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Colorado Film Festivals You Won’t Want to Miss

Throughout the year, Colorado towns raise the curtain on something truly special — a celebration of storytelling in all its forms. Colorado film and television festivals are on the rise and taking place in screen-worthy destinations across the state.

 

By: Colorado.com Staff Writer
Updated: October 20, 2025
Telluride Film Festival-goers gather for in Telluride's streets for festival fun
The Telluride Film Festival gets underway in the town's beautiful box canyon setting

From the peaks of Telluride to the streets of Denver, our festival line up draws cinephiles and creators from across the globe.

Fuel your love for the craft by viewing film screenings, as well as participating in Q&A sessions and workshops with the industry insiders behind some of your favorite movies and shows. Whether you’re seeking blockbuster hits, television series, adventure documentaries or indie up-and-comers, find the event that most speaks to you. Add these festivals to your bucket list and discover what’s next in cinema and television.

Boulder International Film Festival

Boulder

In the historical Boulder Theater, March's Boulder International Film Festival has earned the reputation as one of the most influential young film festivals in the country. The event invites international filmmakers to showcase their work for an audience full of aspiring creatives. While the event hosts academics, directors, writers, actors, producers and the like, a large part of the festival's goal is to inspire film hopefuls, so that one day they can see their creative dreams projected onto the big screen. If you're a fan of boldly independent cinema, make sure to catch one of the well-hyped screenings.

Durango Independent Film Festival

Durango

The southwest Colorado town of Durango has earned some indie street cred with its own late February to early March festival, since 2001. Held during the spring, when some of the sunniest and warmest skiing can be had at Purgatory, Durango Independent Film Festival lures lovers of both pastimes each year. Many of the festival's events are held at the Durango Arts Center and galleries, where bands play live music, parties are held and other artsy events happen. Celebrated as the filmmaker’s festival, DIFF is known for fostering meaningful connections between creators and audiences in an environment that’s relaxed, inclusive and creatively charged.

5Point Flagship Festival

Carbondale

Focused on premium adventure storytelling, this film fest will leave you with a dropped jaw at least once each April. But don't expect run-of-the-mill ski shots — the 5Point Flagship Festival focuses on building community and inspiring change by showcasing impactful stories of gripping adventure with a human element. Beyond the screenings, live music, guest speakers, industry workshops and community gatherings round out the four-day event.

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Telluride Film Festival

Telluride

In the depths of the San Juan Mountains and snuggled between two impressive peaks, the Telluride Film Festival in September is a destination event with an arresting backdrop. A Labor Day weekend ritual, the festival has inspired guest directors like Peter Sellers ("The Pink Panther") and Peter Bogdanovich ("The Sopranos") to make the trek to this southwestern gem. The town of Telluride is known for its exciting and laid-back ambiance, mouthwatering food and scintillating film discussion. For movie history buffs, it is also known as the first place that "My Dinner With Andre," "The Civil War," "Twin Peaks" and "The Crying Game" were ever viewed.

Breckenridge Film Festival

Breckenridge

Running strong for over four decades, Breck Film’s September fest is one of the country's oldest. Focused on featuring independent filmmakers, the selection of carefully curated films screened at the event span a wide array of genres for all ages including dramas, comedies, adventure, documentaries, human spirit and student films. ​​Year-round studio partnerships bring industry buzz to this laid-back mountain town, while the festival packs more than 100 films into four vibrant days, with over 30 filmmakers on site for engaging talks and local media meetups. 

Aspen Filmfest

Aspen

Going strong since 1979, the Aspen Filmfest brings cinema-lovers to the mountains each September to take in the works of directors and actors from around the world. Screenings are held in the historically charming setting of The Isis Theatre.  Past films have included winners of the Toronto International Film Fest and Cannes Film Festival, such as “Bad Axe” and “Broker,” as well as showings with star-studded casts like “Empire of Light” (Olivia Colman, Micheal Ward and Colin Firth) and “The Banshees of Inisherin” (Colin Farrell, Brendan Gleeson and Barry Keoghan).

Denver Film Festival

Denver

Another film mainstay, Denver's largest film festival (previously called the Starz Denver Film Festival) has been held since 1977 and has grown to 12 days in duration each November. With a little more glitz than some of the mountain events, Denver Film Festival hosts red-carpet premieres and films from dozens of countries and more than 250 filmmakers. Attracting nearly 55,000 film aficionados annually, SDFF is lauded for presenting Academy Award- and Independent Spirit Award-winning films, including “Black Swan,” “Silver Linings Playbook” and "Lady Bird." 

SeriesFest

Denver

Each spring, Denver sets the stage for SeriesFest, a one-of-a-kind celebration of episodic storytelling. The festival brings together emerging creators and industry leaders for exclusive pilot screenings, insightful panels and hands-on workshops. With a mix of independent projects and high-profile premieres, SeriesFest offers a unique space to explore the future of television. Whether you're a filmmaker looking to connect or a fan eager to see what’s next, this festival showcases fresh voices shaping the medium.

Other Colorado Film Festivals