The curtain has closed on yet another incredible year of cinema in the mountains – and what a festival it was! The 45th annual Breck Film Fest didn’t disappoint.
We were proud to turn Breckenridge into Colorado’s cinematic hub from September 18-21, 2025. The event was a success as always, bringing filmmakers and film lovers to our community for four unforgettable days of film celebration.
We’re still catching our breath and reflecting on all that made this year special. We want to extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who joined us – whether you traveled from across the country or walked down Main Street from home.
Your passion for film and enthusiasm for independent cinema made this 45th edition of the Breckenridge Film Festival truly memorable!
2025 Breckenridge Film Festival Award Winners
Jury Awards
- Best Drama: La Gloria
- Best Short Drama: Project Penelope
- Best Short Comedy: Badmouth Grandma
- Best Documentary: Segal
- Best Short Documentary: All the Empty Rooms
- Best Adventure: Kai Jones’ Falling Into Place
- Best Human Spirit: Mr. Cato
- Best Animation: Forevergreen
- Best High School Film: Eggs Benedict
- Best Student Film: Dandelion
- Best Director: Damian McCann (Aontas)
- Best Actor: David Morse (La Gloria)
- Best Actress: Barbara Mori (Mistura)
- Best Writing: Sarah Gordon & Damian McCann (Aontas)
- Best Editing: Noam Klement & Andrew Mairs (Mr. Cato)
- Director’s Choice – Best Child Actress: Kynlee Heiman (Sally, Get the Potatoes)
Audience Awards
- La Gloria
- Standout: The Ben Kjar Story
- Big Mountain Soul: Ski Africa
The Films That Defined The 45h Breck Film Festival
Best Drama & Best Actor Winner: La Gloria
This powerful Texas border story emerged as the festival’s standout, taking home both the jury’s Best Drama award and an Audience Award.
Directed by JT Walker, La Gloria rises above simple political rhetoric to focus on human connection. David Morse’s performance as rancher Carson anchored the exploration of trauma and moral reckoning after he mistakenly shoots a pregnant migrant crossing his property.
The film couldn’t have had better timing, and its nuanced approach to border issues is incredibly important right now. La Gloria’s focus on finding humanity in unexpected places clearly resonated with both jurors and audiences – and set the stage for an incredible film festival.
Best Documentary Winner: Segal
We love a story that honors a legend, and Segal was excellent this year! This moving tribute to Hollywood legend George Segal captured his spirit and influence through a series of intimate interviews with colleagues.
The documentary celebrates decades of entertainment excellence while offering insights into Segal’s life both on and off screen. It was a great reminder of the enduring impact of those who bring joy to others through their craft.
Best Short Documentary Winner: All the Empty Rooms
This one silenced the audience – and for good reason. Director Joshua Seftel’s powerful cinéma vérité approach follows CBS reporter Steve Hartman and photographer Lou Bopp as they document the empty bedrooms of children lost to school shootings.
Already acquired by Netflix, All the Empty Rooms delivers an unflinching look at grief and remembrance – and prompted great discussion about gun violence and school safety in 2025 America.
Best Adventure Winner: Kai Jones’ Falling Into Place
Having both Kai Jones and his father, Todd, attend the festival made this win extra special.
We’ve covered this film in the past, and it didn’t disappoint. It was an incredible testament to resilience and the unbreakable bonds between father and son – and having it set in the mountains really brought it home.
Best Director & Best Writing Winners: Aontas
Director Damian McCann and writing partner Sarah Gordon swept multiple categories with this Irish caper about three women plotting to rob a failing local bank.
Aontas (“Union” in Irish) had that unique and perfect balance of thrilling pacing with authentic portrayals of small-town struggle. This one showed that the best heist films are really about community at their heart.
Best Actress Winner: Mistura
Barbara Mori’s acclaimed performance in this Peruvian production has been described as a love letter to Peru. Her portrayal celebrates the power of starting anew – and some great food! – and brought emotional depth and authenticity to a moving story.
Audience Favorites
Audience Award Winner: Standout: The Ben Kjar Story
Everyone agreed: The Ben Kjar Story stole the show. This incredible documentary follows Ben Kjar’s inspiring journey from facing bullying due to Crouzon Syndrome to becoming a champion wrestler and motivational figure. It’s exactly the kind of uplifting, against-all-odds story that brings festival audiences together.
Audience Award Winner: Big Mountain Soul: Ski Africa
Produced by Breckenridge’s own John O’Connor through Sorcery Cinema, this film’s world premiere felt like a true homecoming. The expedition through Morocco’s Atlas Mountains offers stunning visuals while spreading the message that mountains are for everyone.
Celebrating Emerging Talent
Best Animation Winner: Forevergreen
Directors Nathan Engelhardt and Jeremy Spears created something truly unique with this handcrafted animated work set in an entirely wooden forest.
The CGI woodcarving aesthetic, paired with a touching story about an orphaned bear cub and a fatherly tree, earned considerable praise for technical achievement and emotion.
Best Short Comedy Winner: Badmouth Grandma
Director Timothy Blackwood’s clever satire tackles cancel culture through the lens of stand-up comedy. The short follows comedian John as he navigates the pitfalls of modern comedic censorship – and the film succeeds in blending big laughs with sharp social commentary.
Director’s Choice – Best Child Actress Winner: Sally, Get the Potatoes
Young Kynlee Heiman’s performance in Danicah Waldo’s film was a big moment for the festival.
Heiman showed remarkable depth as she explores big feelings and complex family dynamics – pretty impressive themes to show through a child’s perspective. Her work has already garnered praise across multiple festivals.
Breck Film Fest – More Than Just Movies
What made this year’s festival truly special went beyond the films themselves. The energy during opening night with Judd Hirsch was electric – and definitely a top moment of the week!
As we close the book on our 45th year, we’re already dreaming about what’s next. The Breckenridge Film Festival continues to evolve while staying true to our roots as the “filmmaker’s festival” – and we can’t wait for year 46!
Before we start planning ahead, we must stop and thank everyone who made this festival possible..
To our filmmakers who trusted us with their work, our sponsors who made it possible, our volunteers who kept everything running smoothly, and especially our audience: thank you. You make the Breckenridge Film Festival what it is.
Now, mark your calendars for September 2026, when we’ll gather once again to discover new stories and continue our tradition of bringing world-class cinema to the mountains!
Until then, keep supporting independent film, and we’ll see you at The Eclipse Theater throughout the year!