Reliving the Magic: The Warehouse 9 Film Showcase at The Bug Theatre

On Saturday, August 10th, 2024, Denver’s iconic Bug Theatre hosted an extraordinary event that transported film enthusiasts back to the golden age of analog cinema. The Warehouse 9 Film Showcase, presented by WAREHOUSE 9 PRODUCTIONS, LTD., featured an incredible lineup of films shot entirely on traditional film stock. From 16mm to Super 8, this event was a true celebration of the timeless craft of filmmaking, filled with creativity, excitement, and community spirit.

The Setting: The Bug Theatre

The Bug Theatre, located at 3654 Navajo St, Denver, CO, has long been a hub for independent arts and a cherished venue for Denver’s creative community. On this particular evening, its historic walls echoed with the whir of film projectors and the buzz of anticipation as film lovers gathered to witness a showcase like no other. Doors opened at 6:30 PM, and by the time the lights dimmed at 7:00 PM, the theater was filled with eager attendees, all set to experience the magic of film in its purest form.

The Films and the Filmmakers

The Warehouse 9 Film Showcase featured a diverse selection of short films, each one a testament to the filmmakers’ dedication to the analog medium. The evening was divided into two acts, with a 15-minute intermission allowing for a door prize announcement.

Featured Films:

• COIFFEUR EXTRAORDINAIRE – WAITING FOR LEGROS
  Directed by Lance Lucero and based on the BOB: NON-UNION PSYCHIC graphic novel, this 16mm film follows the flamboyant 18th-century hairdresser and paranormal adventurer, Legros de Rumigny, as he and his assistant Fremont battle cursed hair in a remote mountaintop castle. (11:58)
• THE HEIST
  Directed by Emil Ink, this Super 8 film is a darkly comedic tale of small-time crooks whose botched jewelry store robbery in a quiet town spirals into total chaos, thanks to their shared trait of utter stupidity. A shady undercover cop with his own dark agenda adds to the mayhem. (22:12)

The Showcase Schedule

The evening began with a series of pre-show trailers that set the tone for what was to come:

• HUNTING FOR FISH (02:19) 16mm – Directed by Lance Lucero
• DEAD COMMUNITY GUILD (01:34) Super 8 – Directed by Emil Ink
• BOB: NON-UNION PSYCHIC super trailer (02:46) – Written/Created by Lance Lucero

Act One:

• WAITING FOR LEGROS (01:44) Super 8 – Directed by Lance Lucero
• WAITING FOR LEGROS 2: THE EYE OF THE TIGER (4:53) Super 8 – Directed by Lance Lucero
• NOTHING PERSONAL (11:58) 16mm – Directed by Christopher Rink
• THE HEIST (22:12) Super 8 – Directed by Emil Ink

Intermission: The audience took a 15-minute break, during which a door prize announcement was made, heightening the excitement of the evening.

Act Two:

• THE LAST RESORT (10:02) Super 8 – Directed by Lance Lucero
• THE UNMENTIONABLES (11:25) 16mm – Directed by Lance Lucero
• COIFFEUR EXTRAORDINAIRE – WAITING FOR LEGROS (11:58) 16mm – Directed by Lance Lucero

Following the screenings, attendees were invited to a post-show gathering, where they had the opportunity to meet the filmmakers, participate in a book signing, and enjoy the vibrant community atmosphere that The Bug Theatre is known for.

Capturing the Magic

The Warehouse 9 Film Showcase was more than just a film screening; it was a celebration of Denver’s creative spirit and a testament to the enduring allure of analog film. The evening’s lineup showcased a remarkable range of storytelling, from the comedic to the eerie, all brought to life with the distinctive texture and depth that only film can provide.

For those who couldn’t make it to The Bug Theatre, we’ve created a special video that captures the essence of this unforgettable event. In it, you’ll find highlights from the showcase, exclusive interviews with directors Lance Lucero, Christopher Rink, and Emil Ink, and behind-the-scenes insights into the making of these unique films.

A Night to Remember

The Warehouse 9 Film Showcase at The Bug Theatre was a night filled with laughter, suspense, and the shared joy of experiencing films the way they were meant to be seen – on film. As the credits rolled and the lights came up, it was clear that this event had left a lasting impression on everyone in attendance.

Watch the Festival Recap

Don’t miss out on the magic of the Warehouse 9 Film Showcase. Watch our recap on YouTube and dive into the world of analog cinema, as experienced at The Bug Theatre. Like, comment, and subscribe for more content celebrating the art of film in Denver.