March is a big month for film festivals all over Colorado. Pick your favorite and enjoy movies on the big screen all over the state or even from the comfort of your own couch. Here’s a roundup of a few of the festivals coming up, sponsored in part by the Colorado Office of Film, Television and Media.
Colorado Environmental Film Festival
February 24-March 6, 2022
All virtual
The Colorado Environmental Film Festival (CEFF) presents films with interconnected ecological, social, and economic themes that inspire dialogue and action in audience members. This year, the festival includes 27 film collections, featuring films about water, food, wildlife, the climate, and more. The festival will also feature five virtual live events: two filmmaker conversations, two Lunch & Learn sessions, and a photography keynote.
Youth Media Matters Film Festival
February 28-March 5, 2022
In-person at high schools in Colorado Springs
The Youth Media Matters Film Festival was conceived of and is presented by Colorado Springs School District 11 and the Youth Documentary Academy. The festival will present works made by Colorado Springs youth filmmakers in the Youth Documentary Academy at high schools in District 11. The festival films were curated by a committee of youth from the District 11 high schools. The films will be screened for students at their respective high schools February 28-March 4. The festival culminates in a free, public Closing Night screening of Minding the Gap with director Bing Liu in person.
Durango Independent Film Festival
March 2-6, 2022
In-person at various venues in Durango and virtual
The Durango Independent Film Festival, now in its 18th year, showcases independent film of all genres and strives to connect the Durango community with independent filmmakers. The festival features documentaries, animated shorts, and native cinema, among other genres. In addition to the 101 features and shorts, this year’s festival will also include opportunities for networking and meeting the filmmakers. Select films will also be available to watch virtually.
Boulder International Film Festival
March 3-6, 2022
In-person at various venues in Boulder and Longmont and virtual
The Boulder International Film Festival brings together audiences and filmmakers for a four day celebration of cinema every year in Boulder. This year’s festival includes documentaries, narrative films, shorts, and more. In addition to the many films, this year’s festival program includes live music at various venues around Boulder; CineCHEF, a cinema-inspired culinary feast and film screening; free youth programs; TalkBacks after various film screenings; and appearances from Alec Baldwin and Javier Bardem. Select films will be available on their virtual platform and a selection of films will also play in Longmont at the Longmont Museum’s Stewart Auditorium.
Colorado Dragon Boat Film Festival
March 3-6, 2022
In-person at the Sie Film Center in Denver
Organized by local non-profit Colorado Dragon Boat, and presented in partnership with Denver Film, the Colorado Dragon Boat Film Festival celebrates Asian and Asian-American stories and filmmaking. This year’s festival features 12 feature films or short film collections and two Creative Conversations.
March 23-27, 2022
In-person at the Sloan’s Lake Alamo Drafthouse in Denver
DocuWest Film Fest, now in its 13th year, is a documentary film festival showcasing both local and national and international documentary films. The festival aims to educate audiences and inspire conversation and action. The full festival schedule will be released on March 24th, and the festival will feature 20-25 shorts and features with filmmaker Q&As.
The Colorado Office of Film, Television and Media regularly provides fiscal sponsorships for film festivals like these year-round. You can learn more about and apply for our Film Festival Support and Promotion Grant here. Learn more about our office by visiting our website at coloradofilm.org.