Colorado screenwriter and director Taylor McFadden's debut film, LOVERS, is a poignant exploration of friendship, grief, and the enduring spirit of Denver, the Queen City of the Plains. The film, which premieres at the 47th Denver Film Festival, invites audiences on a journey of reconnection and healing, set against the backdrop of the city's evolving landscape and the timeless allure of a beloved local landmark.

A Cinematic Ode to the Mile High City

Reconnecting with the Past, Embracing the Present

The story of LOVERS follows two women who return to Denver for the funeral of a close friend who has taken his own life. As they navigate the city's changing landscape, they find solace in a familiar landmark – LOVERS, a dive bar and music venue that serves as a touchstone for their shared history. Through their interactions with the local community and the power of music, the women confront their grief and rediscover the healing bonds of friendship.McFadden's film is a poignant exploration of the ways in which our connections to place and people can shape our experiences of loss and renewal. By centering the narrative around the women's return to Denver, the director invites viewers to consider the ways in which the places we call home can both evolve and remain constant, serving as a backdrop for the ebb and flow of our personal journeys.

A Cinematic Tapestry of Music and Emotion

Music plays a central role in LOVERS, weaving through the narrative to explore themes of friendship and loss. The film features performances by acclaimed artists such as Amelia Meath of Sylvan Esso, Hannah Cohen, and Nicole Atkins, as well as a new original song by Nathaniel Rateliff. These musical elements not only enhance the emotional resonance of the story but also serve as a reflection of the vibrant cultural landscape of Denver, where the city's thriving music scene has long been a source of community and connection.In an interview with host Alisha Sweeney, McFadden discusses the origins of the film and the ways in which music has been a driving force in her creative process. "Music has always been a vital part of my life and my work," she explains. "It has the power to connect us, to heal us, and to help us navigate the complexities of the human experience. In LOVERS, I wanted to explore how music can serve as a bridge between the past and the present, allowing us to find solace and meaning in the face of loss."

A Cinematic Celebration of Denver's Enduring Spirit

At the heart of LOVERS is a celebration of Denver's enduring spirit, a city that has evolved over time but still retains the essence of its identity. The film's setting, the iconic LOVERS dive bar (known locally as the Hi-Dive), serves as a symbol of this resilience, a place where the past and present coexist in a tapestry of memories and new experiences.Through the lens of McFadden's storytelling, audiences are invited to explore the ways in which the city's physical and cultural landscapes have transformed, while also recognizing the enduring connections that bind its residents together. The film's co-stars, Angela Trimbur and Amelia Meath, bring a depth of emotion and authenticity to their performances, capturing the nuances of the characters' relationships and their evolving perspectives on the city they call home.LOVERS will have its premiere screening at the Holiday Theatre on Sunday, November 3, at 5:30 p.m., followed by a Q&A with McFadden and the lead actors. A second screening will take place on Tuesday, November 5, at 3:00 p.m. at the Sie FilmCenter, offering audiences the opportunity to immerse themselves in this cinematic love letter to Denver and the power of human connection.