Kevin Smith has main character energy. As the CEO of Denver Film, his plot line goes a little like this: graduate from Michigan State University with a degree in finance, start working on the finance side of the film industry, move to Denver in 2014, become a corporate partner of Denver Film, become interim CEO of Denver Film, drop the interim. If you’re wondering what plot twist led to a finance major with no formal training in film being crowned CEO of Denver’s cinematic climax, his lifelong passion for movies will prove this is the perfect casting. From fond childhood memories of watching black-and-white Shirley Temple moving pictures with his grandfather to viewing niche documentary films at the Sie FilmCenter, Smith values the way movies make us feel and think. He is determined to transform the movie theater into a diverse, inclusive, and art-driven space for the community. He encourages everyone, even first-time film-festival-goers to get tickets to the Denver Film Festival happening Nov. 3–12 at the Sie FilmCenter and select theaters around town. Here, he also offers his recommendations of where to go before and after a film in his City Park neighborhood and beyond.
Dining + Drinks
Favorite coffee shop: Pablo’s Coffee
Great happy hour: Middleman
Great spot to catch a game: Stoney’s Uptown Joint
Quick lunch: El Taco de México
Great spot for dinner with friends: Sunday Vinyl
Go-to for weekday breakfast: Fox Run Cafe
Favorite sushi: Uchi
Favorite steakhouse: A5
Favorite hotel bar: Narrative at the Jacquard
Favorite pizza joint: Blue Pan Pizza
Favorite deli/sandwiches: Leven Deli Co.
Favorite cocktail lounge: Forget Me Not
Favorite place you’ve been for dinner in the last year: Sap Sua
Favorite outdoor/roofdeck: The Woods
An underrated/under-the-radar hidden gem: Misfit Snack Bar
A restaurant you’ve been dying to try: Molotov Kitchen + Cocktails
Around Town
Favorite book store: Tattered Cover
Favorite park: City Park
Favorite comedy club: Comedy Works
Favorite concert venue: Red Rocks Amphitheatre
Favorite museum/gallery: History Colorado
Favorite philanthropy/nonprofit: Black Pride Colorado
Favorite annual event: Dragon Boat Festival
Favorite weekend getaway: Dillon
Favorite artisan market: Summer Art Market by Art Students League of Denver
Favorite farmers market: City Park Farmers Market
Last Thoughts
Favorite song: Ready or Not by Fugees
What is your mantra: We’re all in this together.
Three words to describe Denver: Creative. Open. Collaborative.
