Aspen Filmfest played to significant crowds during its recently concluded 28th edition. Audiences applauded a wide range of programs and filmmakers in Aspen, Carbondale and Glenwood Springs, including the Independent by Nature Award tribute to Harrison Ford, the U.S. premier of Barbara Kopple and Cecilia Peck’s Shut Up and Sing, and the highly anticipated Stephen Frears feature, The Queen. The Audience Favorite Feature was the powerful epic Live and Become, while the Audience Favorite Documentary was Shut Up and Sing, the new Dixie Chicks documentary.

Festival attendance was up over last year with over 7,700 people attending the six-day event. Executive Director Laura Thielen comments: “The most inspiring aspect of this Filmfest was the audience. From school kids to industry professionals on holiday, we attracted a diverse crowd who attended film after film, truly embracing a wide array of films and topics. Documentaries and features alike captivated audiences.” Through its educational sidebars, Aspen Filmfest reached nearly 500 students and educators as well throughout the valley.

From the moment tickets went on sale, it was apparent this edition of Aspen Filmfest would be a-buzz with an energy all its own. Over half of the screenings played to sold out crowds. At the Wheeler Opera House, Harrison Ford thoughtfully recounted pivotal moments and motivations of his career. The benefit dinner that followed at The Little Nell raised money for Aspen Filmfest. After the screening of the romantic comedy Ira and Abby, actress Judith Light and producer Brad Zions entertained audiences with their behind-the-scenes stories. Aspen local Mark Harvey led an onstage discussion with Tom Bell and Randy Udall, principals appearing in his timely environmental documentary, A Land out of Time, which had its worldwide premier at Aspen Filmfest.

Other guests included Cecilia Peck, who attended the U.S. premier of Shut Up and Sing, Adrian Belic (Beyond the Call), whose rich, thought-provoking documentary enjoyed an added screening in Glenwood Springs, Christopher Quinn (God Grew Tired of Us) who shared his experiences filming three Sudanese refugees, and locally based producer Anita Witt (The Last of the Cowboys).