Boulder International Film Festival to Open with Crime Thriller 'Tuner'

The 22nd annual festival kicks off with a screening of the new film directed by Oscar winner Daniel Roher.

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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The Boulder International Film Festival (BIFF) is set to return from April 9-12, 2026, with its opening night festivities on April 10 featuring the crime drama 'Tuner'. The film, directed by Daniel Roher who recently won an Oscar for his documentary 'Navalny', stars Leo Woodall as an apprentice piano tuner who gets pulled into a heist after his exceptional hearing skills are discovered by criminals. The opening night will include pre-film parties, a New Orleans-style march to the theater, and a screening of 'Tuner' at the Boulder Theater.

Why it matters

The Boulder International Film Festival is a major cultural event for the city, drawing film lovers from across the region. The festival's move to a spring slot aims to build momentum alongside the upcoming arrival of the Sundance Film Festival in Boulder in 2027. The opening night screening of 'Tuner' will kick off four days of cinematic celebration in the city.

The details

The opening night festivities on April 10 will begin at 5 p.m. with pre-film parties at the Hotel Boulderado and Rembrandt Yard, featuring food, drinks, and live music. At 6:45 p.m., a brass band will lead attendees in a New Orleans-style 'second line' march to the Boulder Theater for the 7:15 p.m. screening of 'Tuner'. The film marks the narrative debut of director Daniel Roher, who recently won an Oscar for his documentary 'Navalny'.

  • The 22nd annual Boulder International Film Festival will take place from April 9-12, 2026.
  • The opening night festivities will be held on April 10, 2026.
  • The pre-film parties will run from 5-6:45 p.m. on April 10, 2026.
  • The New Orleans-style march to the theater will begin at 6:45 p.m. on April 10, 2026.
  • The screening of 'Tuner' will start at 7:15 p.m. on April 10, 2026.

The players

Boulder International Film Festival (BIFF)

An annual film festival held in Boulder, Colorado that celebrates great filmmaking and connects film lovers.

Daniel Roher

The director of the crime thriller 'Tuner' and the recent Oscar-winning documentary 'Navalny'.

Leo Woodall

The star of 'Tuner', playing the role of Niki, an apprentice piano tuner who gets pulled into a heist.

Dustin Hoffman

A veteran actor who stars in 'Tuner' as a grumpy but lovable piano technician.

Kathy and Robin Beeck

The founders and sisters who are anticipating another big year for the Boulder International Film Festival.

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What they’re saying

“We've put together an extraordinary line-up of films. With our new spring dates, there's never been a better time to celebrate great filmmaking and connect with fellow film lovers.”

— Kathy Beeck, Co-founder, Boulder International Film Festival (Press Release)

What’s next

The Boulder International Film Festival will continue with additional film screenings and events from April 9-12, 2026.

The takeaway

The Boulder International Film Festival's move to a spring slot aims to build momentum alongside the upcoming arrival of the Sundance Film Festival in Boulder, making 2026 an exciting year for the city's cinematic calendar. The opening night screening of the crime thriller 'Tuner' will kick off four days of celebrating great filmmaking and connecting film lovers in the community.