Fall Arts Preview

This season's must-see lineup of music, film, theater, dance, and fine art in the Mile-High City.

FILM

They Killed Sister Dorothy
Edge-of-your-seat thrillers don't have to come out of Hollywood. In fact, Denver filmmaker Daniel Junge's new documentary, They Killed Sister Dorothy, has all the dramatic storytelling of a big-budget feature film. Yet it's the movie's introspective questioning and attention to detail that will grab viewers' attention. Weaving story lines of murder and manipulation, Junge illustrates the fight over the rapidly depleting Brazilian rain forest. Junge's protagonist, Catholic nun Dorothy Stang, wants to protect the Amazon and its native people. But Stang runs afoul of opposing Brazilian ranchers, two of whom arrange to have her killed. As Junge investigates Stang's murder, he peels back the layers of culture, corruption, and government bureaucracy that may one day lead to the mass destruction of a natural wonder. Nov. 13-23, Denver Film Festival, Starz FilmCenter, 900 Auraria Parkway, 303-595-3456, www.denverfilm.org

Colorado Film Festivals 2008-2009

Telluride Film Festival
This intimate festival celebrates its 35th anniversary this year, and although the line-up isn't revealed until opening night, filmmakers and actors like Ken Burns and Meryl Streep show up for the edgy films nearly ever year. Aug. 29-Sept. 1, various locations, Telluride, 510-665-9494, www.telluridefilmfestival.com

Starz Denver Film Festival
Last year, Keri Russell personally opened her film August Rush at Denver's iconic festival. After 30 years with its founding leader, Ron Henderson, the festival has a new director in Britta Erickson, who is focused on developing the festival's documentary programming and its relationship with emerging filmmakers. This year's event promises 10 days of thought-provoking documentaries, feature films, and shorts. Nov. 13-23, Starz FilmCenter, 303-595-3456, www.denverfilm.org

Boulder International Film Festival
Going on its fifth year, this festival has grown rapidly because of its diverse programming. Showing 50 to 60 films each year, the festival offers potential Oscar nominees as well as little-known documentaries like this year's The Monastery, the tale of an elderly man who donates his home to the Russian Orthodox Church. Feb. 12-15, Boulder Theater, 2032 14th St., Boulder, 303-449-2289, www.biff1.com

Aspen Filmfest
Aspen's five-day festival offers a comparatively manageable 24 films, which means you can see nearly every documentary or foreign film you want. Last year's line-up included Into the Wild as well as a series of small foreign flicks like Small Engine Repair, an Irish movie about a man who longs to be a country singer. Sept. 24-28, Wheeler Opera House (320 E. Hyman Ave.) or Isis Theatre (406 E. Hopkins Ave.), 970-925-6882, www.aspenfilm.org

Hollywood Hits
We'll admit it: You can only see so many artsy, intellectually stimulating independent films before you just want a good dose of Hollywood absurdity. These upcoming national releases are worth the $10 ticket and $6 popcorn.

Burn After Reading
George Clooney, Brad Pitt, John Malkovich, Frances McDormand, and Tilda Swinton star in this new Coen brothers movie. Dark humor permeates the story of a CIA official (Malkovich) whose memoir falls into the hands of two ill-intentioned Washington, D.C., gym employees. Opens Sept. 12

Choke
Based on the 2001 novel of the same name by Chuck Palahniuk, this movie follows the antics of a sex-addicted con man (played by Sam Rockwell) who repeatedly feigns choking to death in an attempt to win sympathy—and money—from his rescuers. It's a twisted plot to be sure, but this comedy's one-liners and bizarre turns are brilliant and laugh-out-loud funny. Opens Sept. 26

Quantum of Solace
When British actor Daniel Craig returns to the role of 007 this year, he makes it his personal mission to understand why Vesper, his lover, betrayed him in Casino Royale. It's a dicey undertaking. But, as always, Bond travels the globe—flying planes, steering boats, racing cars, fighting the bad guys—and, ultimately, getting the girl. Opens Nov. 7

MUSIC

Either/Orchestra, Ethiopiques
Just as blues, ragtime, brass band music, hymns, and spirituals influenced what would become American jazz, jazz inspired other musical traditions, some as far away as Africa. In the mid-20th century, just as jazz was really coming into its own, musicians in Ethiopia began paying attention to the brassy trumpets and dark winding rhythms. They wove the characteristic sounds coming out of New Orleans into their own tunes. When the 10-piece Either/Orchestra plays "Ethiopiques" this winter, the saxophones, trumpets, flutes, trombone, bass, and drums will pay homage to that mix of American and African sound. Feb. 14, Newman Center for the Performing Arts, 303-871-6200, www.du.edu/newmancenter

Azul
Acclaimed South American composer Osvaldo Golijov redefines classical music with his recent work "Azul." Electronic beats, South American folk, and cello melodies come together to make this piece a toe-tapping blend of modern classic symphony and world music. Golijov wrote "Azul" to be accompanied by one of two world-renowned cellists, Yo Yo Ma or Alisa Weilerstein, the latter of whom will join Golijov and the Colorado Symphony Orchestra when they perform the Denver premiere of "Azul" this winter. Jan. 16-17, Boettcher Concert Hall, 1000 14th St., No. 15, 303-623-7876, www.coloradosymphony.org

Edgar Meyer and Chris Thile
As one of the world's top classical bassists, Nashville-based Edgar Meyer can easily handle a complex symphony. But, as evidenced by past performances, he can also hold his own with country's Garth Brooks, rock's Indigo Girls, and folk's James Taylor. For his September concert in Boulder, Meyer pairs up with Nickel Creek mandolinist Chris Thile. Meyer's on-stage energy and Thile's quick-picking bluegrass sounds promise to generate a lively and varied show. Sept. 25, Macky Auditorium Concert Hall, University of Colorado's Boulder campus, 303-492-8008, www.cuconcerts.org

Dawn Upshaw The four-time Grammy-winning soprano sings with the Colorado Symphony Orchestra. Sept. 12-14, Boettcher Concert Hall, 303-623-7876, www.coloradosymphony.org

London Symphony Chorus One of the world's most highly acclaimed singing groups belts out Verdi's "Requiem." Oct. 15-16, Newman Center for the Performing Arts, 303-871-6200, www.du.edu/newmancenter