DENVER, CO – December 4, 2024 – Long Live the Art (LLA), a powerful short film by Denver-born filmmaker Anthony Grimes, debuts today. The 3-minute, 40-second narrative film takes audiences into a high-stakes narrative where artists confront the "Voice of Doubt," battling internal fears and external challenges as the future of humanity hangs in the balance. Filmed over the course of three months and ten locations, the film features some of Denver’s top and up-and-coming creators, including Theo Wilson (“The Voice of Doubt), Fresh Sam (“The Designer), James Holmes (“The Painter”), Triiip (“The Rapper”) Anthony Grimes (Writer, Director, and Narrator), and more.
“This latest work started as a deeply personal journey— a reminder to myself to create against all odds,” said writer and director Anthony Grimes. “As I developed the script and concept, I realized that this was a universal message for all creators who face the challenges of personal doubt and industry disruption.”
“Long Live the Art is a masterpiece,” said James-Allan Holmes, visual artist and Executive Director of Cherokee Ranch & Castle. “The cinematic vision, production, and performances all make a lasting impact that will continue to put Denver on the national scene as a hub for creativity.”
Grimes envisions the film as part of a broader campaign advocating for the arts as a critical pillar of societal well-being. Through future screenings, live panel discussions, and community engagement, the campaign invites audiences to reflect on how creativity is essential to strong, vibrant communities - a central part of the mission of Bonfils-Stanton Foundation, who co-produced the film with 99thstate.
“Bonfils-Stanton Foundation is lucky to have on our team an artist like Anthony Grimes, who can not only fulfill his role as Director of Communications and Policy, but is also a talented director and media storyteller who can help us advance our mission of building a culturally vibrant and just Denver through compelling works like Long Live The Art,” said Gary Steuer, President and CEO of Bonfils-Stanton Foundation.
LLA not only celebrates the resilience of individual artists but also underscores the essential contributions of local organizations who offered their spaces for filming, including El Sistema Colorado, Curious Theatre, RedLine Contemporary Art Center, Art Students League of Denver, and Dazzle Denver.
“Denver wouldn’t be Denver without the kind of cultural organizations that helped make this film possible,” said Grimes. “My hope is that this rallying cry of Long Live the Art would inspire everyone to make something and for our city to continue to protect its makers.”
To view the film and for campaign updates, visit the Bonfils-Stanton Foundation website, YouTube page, and social media platforms (@bonfils_stanton).
About Bonfils-Stanton Foundation: Bonfils-Stanton Foundation believes that extraordinary arts and leadership are key to building a vibrant Colorado. Every day, the Foundation strategically invests in imagination and innovation, because cultivating the creative spark is vital to making our community an exciting place where people want to live, work and thrive. Since its founding, the Foundation has distributed over $90 million in charitable contributions. Visit www.bonfilsstantonfoundation.org for additional information.
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