By the Breck Film Team | September 2026
One of our favorite parts of the Breckenridge Film Festival is when attendees get to meet and chat with the filmmakers whose films they just watched.
It takes the experience to an entirely new level – not only do they get to witness the art in person, but now they get to hear how it came to life and meet those involved in the process.
This year marks the 46th year of the Breckenridge Film Festival, and it’s our very first time partnering with the Sundance Film Festival – a huge honor that means guests will get to engage with some of the biggest names in film.
Here’s who’s on the schedule for this year’s festival, and how to make sure you see everyone!
The 46th Annual Breckenridge Film Festival runs from September 17 to 20, 2026. Learn more about the schedule and lineup and get your tickets online now!
Thursday: Opening Night with Jay Duplass and Adam Cayton-Holland
The festival opens on Thursday night with See You When I See You, a comedy-drama from direction Jay Duplass.
The film is built around a story that’s more personal than most opening-night films dare to be: an exploration of Colorado native Adam Cayton-Holland’s personal memoir, Tragedy Plus Time. The film features Cooper Raiff, David Duchovny, Hope Davis, Kaitlyn Dever, and more.
Duplass is widely known for his acting in shows such as Transparent and The Mindy Project, but is also a widely acclaimed writer, producer, and director. His past movies include Jeff, Who Lives at Home, and Prospect.
Now Duplass is bringing his directing chops to the big screen once more. Cayton-Holland is scheduled to join the showing, making opening night a true Colorado homecoming.
Friday: A Sundance Grand Jury Winner Comes to Breck
Friday’s Spotlight Film is Nuisance Bear, a documentary that just won the 2026 Sundance Film Festival’s U.S. Grand Jury Prize for Journalism.
Directed by Gabriela Osio Vanden and Jack Weisman, Nuisance Bear explores the unique relationships between the residents of Churchill, Manitoba, and Arviat, Nunavut, and the polar bears who migrate through the region annually. The film focuses on the experience of the Inuit community in Arviat in particular, and is narrated by Mike Tunalaaq Gibbons.
Nuisance is a full-length expansion of the 14-minute short film of the same name, which won honorable mention for the Best Canadian Short Film at the 2021 Toronto International Film Festival.
Other Friday films and filmmakers to catch:
- The Care of Others – A documentary block exploring the lives of those who make the world a better place through their care of others. Filmmakers Freyja Kristinsdottir (Postcards), Dylan Bechill (The Weight of Snow), and Kat Baccash (To Write Love) will be in attendance.
- Rock Solid – featuring two films focused on visionaries on and off the rock wall. Director Chad Heddleston and Cinematographer Parker Michels-Boyce (Catching Pinecones) will be in attendance.
- Born to Lose – A film focused on a young biker trying to overcome his personal struggles while restoring a vintage motorcycle. Director Joseph Zentil will be in attendance.
Saturday: Thriller Night at the Riverwalk
Saturday takes the mood to a spookier spot with Sender – a thriller Spotlight Film from director Russell Goldman.
The film fits nicely in the psychological thriller category and stars Britt Lower, Jamie Lee Curtis, Rhea Seehorn, and more. The movie follows a woman who begins receiving packages containing personal items and descends into madness as she tries to track down the mysterious sender.
Sender is a great reminder that film festivals aren’t all-things-documentary or art house. Passionate directors, writers, and producers are creating all kinds of films – and we’re excited to show that thrillers own a spot in the lineup as much as anything else. Plus, director Russell Goldman will be in attendance!
Other Saturday films and filmmakers to catch:
- Women at the Center – A short drama block focused on female-driven stories. Director Shelby Slager and actress Mary Slager (becalming), director Caroline Friend (Poisoned Skies), and director Kat Foster (Earthquake Note) will be in attendance.
- I’m Just Here For The Drama – A drama block mixing several top Short Dramas of the festival. Directors Ariana Parsa (Chingu? Doost.), Amos Posner (The Crumbs), and Callum Adams (Townies, (or, My Little Town)) will be in attendance.
- Sport Shorts – A block of short, sports-focused documentaries focusing on the power of sport in community and relationships. Directors Brendan Young (The Meloneers) and Robert Sickels (Walla Walla Wiffle Redux) will be in attendance.
Sunday: Closing the Festival with a Colorado Classic
We’re closing out the Breck Film Festival this year in a new way – with a Colorado 150 special screening of National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation.
Yeah, it’s not technically a “premier”, but what’s more fun than watching a cult classic with friends who get movies? This is a special partnership with the Colorado 150 Film Festival, which is celebrating Colorado’s 150th anniversary.
Plus, it’ll get you in the mood for the holidays (if a bit early!)
Other Sunday films and filmmakers to catch:
- Frost: The Story of a Lifetime – a tribute to climbing legend Tom Frost and his effort to revolutionize the sport and save historic Camp 4. Director Tom Seawell and Producer Jeff Wiant will be in attendance.
- From the Ashes – a set of documentaries focused on the power of the human spirit and the ability to rise from the ashes. Director David-Paul B. Hedberg (The Seeds of Peace) and writer/actor Ty Hudson (Girl Dad) will be in attendance.
Check Out The Full Film List and Get Your Tickets Now
As you might expect, with so much to do and see at the festival, the hard part is knowing what to see and when! You can find details on everything – from the films and filmmakers in attendance to the panels and other special events going on – on our website.
Don’t forget to buy tickets now – there are four ways to experience the festival this year:
| Pass | Price | What You Get |
| Peak 10 Pass | $300 | Your Ultimate All-Access Pass to the 46th Annual Breckenridge Film Festival. Includes access to everything: films, panels, parties, and the coveted VIP Lounge. The true festival experience and a great way to meet filmmakers! |
| Peak 9 Pass | $200 | Are you a true cinephile? This pass gets you into all films of the fest – shorts, features, and everything in between! |
| Riverwalk Pass | $85 | Access to all events at our largest venue of the festival – The Riverwalk Center (including our biggest films of the fest!). Best choice if you’re looking to spend your days in the sunshine and your nights at the theater! |
| Festival Four Pack | $65 | A great way to get a taste of the festival magic – recommended if you’ve never been to the festival before and you’re looking to try it out! |
We can’t wait to welcome you and everyone else to the Breck Film Fest this year. Will you be joining us for a weekend of excellent film and filmmaking?
Grab your tickets now and check out the full lineup online.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s new at the 2026 Breckenridge Film Festival?
This year marks Breck Film’s first-ever partnership with the Sundance Film Festival, bringing Sundance-selected films — and some of the filmmakers behind them — to Breckenridge.
What film opens the 2026 festival?
See You When I See You, a comedy-drama from director Jay Duplass based on Colorado native Adam Cayton-Holland’s memoir. Cayton-Holland is scheduled to attend Opening Night.
Will I actually get to meet any filmmakers?
Yes! Every year, the festival brings dozens of filmmakers to Breckenridge for post-screening Q&As and panel discussions.
Is there a documentary at this year’s Breck Film Festival?
Yes — Nuisance Bear, winner of the 2026 Sundance U.S. Grand Jury Prize for Documentary, screens Friday, September 18. There are many other documentary blocks and filmmakers to catch as well. See the full set online.
When is the Breckenridge Film Festival, and how do I get a pass?
September 17–20, 2026, in downtown Breckenridge. Passes are on sale now, with options built for both all-access festival-goers and first-timers.
