Denver Film Festival is back in action in 2021

The red carpet rolls out Wednesday for the 44th annual Denver Film Festival.

Driving the news: The highly acclaimed event returns this year with in-person screenings, panels, parties and more, after the pandemic forced the festival to go virtual in 2020.

Details: DFF runs through Nov. 14 and features 233 films screening at the newly renovated Sie FilmCenter and several other theaters, including the AMC 9+CO 10 and Ellie Caulkins Opera House.

• More than a third of the 140 feature-length films will also be viewable online for those who prefers to skip the crowds.
• In-person attendees will need to show full proof of vaccination at all participating venues.
• Movie tickets start at $8 for members and $11 for nonmembers.

The lineup highlights (all preceded by red carpet events):

• "Spencer" (Nov. 3; Ellie Caulkins Opera House): The much-buzzed-about movie starring actress Kristen Stewart as Princess Diana in her final days. The screening is followed by an opening night kickoff party.
• "C'mon C'mon" (Nov. 5; Ellie Caulkins Opera House): A moving film featuring Joaquin Phoenix that details the deep bond formed between an uncle and his nephew.
• "King Richard" (Nov. 14); A drama starring Will Smith as the father of Venus and Serena Williams before the world knew their names.

Colorado in the spotlight:

• "A Decent Home," (online, multiple screenings): A film that looks at a three-year battle to save a mobile home park in Aurora from being sold for millions of dollars.
• "Running with My Girls" (online; Nov. 12, Maglione Theater): A documentary about five women activists in Denver and their home-grown mission to run for elected office.

See the full festival lineup or browse events by category