Colorado Film Festivals
If you're a cinephile seeking a cinematic journey through the stunning landscapes of Colorado, you're in for a treat. We'll be providing an overview of the diverse and vibrant film festivals in Colorado.
A List of Colorado Film Festivals
Colorado's film festival scene is a vibrant tapestry woven with diverse cinematic experiences. The state plays host to a myriad of festivals that cater to various tastes and interests. Let's take a closer look at some key highlights:
Telluride Film Festival: The Telluride Film Festival, nestled in the breathtaking San Juan Mountains of Colorado, stands as a cinematic jewel. Renowned worldwide, this festival curates a diverse selection of films, ranging from indie gems to compelling documentaries. Its intimate setting fosters an unparalleled connection between filmmakers and audiences, creating a unique and unforgettable experience. With its prestigious reputation and stunning surroundings, the Telluride Film Festival continues to captivate cinephiles, offering a curated blend of cinematic excellence in a picturesque mountainous backdrop. The annual festival is held over Labor Day weekend in September (August 31-September 4, 2024).
Denver Film Festival: As Mile High City's premier film event, the Denver Film Festival offers a platform for both local and international filmmakers to share their stories. With a diverse lineup, it caters to a broad audience, making it a must-attend for cinephiles in the region. This is the largest film festival on the front range with approximately 55,000 festival attendees. The festival is held in November and is slated to take place November 1-10, 2024.
Aspen Film Festival & Shortsfest: Aspen Film Festival remains Aspen's premier feature film event, showcasing diverse narratives from around the world each fall. Founded with a handwritten note in 1979, the festival has evolved into a vital platform for independent, documentary, foreign-language, and arthouse cinema. Aspen Shortsfest, a premier North American short film festival held annually in April, draws global audiences and filmmakers for screenings, panels, and workshops. Aspen Shortsfest is slated to take place April 1-7, 2024.
Ouray International Film Festival: Nestled in the charming town of Ouray, also known as the “Little Switzerland of America,” the Ouray International Film Festival is an intimate festival for filmmakers and audiences. Independent films, long-form conversations, panel discussions, parties, and a high number of filmmakers are markers of this four-day event. The primary venue is the historic Wright Opera House, built in 1888. The annual festival is held in June, and the 6th annual festival will be held from June 19-22, 2025.
Mountainfilm: Harnessing the transformative potential of cinema, art, and thought-provoking concepts, Mountainfilm ignites a passion for positive change through documentary filmmaking. Annually convened on Memorial Day weekend, the festival unites a vibrant tapestry of filmmakers and influencers, spotlighting documentaries that champion adventure, activism, social equity, environmental stewardship, and unwavering resilience. Mountainfilm will be from May 23-27, 2024, in Telluride, Colorado.
Breckenridge Film Festival: The Breckenridge Film Festival, nestled in the heart of the Rocky Mountains, is a cultural cornerstone celebrating independent cinema. This vibrant event showcases diverse films, fostering community engagement through filmmaker Q&A sessions and interactive events. With a focus on creativity and artistic expression, the festival invites attendees to explore the intersection of film and mountain culture in the picturesque town of Breckenridge. The annual festival is held in September.
Ridgway Independent Film Festival: Situated in the charming town of Ridgway, this festival adds a unique flavor to Colorado's film scene. Known for its commitment to showcasing independent films, the Ridgway Independent Film Festival creates an intimate and engaging environment for film enthusiasts. Held at the historic Sherbino Theater, the festival promises an exciting journey of connections and cinematic exploration and offers cash prizes to winning filmmakers. The annual festival is held in November.
Durango Independent Film Festival: Durango Film Festival thrives on showcasing diverse independent films, fostering community engagement, and connecting filmmakers with audiences. Embracing all genres, the festival prioritizes Native Cinema, adventure films, and family-friendly content, extending its impact through educational programs and outreach to local schools. The integration of the Four Corners Film Office strengthens the commitment to support filmmakers in the picturesque landscape. The annual festival is held in late February through early March.
Rocky Mountain Women's Film Festival: Situated in Colorado Springs, this festival celebrates the storytelling prowess of women in the film industry, featuring a lineup that is both empowering and inspiring. The festival originated from a visionary idea in 1987 and has evolved into the longest-running women's film festival in North America. The festival showcases thought-provoking documentaries, narratives, shorts, and animated films, fostering global awareness and personal growth while celebrating the diverse drive and spirit of women. The annual festival is held in October.
Boulder International Film Festival: The Boulder International Film Festival captivates the town of Boulder with a four-day celebration of global cinema. Showcasing diverse films from local, national, and international talents, BIFF has become a platform for films with significant box-office success and multiple Oscar nominations. With events featuring renowned chefs, filmmaker gatherings, galas, and live music, the festival attracts over 25,000 enthusiasts annually. BIFF has proudly hosted acclaimed figures like Javier Bardem, Alec Baldwin, and Shirley MacLaine. This year’s festival takes place February 29 - March 3, 2024.
5Point Film Festival: The 5Point Film Festival in Carbondale, known as "Inspiring Adventure," departs from conventional ski films and instead focuses on adventure films with compelling stories and a human touch, steering clear of typical cliff-jumping footage. With a mission to build community and inspire change, 5Point highlights impactful adventure stories that evoke tears or laughter, creating an immersive and transformative cinematic experience in Carbondale. The annual festival is held in April and will be from April 24-28, 2024.
Denver Jewish Film Festival: Prepare yourself for a captivating journey through over 20 screenings showcasing the finest gems of Israeli and Jewish cinema, featuring talented actors and producers, all awaiting you at the Denver Jewish Film Festival. This event offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in diverse films, spanning from insightful documentaries and tantalizing culinary explorations to poignant feature films and shorts. Many of these cinematic treasures are rarely found in local theaters, making this festival an exceptional experience. Alongside hours of exceptional viewing, indulge in engaging Q&A sessions with over a dozen filmmakers, adding an enriching layer to your cinematic adventure. The festival is held in March, with the 28th annual festival happening March 9-17, 2024.
Whether you're a film buff or a casual moviegoer, Colorado's film festival scene offers a little something for everyone. As you plan your cinematic adventures, consider exploring more film festivals highlighted on Colorado.com, and let the magic of film unfold against the breathtaking backdrop of the Rockies. Happy watching!