Crested Butte Film Festival

"Top 25 Coolest Film Festivals in the World" - MovieMaker Magazine

Nestled among towering mountains and golden aspen trees, our intimate and free-spirited festival inspires our audience and filmmakers through quality film screenings, stimulating discussions, authentic connections, and a ton of fun. In alignment with our mission, we curate bold, visceral, high-quality films that activate emotions and invite personal, social, and environmental transformation.

Always the last weekend of September, the festival showcases 75 feature-length and short films spanning the narrative, documentary, outdoor adventure, and children’s films genres. Additional programs sprinkled throughout the festival include panel discussions, meet-and-greets, and other engaging networking events. In addition to our lively, five-day, in-person fest, we are also considering a third year of virtual programming. Please stay tuned for details.

At Crested Butte Film Festival, you’ll be inspired by the transformative power of film, while making lasting connections in an atmosphere of beauty and creativity, fueled by great films, discussions, shared experiences, bike rides, hikes, and our magical mountain scenery.

"This was my FAVORITE festival of all, and we've been on a festival run since last January. Everything about it was wonderful - the wonderful staff and volunteers and community support, excellent films, stunning location, parties and brunches and hospitality, support for our film, and connections we made with other filmmakers. Those connections led to tangible help for our film and outreach work. If you ever get the chance to participate in this festival, leap with joy! This has been a bright light in my long film career. Many thanks to all who made it possible."

— Beret Strong, filmmaker

"Hands down one of my favorite film festivals in the world. The thoughtful selection of films paired with an intimate festival size makes for an amazing opportunity to get inspired and connect with other filmmakers in one of the most beautiful towns around."

— Frank Pickell, filmmaker

"What. A. Festival. I’ve never had, and could not imagine a better film fest experience. From the organizers to the volunteers to the people that come to see the films, there simply isn’t a more authentic, excited and loving group of people anywhere else. Everything about this fest is conducive to having a great time and meeting great filmmakers. Not to mention, Crested Butte is one of the most stunning places to see in the country. You can’t really explain it, you just have to go”

— Hugo Cordova, Filmmaker

A FILMMAKER'S FESTIVAL

Known as a “filmmakers festival,” you’ll experience an atmosphere of inspiration through well-attended screenings, high-quality programming, stimulating panel discussions, and opportunities for authentic engagement. This festival thrives on fostering lasting connections and partnerships among attendees, filmmakers, and industry professionals.

WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FOR

Genius. Artistry. Creation. A new way of telling a story. Connection through film, transformative experiences. Simply put, the best in narrative, documentary, short, outdoor adventure and children's films. We believe in the transformative power of film.

WHAT MAKES CRESTED BUTTE UNIQUE

Town: Crested Butte is a historic mining town turned tourist destination with world-class skiing, biking, and hiking.
Size: At just six by ten blocks with a year-round population of only 1,500 people, Crested Butte is a small mountain town that's packed with local character.
Altitude: A true mountain retreat at 8,885 feet above sea level.
Beauty: We're literally surrounded by mountains. Think epic panoramic vistas with snow capped peaks and dazzling golden aspen trees.
Fun: Off the charts. Bike parades, hikes through golden aspen groves, delicious food, craft rum, and plenty of magically spontaneous moments.

MISSION

Through the transformative power of film, Crested Butte Film Festival fosters connection and inspires creativity, cultural awareness and social action.

FESTIVAL DATES

In-Person: September 27 - October 1, 2023
Virtual: To Be Determined

NEW AWARD FOR 2023

New for 2023, Crested Butte Film Festival is excited to announce that one submitted Narrative Short film will be awarded a free, two-day, Script Accelerator script workshop ($12,000 value) to fast-track the development of their next project (feature film, TV series, etc). This service includes the creative support of a team of filmmakers/writers who are Oscar and BAFTA nominated…imagine your very own writers' room where you keep all the credit. You can learn more about Script Accelerator at ScriptAccelerator.com

THANK YOU

Film has the power to bring people together which is now more important than ever. Thank you for submitting your film to Crested Butte Film Festival. We’re excited to experience it!