The Ultimate Guide to the Best Film Festivals in Colorado: Lights, Camera, Action!
/When you think of Colorado, images of snow-capped mountains, hiking trails, and outdoor adventures often come to mind. But would you imagine that the Rocky Mountain state is not just a haven for nature enthusiasts but also a mecca for film lovers?
From the prestigious Telluride Film Festival, renowned for its Oscar-predicting potential, to the quirky and thought-provoking Denver Silent Film Festival, Colorado's film festivals give pretty much everyone something fun to see and do year-round! Let’s break down our list of the best film festivals in Colorado – and see which ones end up on your list this year!
Boulder International Film Festival
March 13-16, 2025
The Boulder International Film Festival (BIFF) celebrates the art of cinema by showcasing diverse films from local, national, and international filmmakers.
You’ll find a variety of genres at BIFF – from hard-hitting documentaries to quirky independent films. Over the years, it has garnered a reputation for showcasing films that have gone on to achieve significant success, including multiple Oscar nominations.
The 2025 edition, scheduled for March 13-16, promises another unforgettable celebration of cinema. Highlights include honoring actress Laura Linney, promoting environmental activism through the Call2Action program, and unique experiences like filmmaker happy hours and CineCHEF culinary events.
Why It Should Be On Your List: BIFF offers an unparalleled opportunity to explore the world through the lenses of talented storytellers. With its cozy yet buzzing atmosphere, it's one of the top multi-genre film festivals on our list.
Denver Silent Film Festival
September 22-24, 2024
Experience a nostalgic era of film enchantment at the Denver Silent Film Festival. This special event honors the art of silent movies, unveiling a handpicked collection of timeless classics.
What sets this festival apart is its commitment to presenting these timeless films as they were meant to be experienced – on the big screen, brought to life by live musical performances. The fusion of classic visuals and live music creates an immersive and enchanting atmosphere that transports audiences back in time.
In addition to the classic screenings, the festival often features special events, such as panel discussions with film historians and archivists, providing insights into the preservation and restoration efforts that keep these cinematic treasures alive.
Why It Should Be On Your List: The Denver Silent Film Festival is a unique and unforgettable experience that celebrates the art of storytelling in its purest form. It's a rare opportunity to witness the magic of silent cinema brought to life through live music.
Aspen Shortsfest
April 1-7, 2024 (2025 Dates TBD)
Aspen Film's Shortsfest is a celebration of short-form cinema, showcasing emerging filmmakers from across the globe. Though small in length, these delectable bites of cinema pack a powerful punch, often serving as a launchpad for future feature films and talented directors.
This Oscar-qualifying festival has an impressive track record – in the past two years alone, five of its Best Short winners have gone on to receive Academy Award nominations. The 33rd edition occurred on April 1-7, 2024, and 2025 promises to continue this legacy of discovering and promoting exceptional short films.
Shortsfest's expertly curated program offers different narratives, documentaries, and animated works, providing a platform for unique voices and perspectives.
Why It Should Be On Your List: Aspen Shortsfest is a must-attend event for anyone who appreciates the art of storytelling in a condensed format.
Telluride Film Festival
August 29, 2024 - September 2, 2024 (Labor Day Weekend)
Each Labor Day weekend, the tiny mountain village of Telluride, Colorado, transforms into a cinematic paradise as passionate film enthusiasts flood the town for four days of total immersion in the art of cinema.
The Telluride Film Festival represents a rare and unique experience – the festival famously doesn't reveal its program until attendees arrive in town. Yet, the "Telluride family" trusts that an extraordinary experience will unfold, and year after year, their blind faith is rewarded with a meticulously curated celebration of the best in film.
Why It Should Be On Your List: The Telluride Film Festival offers a unique and immersive cinematic experience unlike any other. With its stunning mountain setting, surprise program lineup, and a focus on celebrating the best of cinema from around the globe, it's a must-attend event for true film enthusiasts seeking a transcendent weekend of movie magic.
Telluride Horror Show
October 11-13, 2024
For those who find thrills in the darker side of cinema, the Telluride Horror Show is a must-attend event. Held in the picturesque mountain town of Telluride, this small festival celebrates the horror genre in all its spine-tingling glory.
Curated by a team of horror fans, the Telluride Horror Show delivers a meticulously crafted program that showcases the best in contemporary and classic horror films. From hair-raising new releases to beloved cult classics, the festival's lineup is sure to delight even the most seasoned horror fans.
Beyond the film screenings, the festival offers a range of unique events and activities, such as panel discussions with filmmakers and horror experts, special guest appearances, and late-night horror-themed parties that keep the fear factor alive long after the credits roll.
Why It Should Be On Your List: For horror fans seeking an immersive and intimate festival experience, the Telluride Horror Show is a must-visit film festival.
Denver Film Festival
November 1 - 10 2024
Being among the nation's longest-standing film festivals, the Denver Film Festival has been a pivotal part of Colorado's cultural scene since 1978. Held annually in the lively city of Denver, it presents a remarkable selection of stimulating, groundbreaking, and varied films from across the globe.
More than 40,000 guests dive into a vibrant and captivating cinematic journey during the festival. Alongside exceptional film showings, the Denver Film Festival offers various special events like Red Carpet showcases, filmmaker Q&A sessions, panel talks, workshops, receptions, and networking chances in the industry.
One of the festival's highlights is the Maria and Tommaso Maglione Italian Filmmaker Award, recognizing the best in Italian cinema since 2008. Recipients of this prestigious award are selected after a rigorous review process, ensuring that only the most exceptional Italian films are honored.
Why It Should Be On Your List: The Denver Film Festival offers a diverse and immersive cinematic experience that celebrates the art of storytelling from around the globe. If you want to experience one of the long-established film festivals, this one needs to be at the top of your list.
Breck Film Festival
September 19 - 22, 2024
Okay, you know we had to add our very own Breck Film Festival to the list! Join us in Breckenridge from September 19-22, 2024, for our annual celebration of film and movie culture!
With over 40 years in the film industry, we’ve learned a thing or two about how to connect movie lovers with their favorite medium – and we’ve built the Breck Film Festival into a premier event..
From thought-provoking documentaries to heartwarming narratives and everything in between, our carefully curated lineup showcases the best of film culture, classics, and innovations.
Plus, with special events like Q&A sessions with filmmakers and panels on industry topics, you’ll have the chance to see some of your favorite producers and directors from the likes of Pixar, Disney, ReFramed Pictures, and more. You never know what – or who –you’ll find at the annual Breck Film Festival!
Why It Should Be On Your List: The Breck Film Festival combines the thrill of exceptional cinema with the breathtaking beauty of fall in the Rocky Mountains, creating a truly unique and immersive experience.
Where Will You Catch A Film This Year?
The list of festivals above just scratches the surface of Colorado’s move scene – and there’s plenty to keep you busy all year long. While you’re building your list, make sure to add Breck Film to your must-see events. With a diverse lineup of films and exciting opportunities to connect with industry professionals, it’s an event not to be missed.
Plus, where else can you enjoy stunning views while watching award-winning films? So mark your calendars and start planning your trip to one of these fantastic film festivals in Colorado!
