’m no doctor. So from me it was not medical assistance she was looking for at least not directly. What Maitri wanted was my bone marrow. You see the best chance anyone suffering from Leukemia has is to receive a bone marrow transplant. And while there are more than 8 million bone marrow donors registered in the United State it’s nowhere near enough. With very specific genetic requirements an exact match for a bone marrow donor is very hard to come by.

“It’s easiest to find a genetic match with someone who’s related to you and secondarily of the same ethnic background, etc,” Maitri said. “And 70 percent of people cannot find a match within their own family. So they need to find an unrelated donor and unfortunately only about 4 out 10 people that are looking for an unrelated donor actually do.”

Hearing this it didn’t take much to convince me that it would be worth it to register as a bone marrow donor. And though I was not a good match for Maitri’s friend someone somewhere out there may one day need my help. Fortunately her friend’s husband found a match. He’s undergoing treatment. But the plight others who might not be so lucky got me thinking.

Less than a week after signing up for the national bone marrow donor registry, I reconnected with another friend named Shannon Foley. She’s the executive director of an organization called Love Hope Strength.

“Tell us what your organization is and what it does,” I asked Shannon in an interview.

“We are I guess the one and only, therefore the largest, rock n roll cancer foundation,” she said. “And we started about 3 and half years ago. And we travel the world, putting on concerts in order to raise money to build cancer centers in regions of the world that have no access to cancer care. And here in the United States, we go to concerts and we find matches for people in need of bone marrow transplants. So we swab peoples’ cheeks It’s a very simple process. We wave to processing fee, which is normally $65. And we get you registered to see if you can be the match to a patient with leukemia, sickle cell anemia, any kind of blood disorders, blood cancers.”

In the summer of 2009 Shannon and her team at Love Hope Strength managed to register 4,000 new bone marrow donors to the national database. So far this year they’ve matched 30 cancer patients for bone marrow transplants that will save their lives. The idea of mixing performing artists and their music with this kind of philanthropic giving is part of an amazing adventure that’s becoming a global movement. Raising both awareness and money in support of cancer treatment Love Hope Strength is changing the world.

Music this week by the Ahn Trio and the band The

At Outdoor Retailer, media, athletes, and gear manufacturers work hard—but they play harder, especially when it’s for a good cause. This year, BACKPACKER joined forces with Marmot, Keen, and Suunto to bring rockers Big Head Todd and the Monsters to Salt Lake City for a charity concert benefiting the Love Hope Strength Foundation, an organization dedicated to fighting cancer through music.

The band played a sold-out show to over 1,100 fans at $25 a pop—not too shabby. Once lucky concertgoer also won a BACKPACKER-themed Epiphone guitar (four others won Suunto, Marmot, Keen, and Love Hope Strength guitars, but c’mon—ours has a freakin’ bearon it). BHT & TM singer/guitarist Todd Park Mohr handed out the guitar himself.

But the battle continues, and you can help: Love Hope Strength wants to fight cancer by registering as many people as possible for the national bone marrow donor database. It sounds painful, but it just takes a swab of saliva. If you’re matched with someone, you could end up saving their life with a simple outpatient procedure. (Find out more here).

Back in 2009, BACKPACKER joined Love Hope Strength and several rock stars for a climb up Kilimanjaro—look out for the story in an upcoming issue. In the meantime, consider donating money or volunteering your time. Here’s a bit more about the LHS Foundation:

With headquarters in Denver and chapters in Texas, the United Kingdom, Peru, and Australia, LHS brings critical funding, material support and awareness to cancer initiatives worldwide. LHS has traveled the globe to Mt. Everest, the Empire State Building, Mt.Snowdon and Machu Picchu, Peru, using the universal language of music to purchase life saving equipment, spread awareness, promote early detection, and register people to the international bone marrow database. Co-founded by cancer survivors James Chippendale, CEO of CSI Entertainment Insurance, and Mike Peters, front man of The Alarm; and with the support from legends in rock n’ roll and passionate volunteers from around the globe, LHS is making a tangible difference in the fight against cancer.

—Ted Alvarez

The Colorado rock band and Utah fan favorites are teaming up with Suunto, Keen, Marmot, and Backpacker magazine at the Outdoor Retailer Winter Show to help the Love Hope Strength Foundation raise money for global cancer care. Show attendees will be given the opportunity to purchase discounted concert tickets for a donation of $15 or more (tickets at the door are $25).

When • Jan. 23 at 8 p.m.
Where • The Depot, 400 W. South Temple, Salt Lake City
Tickets • $22 in advance, $25 day of, at SmithsTix

A Kweevak.com Rock Report by Rich and Laura Lynch The Gin Blossoms formed in Tempe, Arizona in 1987. The band’s fans soaked in their jangly pop rock sound and by 1993 the group’s infectious songs were all over the radio. It was the strength of their debut album titled New Miserable Experience that left an indelible mark on the hearts and minds of their fervent adherents who still follow the band today.

Robin Wilson of the Gin Blossoms on stage in Montclair, New Jersey.

Like many bands the Gin Blossoms have had their fair share of trials and triumphs including a number of line-up changes. They are back in 2010 touring and finishing up an album that should be released later this year. The alternative rockers performed at Outpost in the Burbs in Montclair, New Jersey on January 22, 2010. The concert was held in a classic old church with high ceilings, chandeliers, stone walls and wood floors.

The multi-platinum selling quartet (Jesse Valenzuela – guitar, Bill Leen – bass, Scott Johnson – guitar and Robin Wilson – vocals) subtly slipped on the stage for a stripped down set of their classics. Tonight’s event was a mostly acoustic affair with Robin aptly handling rhythm on tambourine.

“Let’s do this thing,” stated Wilson, blowing the first notes of “Follow You Down” on a harmonica. He alternated between harp and vocals on this song. Standing center stage Robin raised his hands over his head encouraging the crowd to clap along as the group expanded upon the instrumental parts of the tune.

After band introductions and a shout out for the various causes that Outpost was supporting the Gin Blossoms performed a peppy version of “Until I Fall Away”. After a bit of a debate they played “Learning The Hard Way” with added arrangements from Scott on guitar. “As Long As it Matters” showcased pleasing guitar parts supported by plucky bass lines and fine vocal variations. “Found Out About You” was edgy and engaging with Wilson encouraging the audience to clap along.

There was applause for the opening notes of “Long Time Gone” that flowed on feisty guitar exchanges and fetching bass lines. Fans were having fun dancing along and becoming more vocal in their reactions to the music. Robin handed a tambourine to a young girl in the front pew to assist him with rhythm.

The Gin Blossoms’ Bill Leen on bass and Scott Johnson on guitar.

“Allison Road” was animated as Wilson called out to the crowd to sing along. At the end Robin made the astonishing observation that Bill broke a bass string at an acoustic show! Their tech worked on the instrument as the three played a new song. “Miss Disarray” was a reflective, radio friendly piece about relationship woes, a formula that has worked well in the past for the Gin Blossoms.

The bass was back for “Cajun Song” which was a combination of pensive and peppy prose and playing. “Seat of our pants, rock and roll” was Robin’s description of “Mrs. Rita” as there were a few forgotten lines but it was still a fan favorite of the night.

“Super Girl” had a dramatic feel enhanced by dueling acoustic guitars with a quick foray into the Byrds’ “So You Want To Be A Rock N Roll Star”. “Til I Hear It From You” featured singular guitar solos and lead into the closer – a jolting version of “Hey Jealousy”.

For the encore, Robin called the crowd to the front of the stage for a nifty cover version of The Plimsoul’s “Now” with Wilson high fiveing fans. Now, with a new record and live revivals of their classic catalogue the Gin Blossoms are coming back around again.

Opening for the Gin Blossoms was Loretta Hagen. “Its a real pleasure to be here,” said Loretta as she strummed her way though her first song – a visual piece about building a house and building dreams. Next, Hagen thanked the Gin Blossoms and all the volunteers at the Outpost. Her second song was a prayer about the day – a hopeful poem that featured pretty picking.

Jesse Valenzuela helped emcee the evening and the band’s most recent release, Major Lodge Victory.

Loretta had a rich voice and her songs were insightful. The title track from her album Sundown Till Down was personal and poignant and was written for her mother who has Alzheimer’s disease. Another tune was a call to compassion and “Mirror, Mirror” was a wistful song reflecting on life and moments in time.

After Hagen’s set, George Devanney from the Love, Hope, Strength Foundation briefly spoke about how mountain climbers and rockers are raising awareness and building cancer centers around the world. Musicians the world over – including Robin of the Gin Blossoms – have hiked famous peaks to help fight the illness that afflicts so many annually. He also talked about the bone marrow registry, mentioning that 30,000 people are in need of bone marrow transplants but only 3,000 a year get matched. George urged fans to visit their table set up in the back of the church to sign up for the registry, which entailed filling out a form and a mouth swab.

The Outpost was also collecting for Haiti and sold snacks to support other projects. Their chocolate cookies were delicious. Outpost In The Burbs’ venues are intimate and ideal for music. Montclair is a fun town with many restaurants and shops. We had a flavorful and festive dinner at Cuban Pete’s before the concert. On a side note, as we were leaving the city we saw a long line of people waiting to meet the cast of the TV show the Jersey Shore. Although it was a chilly winter night there were some folks scantily dressed fitting into the stereotype that the show portrays – proving that there is something for everyone in Montclair.

SETLIST
Follow You Down
Until I Fall Away
Learning The Hard Way
As Long As It Matters
Found Out About You
Long Time Gone
Allison Road
Miss Disarray
Cajun Songs
Mrs. Rita
Super Girl
Lost Horizons
Til I Hear It From You
Hey Jealousy
Encore:
Now

GIN BLOSSOMS:

Robin Wilson – guitar
Jesse Valenzuela – guitar
Scott Johnson – guitar
Bill Leen – bass
John Richardson – drums

Als der Texaner mit dem Zug in Burg (Sachsen-Anhalt) ankommt, reißt gerade die Wolkendecke auf, die Sonne kommt raus. Sekunden später liegen sich James Chippendale aus Dallas und Klaus Kaiserin den Armen. Deutsch und englisch schallt es über den Bahnsteig. James feiert Wiedersehen mit seinem Lebensretter.

Spende
Im Jahr 2000 wurde bei James Chippendale, Versicherungsmanager aus Dallas, Leukämie diagnostiziert. Die Ärzte gaben ihm eine Überlebenschance von 50 Prozent. In letzter Sekunde fand sich ein passender Knochenmarkspender. Dass der 8313 Kilometer entfernt im Dorf Gütter in Sachsen-Anhalt lebt, wusste James natürlich nicht. „Ich hatte damals kaum noch Hoffnung“, erzählt er. Klaus Kaiser aus Gütter hatte sich damals für einen erkrankten Freund testen lassen. „Ist doch selbstverständlich“, sagt er. Warum das Aufhebens? Kaiser ist ein bodenständiger Mann, der einfach seinem Herzen und Gefühl gefolgt ist. Für den Freund passte sein Knochenmark nicht, aber Klaus’ Daten blieben in der Spenderkartei. Das rettete James das Leben.

Heilung
James Chippendale war 31 Jahre jung, als er an einer sehr aggressiven Form von Leukämie erkrankte. Er war voller Pläne, ein lebenslustiger, sportlicher junger Mann. Die Diagnose kam wie ein Schlag in die Magengrube, sie beinahe sein Todesurteil. Chippendale bekam Bestrahlung und Chemotherapie. Verzweifelt wurde eine Knochenmarkspende gesucht. Aber in den Staaten fand sich kein passender Spender für den schwer kranken jungen Mann. Die Universität Magdeburg reagierte auf den weltweiten ausgesandten Hilferuf, sandte ihre Werte ein. Und die Computer in Dallas meldeten dann den lang ersehnten Treffer: Das Blut von Klaus Kaiser und das von James Chippendale passte zu 100 Prozent zueinander!

Klaus Kaiser wurde erneut getestet und kam Ende 2000 in eine Berliner Klinik. Sein Arbeitgeber gab ihm drei Wochen frei, Kaiser wurde an der Hüfte Knochenmark entnommen, an drei Stellen. Eine Art Ischiasschmerz war alles, was der stämmigen Mann ca. 14 Tage nach der Entnahme noch verspürte. Als James Chippendale vom Blutkrebs geheilt war, hatte er nur einen Wunsch: „Ich wollte den Mann kennenlernen, der mir ein zweites Leben geschenkt hat!“ Nach zwei Jahren Frist, in der Anonymität gewährt werden muss, war es so weit. Über die Uni Magdeburg wurde mit Zustimmung von Spender Klaus der erste Kontakt vermittelt. Erst da erfuhr der Ostdeutsche, dass seine Spende ein Leben gerettet hatte. Und wer der Glückliche war.

Treffen
Seit 2003 fliegt James nun jedes Jahr nach Germany zu Klaus und dessen Familie. „Manchmal denke ich: Wow, das ist eine unglaubliche Geschichte. Ich verdanke Klaus, dass ich lebe“, sagt James. Er ist bei allen wichtigen familiären Ereignissen im Hause Kaiser mit dabei. Es scheint das Natürlichste der Welt. Er hat das renovierungsbedürftige Haus gegenüber für die Kaisers gekauft.

ür den Kampf gegen den Krebs hat James Chippendale den Verein »Love, Hope, Strength« gegründet, macht unermüdlich Werbung, um Erkrankten in aller Welt zu helfen. Auf seinem Bizeps hat er sich Klaus’ Namen eintätowieren lassen. James, der weltgewandte Geschäftsmann, hat in dem bodenständigen Schlosser aus Gütter seinen Blutsbruder gefunden – auch wenn beide die Sprache des anderen kaum sprechen. Sie scheinen einander wortlos zu verstehen. „Ich bin kein Held“, wehrt Klaus bescheiden ab. „Doch, für mich schon“, sagt James und drückt ihn.


JEDE STAMMZELLENSPENDE KANN HELFEN, DEN KREBS ZU HEILEN

Patient
Im März 2000 wurde bei James Chippendale Leukämie diagnostiziert. Drei Jahre später war er dank Chemotherapie und einer Knochenmarkspende geheilt. Seitdem kämpft er mit seiner Organisation »Love Hope Strength« dafür, dass Krebspatienten weltweit optimal medizinisch versorgt werden. Informationen im Internet: www.lovehopestrength.org

Spender
Mit dem Thema Knochenmarkspende sind immer noch viele Vorurteile, z. B. über Schmerzen und Risiken, verbunden. Der Test ist ein einfacher Abstrich im inneren Wangenbereich. Die Knochenmarkentnahme be deutet keinerlei Gefahr für den Spender, beeinträchtigt weder seine Blutwerte noch sein Rückenmark. Die Deutsche Knochenmarkspenderdatei informiert unter: www.dkms.de

Labour’s Chris Ruane secured a debate to push for changes to the current system and drew on the personal experiences of friends Mike Peters, frontman of rock band the Alarm, and Max Tami, whose father Mark is the MP for Alyn and Deeside. Max is undergoing treatment for the disease at Alder Hey.

Speaking in Westminster Hall, the second debating chamber of the Commons, Mr Ruane, Vale of Clwyd MP, called for the size of the bone marrow register to be increased and better awareness schemes about the issue.

“In the past two years I have personally known two people struck by leukaemia, one is Max Tami, the now 11-year-old son of my colleague Mark Tami, and the other is a constituent and friend Mike Peters, who used to be the lead singer with the 1980s Welsh band the Alarm,” he said.

“Both have tried to raise awareness of leukaemia and the importance of donating stem cells and bone marrow to help cancer sufferers.

“Max recently had a starring role in Children in Need asking people to come forward to be donors.

“Mike is a whirlwind of energy and has promote awareness of the importance to donate from the top of the Empire State Building, the foothills of Everest and Kilimanjaro.

“He co-founded his own charity, the Love, Hope and Strength Foundation.”

MPs were told that bone marrow donors are currently recruited from the blood donor register.

There were staggering differences in the numbers and percentages of bone marrow donors recruited in England, Scotland and Northern Ireland, while figures were not collated for Wales.

Records show the English regions are recruiting 30% of the existing pool of blood donors onto the bone marrow register but Northern Ireland is only recruiting 3% and Scotland 4.5%.

It is also unclear if UK patients received their stem cell or bone marrow from UK or foreign donors because the information is not collected.

Mr Ruane questioned how it was possible to tell if there is a shortage of supply in Britain if no records are kept about the origin of the donor.

And, while the marketing budgets for attracting blood donors in England and north Wales has gone up from £10.5m to £14.5m over the last eight years – almost 50% – the number of donors has dropped from 1.8m to 1.4 m.

Health Minister Gillian Merron agreed to set up a meeting with Mr Ruane, Mike Peters and Health Secretary Andy Burnham to discuss the issue.

She added: “We can always do more and we will continue to do so.”

Add a comment
Recommend
HAVING just returned from a two-week expedition scaling the heights of Mount Kilimanjaro in aid of the Love Hope Strength Foundation, you would think Glenn Tilbrook would be in need of a well-deserved rest.

Instead, he’s taking time off from his bands, The Fluffers and a reformed Squeeze, to plot a solo tour calling at two Merseyside venues next week.

He will play Birkenhead’s Pacific Road Arts Centre on Wednesday, November 25, and St Helens Citadel on November 27.

Tilbrook’s 30-year career has spawned Top 10 hits all around the world, including Cool For Cats, Tempted and Up The Junction.

His work has been cited as a major influence by Mark Ronson, The Feeling, Kasabian, Razorlight and Lily Allen.

Of course, since Boulder’s International Film Series is involved again for satellite screenings, we could say some of them won’t screen in Boulder again either.

“This is the 10th year that SDFF and IFS have partnered up to bring to Boulder a selection of eclectic film premieres,” said Pablo Kjolseth, IFS Director. “These are the same festival prints that screen at the Telluride Film Festival or Cannes, where people pay anywhere from $20 to much more (if they buy passes), and yet we keep the price affordable.” To find screenings exclusively at the IFS, go to internationalfilmseries.com.

Kjolseth appreciates what SDFF programmers do to pull off such an ambitious festival. “Their programmers travel around the world in their search for quality films and they have a very dynamic and eclectic range.”

Spotlight on Mexico

Last year, SDFF set aside their tradition of focusing on a particular country or region, choosing instead to simply offer the best of world cinema. But, like last year’s unofficial focus on animation, this year there’s a special spotlight on Mexican cinema.

“Our Festival de Cine Mexicano is a new component that we are very excited about,” said Erickson. “And, as part of the program component,

we’ve expanded our Saturday-at-the-Movies program to include a family friendly film that will be presented with Spanish subtitles –that film will be Disney/Pixar’s, ‘Up.’”

The Festival de Cine Mexicano honors the recent upswing in global attention the Mexican film industry has experienced in recent years. Seven films offer a cross-section of current Mexican cinema.

Ariel Gordon’s psychological thriller, “Black Box,” tells the story of a dying man forced to assassinate a political candidate. “One for the Road,” directed by Eva Lopez Sanchez, grew from the real-life escapades of her co-writer and co-producer, Alfredo Mier y Teran. The film follows intertwining tales of three young men crossing Mexico City. Julian Hernandez completes

‘Black Box’ follows an assassination attempt on a political candidate.

his award-winning trilogy with the experimental film, “Raging Sun, Raging Sky,” a mythological story of lovers torn apart and entreating Corazon del Cielo for help.

“We have also expanded our Women+Film program this year to include not just a panel as in past years,” said Erickson, “but to include a panel and a sidebar of 8 films — including one about the Nobel Peace Laureate Rigoberta Menchu Tum, with her in person to discuss the film with the audience.”

Saturday-at-the-Movies events, programmed specially for families, take place at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 21st at the Ellie Caulkins Opera House. The morning movie will be “Turtle: The Incredible Journey,” the story of a loggerhead turtle traveling from Florida to Africa, narrated by Miranda Richardson. The second film will be “Up.”

Buzzworthy flicks

Three red carpet events, all taking place at the Ellie Caulkins Opera House, kick off with the “Opening Night” feature, “Precious: Based on the Novel ‘Push’ by Sapphire.” Director Lee Daniels adapted the film from a story written by urban social worker and teacher, Ramona Lofton. The story is about an abused, overweight, pregnant teen and the redemption she finds in an alternative school program. “Precious” stars Paula Patton, Mariah Carey, Lenny Kravitz and Gabourney “Gabby” Sidibe as Precious. The film has garnered Oscar buzz already for Mo’Nique, who plays the child’s mother.

The screening follows the Opening Night Party, at 7:30 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 12th.

SDFF’s “Big Night” features Michael Hoffman’s “The Last Station,” an imaginative film about Countess Sofya (Helen Mirren) who, after fifty years of devotion to her passionate husband, Leo Tolstoy (Christopher Plummer), discovers he’s given up his title and land for a life of poverty, celibacy and vegetarianism. Also stars Paul Giamatti and James McAvoy. The screening begins at 7:30 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 14th and is preceded by the short film “Western Spaghetti.”

The “Closing Night” film, held at 7:30 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 21, features Emily Blunt as Queen Victoria and Rupert Friend as her cousin, Albert, in a romantic drama from Jean-Marc Vallee called “The Young Victoria.”

Audience participation

Hoping to shrink the gap between the audience and the films as they do every year, SDFF offers several panels, workshops and special presentations. The panel “Environment in Focus” follows a special presentation of four documentary films: “So Right So Smart,” “Split Estate,” “Garbage Dreams” and “Beetle Queen Conquers Tokyo.”

“Environment in Focus” is at 6:30, Monday, Nov. 16th at the Starz Film Center in the gallery.

Aspiring filmmakers and screenwriters might want to check out the panel “Indie-Film Roulette,” moderated by Denver film critic, Robert Denerstein, and “Money & Movies: Avoiding Pitfalls When Making Your Magic,” moderated by NYU adjunct professor Reed Martin. Other panels, including “It’s A Documentary, But Can You Trust It?” are listed on the SDFF website, denverfilm.org.

One of the more popular events at SDFF is the Animation Station, a competition from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 13th where contestants use clay, drawings, and cutouts, vying for a $600 prize. The Animation Station continues on Sunday with a workshop where participants create their own films with help from instructors. A $30 entry fee is required of each team, and teams may be comprised of between one and three participants. The event is presented by ASIFA Colorado.

Boulder’s own

Filmmaker Jessica Oreck shot “Beetle Queen Conquers Tokyo.”

“I have loved insects since I was really little, which is, needless to say, a bit unusual in the US, especially for a girl. So when I found out that there was an entire culture that appreciated insects rather more than I did, I knew I had to make a film,” said Oreck. “My interest lies in ethnobiology — the way humans interact with the natural world (especially those pieces of the natural world that we, as Americans, often find abhorrent) — so this topic was perfect for me.”

Oreck graduated from Boulder High in 2003 and now lives in New York City, working as an animal keeper and docent for the American Museum of Natural History. “Beetle Queen” is her first feature length film. She is currently working on several animated science shows and researching her next film. “I guess I could say that the film isn’t really about bugs — it’s really about finding a new perspective on the natural world.”

Music, awards and more

And in the vein of many film festivals, SDFF decided last year to add music to the 11-day event, featuring bands such as The Swayback, B.Sous, Rachel Pollard and Le Divorce — as well as Vivienne VaVoom of Burlesque As It Was. Most concerts will be held at the Meadowlark Bar and the Walnut Room in Denver. “Our Love, Hope, Strength Music Lounge… will feature a concert by the Gin Blossoms on Thursday, Nov. 19 at the Hard Rock Café,” said Erickson. The show, one of many at the festival, will start at 9 p.m. For concert information, go to denverfilm.org or call 303-595-3456.

Retrospectives and tributes include “An Evening with Ed Harris,” where “The Right Stuff” actor will be in attendance to receive the Mayor’s Lifetime Achievement Award following a screening of career clips starting at 7 p.m., Friday, Nov. 13 at the King Center.

Six films (”Applause,” “The Last Conversation,” The Other Bank,” “Protector,” “A Room and a Half, or A Sentimental Journey to the Homeland” and “Sweet Rush”) are competing this year for the Krzysztof Kieslowski Award, which is presented to feature-length fiction in the style of the late Polish director, known best for his Three Colors trilogy.

Films competing for the Emerging Filmmaker Award, presented to a first or second-time director whose film currently has no U.S. distribution deal are: “Children of Invention,” “Footprints,” “Guy and Madeline on a Park Bench,” “Son of Sunshine,” “St. Nick” and “The Vicious Kind.”

Other awards presented by SDFF this year include the Maysles Brothers Award for Best Documentary, the Excellence in Acting Award (presented to Hal Holbrook of “All the President’s Men” fame), the Rising Star Award (presented to AnnaSophia Robb of Tim Burton’s “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory”) and the Stan Brakhage Vision Award, given to an experimental filmmaker who embodies the avant garde spirit of the renowned filmmaker who taught at CU-Boulder for many years.

Filmmaker and CU Film Studies Professor Phil Solomon, who won the award two years ago, will present it to this year’s winner, Ernie Gehr. Gehr was inspired to create minimalist films after wandering into a screening of Brakhage’s work in the late 1960s. From there, the self-taught artist went on to produce films now held in museums and film archives around the world. His film “Serene Velocity” was selected for preservation by the Library of Congress and dubbed, “One of our national treasures.” Three of Gehr’s recent films, “Abracadabra Turn-of-the-Century,” “Crystal Palace” and “Waterfront Follies,” will screen during the event, which begins at 7 p.m., Sunday, Nov, 15th at the Starz Film Center.

Why Denver?

SDFF will welcome over 100 filmmakers and industry professionals to the festival, many of them excited to gauge audience reaction to their films.

“I hope that people will come see my movie,” said Oreck. “Film Festivals are critical in today’s rather upside-down world of independent film distribution. There really are very few other venues for our small films to be seen by wider audiences in legitimate movie houses. And seeing a film on the big screen is, of course, the best way to watch a movie.”

Erickson, who’s worked for SDFF for over a decade now, feels film festivals give people something special during tough economic times. One of the biggest draws for film festival is what Erickson calls, “armchair travel.” “We have films from all over the world, thus our tagline, ‘Destination: Anywhere,’ and you can be transported to and enlightened by diverse cultures and viewpoints.”

She is particularly pleased with the “Precious” screening, and has reason to be, since it’s the first time a film has won Audience Awards at both the Telluride and Toronto Film Festivals. “It has a Boulder/Denver connection… it’s produced by Sarah Siegel-Magness [daughter of Mo Siegel, who founded Celestial Seasonings] and Gary Magness. They will be in attendance on opening night along with the film’s director, Lee Daniels… and we’re extremely honored to present the Mayor’s Achievement Award to the amazingly talented Ed Harris.”

Kjolseth points out the beauty of such an ambitious festival so close to home. “I saw ‘Bad Lieutenant’ at the Telluride Film Festival. I drove for seven hours and paid almost seven-hundred dollars for a pass, so even though I managed to watch about 23 films, that breaks down to about $30 a film. Whereas here, thanks to SDFF, you’re only a few minutes away from the same film and only having to pay a fraction of what other festival’s charge.”

For ticket prices and information on screenings, workshops, panels, awards and special events, check the schedule online at denverfilm.org.

‘Western Spaghetti’ is a short, stop-motion animated film.

Didn’t win? Don’t be sad. Stay tuned to Metromix for more contests in the near future.

Dustin’s winning answer: As we head into 2010, are you happy to see so many ’90s alt-rock bands still going strong?

Hell yes. I’d love tickets to this, because I’m seeing the Pixies Tuesday night, this would just make the week super ’90s for me!