Boulder, Colorado is one of three finalists hoping to host the Sundance Film Festival starting in 2027. Sundance is an independent festival that has launched the careers of several iconic filmmakers, like Quentin Tarantino, and premiered many Oscar-nominated films.

If Boulder is selected as the new host city, support for creative industries in Colorado will boom. Already an arts-centric state, Colorado hosts several film festivals year-round. Many are smaller, local favorites, but a few are internationally recognized and attended.

One is already established in Boulder, the Boulder International Film Festival (BIFF). For 25 years, BIFF has brought films from around the world to a four-day celebration of cinema, hosting creatives and award-winning actors such as Javier Bardem and Martin Sheen. This festival takes place annually in early spring.

Telluride Film Festival (TFF) is a nationally recognized highlight. For over 50 years, TFF has screened hundreds of feature films in celebration of artistic excellence. The festival brings together cinema enthusiasts, filmmakers, and artists to discover the best in world cinema in the beautiful mountain town of Telluride each fall.

The Denver Film Festival features groundbreaking work at Sie Film Center on Colfax. A portion of the festival is dedicated specifically to showcase the work of filmmakers and stories with direct ties to Colorado. The 47^th festival will take place on November 1 through November 10, 2024.

Each fall, Breck Film in Breckinridge showcases local and national work. The organization works to uplift the arts community in Colorado and has continued to evolve and grow for over 40 years.

True cinema enthusiasts will appreciate the more niche showings throughout the year. The Denver Jewish Film Festival presents the best in Jewish cinema, Rocky Mountain Women’s Film Festival celebrates women filmmakers, and the Stanley Film Festival in Estes Park celebrates the horror genre.

Additionally, the Colorado Environmental Film Festival is a local organization supported by the SCFD. The next festival will take place in February 2025 in Golden. These films are intended to build knowledge and awareness around environmentally relevant causes.

Other select film festivals include:

Aspen Shortsfest
Durango Independent Film Festival
5Point Film Festival
Vail Film Festival
Mountainfilm
Crested Butte Film Festival
Castle Rock Film Festival
Denver Underground Film Festival