The 32nd Starz Denver Film Festival (SDFF32) will open with a red carpet gala screening of the highly-anticipated, award-winning feature film, "Precious: Based on the Novel 'Push' by Sapphire." Local luminaries and the film's producers, Sarah Siegel-Magness and Gary Magness will attend Opening Night and walk the red carpet along with the director, Lee Daniels, and the film's young star, Gabourey Sidibe.
"Precious" is the first film to win both the Sundance and Toronto audience awards. The gripping story follows a pregnant, illiterate 16-year-old teenager living in Harlem. Things appear to have hit rock bottom until Clareece "Precious" Jones receives an invitation to attend an alternative school where her life could take a different direction.
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"We're extremely excited and honored to have 'Precious' open the 32nd Starz Denver Film Festival," said Britta Erickson, Festival Director. "This is an incredibly well-crafted film with local roots and provides yet another strong affirmation of the important role our city and state continue to play in the international film industry."
Daniel's second film creates a compelling portrait of underprivileged and ignored youth and minorities. "Precious," like Sapphire's 1996 book "Push," reminds us of the dangers of passing judgments on others without having walked a mile in their shoes. Sidibe's performance as Precious has been considered one of the most electrifying debuts in years. The star-studded cast also includes Mo'Nique, Mariah Carey, Paula Patton and Lenny Kravitz.
This year's Opening Night event takes place Thursday, Nov. 12 at 7:30 p.m. at the Ellie Caulkins Opera House at the Denver Performing Arts Complex. Tickets for the award-winning film and Opening Night celebration go on sale to Denver Film Society members on Oct. 28 and Oct. 30 for the general public.
