Weekend Highlights
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 16
Opening Night
DOORS OPEN: 6:30PM
FILM: 7:45PM
Join us for an enchanting evening as we kick off the festival! Starting at 6:30 pm enjoy the rhythm of live music from Patchwork Jack, sip on our signature cocktail, and indulge in sweet bite sensations before the feature film.
The kick-off to our festival weekend is generously sponsored by Colorado Springs Dermatology.
Sponsored By
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 17
After Dark
One hot ticket, two screenings to choose between
AFTER DARK PARTY: 6:30PM
FILMS: 8PM
The hottest ticket of the festival, with your choice between two screenings. Grab dinner from the food trucks on site, then head into Cornerstone Arts Center at 6:30pm for live music by Sage and Smoke, complimentary popcorn, and a cash bar, before films begin at 8pm across two screening venues. It’s the perfect night out, and a great way to introduce friends to the Festival.
Party Sponsored By
SATURDAY & SUNDAY
behind the lens
Filmmaker Forums, Gaylord Hall
OPEN TO ALL PASS HOLDERS
Filmmakers make the festival! Take advantage of one or both of our FILMMAKER FORUMS during lunch on Saturday and Sunday. If you pre-purchased a box lunch they will be available to pick-up at Gaylord Hall just before the forum.
Saturday Topic
OCTOBER 17, 1:15PM
The Courage to Care: Storytelling as an Act of Empathy
At a time when public discourse often rewards division and certainty, many filmmakers are choosing a different path: creating space for empathy. This conversation examines empathy not simply as an emotional response but as a storytelling practice. Join these filmmakers for a discussion about the transformative potential of cinema and the human connections that emerge when we truly listen.
Sunday Topic
OCTOBER 18, 1:15 PM
Uncommon Activisms: Redefining What Change Looks Like
What does activism look like on screen? These filmmakers explore stories where change emerges through art, healing, mentorship, community-building, and creative problem-solving, not just protest or politics. From grassroots organizing to cross-partisan collaboration, these films reveal unexpected pathways to impact. Join us for a conversation about documenting change and how nonfiction and narrative filmmaking can expand our understanding of activism.
Make visiting the forums easy and stress free! Pre-order lunch for Saturday and Sunday, with sandwiches, salads, and vegetarian options available.
THE MINING EXCHANGE
Host Hotel
We’re thrilled to partner with The Mining Exchange as our official host hotel for the Festival, offering attendees discounted room rates. The Mining Exchange is a significant historic hotel that exudes all things Colorado Springs. Built in 1902 as the city’s gold and silver stock exchange, the building has hosted generations of guests seeking the quintessential Colorado experience. Now completely reimagined, The Mining Exchange pairs its historic 1902 architecture with modern, chic luxury — 128 guest rooms, on-site dining and drinks, a full-service spa, and event space in the heart of downtown Colorado Springs.
Free Military Pass
Sponsored by
In appreciation of your service, all active duty and retired military and their spouse, qualify to receive a FREE SUNDAY PASS to our in-person Festival, with discounts available for other pass types. Passes can be picked up at Will Call; military ID required for pickup.
