Denver Film Festival 2025: A Celebration of Storytelling and Cinema

The 48th annual Denver Film Festival, held from October 31 to November 9, 2025, once again transformed the Mile High City into a vibrant hub of global cinema. More than 200 films — from bold premieres to powerful documentaries — captivated audiences and sparked conversations that bridged cultures and generations.

Set against Denver’s thriving arts-scene backdrop, this year’s festival celebrated diverse voices, compelling stories, and the power of film to connect and inspire. Among its many highlights was a special appearance by acclaimed actor Delroy Lindo, whose insights and artistry added depth and distinction to an unforgettable cinematic showcase.

In Conversation with Delroy Lindo

In an exclusive interview during the festival, Denver Urban Spectrum art contributor LaTerrell Bradford sat down with the legendary actor to discuss his remarkable journey from the United Kingdom to Hollywood — and how his passion for storytelling continues to illuminate the human spirit.

Lindo: I’m LaTerrell Bradford, an art contributor with the Denver Urban Spectrum. We’re looking forward to meeting you here at the Denver Film Festival in a couple of weeks. Thank you for taking the time to speak with us. To begin, can you tell us a little about your background — growing up in the UK, moving to Canada, and eventually landing in the United States?

Lindo: That’s quite a journey! I actually have a book coming out next year where I delve into all of that in depth. Central to my story is my mother — a Jamaican immigrant whose strength and vision gave me the passport to my life. Without her, I doubt I’d have experienced the opportunities that shaped my career.

Bradford: When did you first realize that acting was your calling?

Lindo: My first performance was in a school nativity play, playing one of the kings. My teacher’s encouragement during that experience was profoundly affirming. That moment planted the seed — I wanted to become an actor, even though I had no idea what that truly meant at the time.

Bradford: You’ve had an impressive career, including a Tony Award nomination for Joe Turner’s Come and Gone. What’s the difference between performing on stage and acting in film — and do you have a preference?

Lindo: There’s really no difference in how I approach the work. On stage, the immediacy of connecting with a live audience is incomparable — nothing beats that energy. But film has its own power. It can reach people across the world. I once had someone in Rome recognize me by name despite not speaking English. That’s the magic of cinema — its ability to cross boundaries.

Bradford: You’re known for your natural charm on screen. Where does that come from?

Lindo: (laughs) You’ll have to ask my wife! I don’t set out to be charming; I focus on finding the humanity in every character I play. Maybe that humanity reads as charm.

Bradford: One of my favorite roles is West Indian Archie in Malcolm X. My granddaughter loves This Christmas — we watch it every year. Where do you pull from to portray such complex characters?

Lindo: I don’t think in terms of complexity. I think in terms of humanity. Playing West Indian Archie was special to me — as someone of Jamaican descent, it was an homage to my mother. It meant a lot to bring a Jamaican man to the screen with intelligence, depth, and dignity.

Bradford: What draws you to a particular role?

Lindo: The story. If the story doesn’t resonate with me, I can’t bring truth to the character. I also consider who’s directing and who I’ll be working with. The strength of the story and the collaboration are what make me say yes.

Bradford: Which role has pushed you furthest outside your comfort zone?

Lindo: Satchel Paige in Soul of the Game stretched me — his humor and outlook were the opposite of mine. Clockers was another challenge; I had to immerse myself in a world that wasn’t my own. Each time I’ve stepped into those uncomfortable spaces, I’ve grown as an actor and as a person.

Bradford: Some actors say they carry a part of their character’s home. Has that ever happened to you?

Lindo: My wife would say yes. When I was playing Rodney in Clockers, she said she didn’t like him — and apparently, I brought some of that energy home. (laughs) I try to separate my work from my personal life, but sometimes the lines blur a bit.

Bradford: Finally, do you have a favorite role — or one you still dream of playing?

Lindo: I’d love to portray a Marcus Garvey-like character. He’s one of the most fascinating and important figures of the 20th century. As for past roles, West Indian Archie, Satchel Paige, Mr. Rose in The Cider House Rules, and Paul in Da 5 Bloods are all meaningful to me. I’m proud of how those performances resonated with audiences.

Bradford: And my last question for you Mr. Lindo is what do you want viewers to take away from this film?

Lindo: The vampire genre is a conduit for a much larger story.

Bradford: Thank you so much, Mr. Lindo. We look forward to seeing you at the Denver Film Festival.

Lindo: Thank you. It’s been a pleasure. God bless.

(Sidebar)

Niecy Nash-Betts Recognized with the CinemaQ LaBahn Ikon Award

One of the standout moments of DFF48 came when Niecy Nash-Betts was honored with the fourth annual CinemaQ LaBahn Ikon Award, a distinction reserved for LGBTQIA+ creatives whose work leaves a lasting cultural imprint. The tribute, held Nov. 2 at the Denver Botanic Gardens, drew an enthusiastic crowd. Nash-Betts arrived with her spouse, Jessica Betts, radiating the confidence and joy that have made the couple beloved public figures.

Onstage, she delivered exactly what audiences came for — a candid, unapologetic, and often hilarious conversation guided by radio personality Nikki Swarn. Nash-Betts spoke openly about her evolution in Hollywood, the power of authenticity, and the shifting landscape for under-represented talent fighting for space and visibility.

The CinemaQ LaBahn Ikon Award underscored her influence far beyond her screen roles. It recognized her as a cultural force — an artist, advocate, and truth-teller whose presence pushes the industry forward. And for Nash-Betts, the moment felt like a full-circle acknowledgment of her journey, from scene-stealing comedic roles to acclaimed dramatic performances and a position of undeniable leadership in entertainment.