**Ouray Film Sabbatical Applications open May 25, 2026.**
https://filmfreeway.com/OurayFilmSabbatical

"OIFF is a filmmakers dream!" - Linh Tran; Slamdance Grand Jury Prize Winner

We take care of filmmakers. From financial assistance for travel and lodging to catered meals, we prioritize the artist experience.

Ouray is nestled in the mountains of southwest Colorado, and the festival is an intimate four-day celebration featuring films, panel discussions, workshops, and parties. Organized artist events, along with informal gatherings at mountain homes, coffee shops, and the occasional rooftop, create space for meaningful connections among filmmakers. There is also time to unwind, whether that means taking a scenic hike or soaking in the natural hot springs. The friendships and professional relationships formed here extend well beyond the weekend, reflected in the collaborations that continue long after the festival and in the artists who return to Ouray each year to reconnect with the community.

We are a one screen venue with no-competing programs. Our primary venue is the historic Wright Opera House built in 1888. The 4k cinema projector and audio system, coupled with the auditorium's original nineteenth-century wooden beams and theater curtain create a truly memorable viewing experience. Beyond film screenings, we host scholars, activists, and filmmakers that deliver presentations and participate in Q&As. Because of the beauty of Ouray and all it has to offer (we are called the "Switzerland of America"), we have large gaps in our program to allow filmmakers to explore nature, soak in vapor caves, go on a Jeep ride, visits breweries, and do some local shopping. The 7th annual festival will take place from June 18-21, 2026.

"The Ouray Film Festival Creates Encouraging Space for Art" - Brian Tallerico, Managing Editor of RogerEbert.com

https://www.rogerebert.com/festivals/the-ouray-film-festival-creates-encouraging-space-for-art

Awards & Prizes

The Grand Jury Prize will receive a cash award of $1,000.

A jury, comprised of the festival's Executive Team and a group of invited guests, determine winners in approximately eight categories. Award-winning films are eligible for our "Awards Retrospective" film series. Winners in each category are awarded a custom medallion handmade by local artisan Cie Hoover.

Previous award recipients include Jay Duplass and Michael Strassner (The Baltimorons), Paul Raci (Sound of Metal), Jim Cummings (Thunder Road), Tiffany Hsiung (Sing Me a Lullaby), and Alexandria Bombach (It's Only Life After All).

Rules & Terms

SUBMISSION GUIDELINES (please read all of these):

* We rarely screen films that have been released online. Online presence also can factor into your awards eligibility. If your film will be released online before the festival, please reach out and explain the circumstances.
* All submissions must have been completed no earlier than January 1, 2024.
* Each submitter may only submit one entry per category
* While we enjoy hosting premiers, we welcome submissions from films that have screened at other film festivals.
* Films that have screened theatrically, on television, or online are not eligible for submission, unless under special circumstances.
* Films that were not selected in previous years are not eligible to resubmit this year.
* Foreign-language films must supply English subtitles.
* We do accept works in progress. Notes are helpful to let us know what stage the project is in. We MUST have a final cut of the project before our final deadline to be accepted.

CATEGORIES

We encourage submissions in the following five categories:

Narrative Feature Films (40 minutes or more)
Documentaries Feature Films (40 minutes or more)
Short Films (40 minutes or less)
Student Short Films (40 minutes or less)
International Cinema (40 minutes or less; the majority of the film must be in a language other than English)
Music Videos (music videos may be available online as long as their production and posting occurred after Jan. 1, 2024. The Original video file must be submitted via FilmFreeway).

We encourage animators to submit their work in any category!

USE AGREEMENTS

* By submitting your film to the Ouray International Film Festival, you grant permission to the festival to screen your film at the festival if your film is selected.

* Accepted films grant that they have secured all the necessary permissions to enter this film to the Ouray International Film Festival and that the film does not infringe the rights, including copyright, of any third party. This includes use of music and literary material.
28 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
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Networking
  • Erin Brown Thomas

    Just got back from Ouray International Film Festival and honestly... I’m obsessed. First off, the location is ridiculously beautiful—like, “did I fall into a postcard?” levels of stunning. But what really made it special was how chill the whole vibe was. So much time to actually enjoy the experience. It didn’t feel like a race to catch the next thing, which meant real conversations, actual bonding, and a chance to just be.

    Between screenings, there was hiking, vapor caves (!), hot springs (!!), and karaoke (!!!). The parties were fun and the people were even better. Met some incredible filmmakers and left with that rare combo of full heart + relaxed body.

    Programming-wise, the films were really strong—lots of bold, formally adventurous stuff, but also some great crowd-pleasers mixed in to keep things light and fun when needed. Felt super curated in the best way.

    Jake and Jared (who run the fest) are just... great. Smart, kind, generous—and they’ve built such a strong, thoughtful team. Even the emails leading up to the fest were warm and clear and helpful (yes, that matters!). They also covered travel and lodging for filmmakers, which made everything feel doable and appreciated.

    Truly one of the most special festival experiences I’ve ever had. If you get the chance to go—GO.

    June 2025
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  • Samuel Ott

    theeeeee most magical week. Jake, Jared and the whole OIFF team put together a truly incredible experience. Everyone should submit and attend - I cannot recommend this festival enough.
    (also this is Elvira, not Sam, though I'm sure he agrees)

    June 2025
    Helpful
  • Jacob Staudenmaier

    Have you ever felt like you're missing something from the festival experience? Have you wondered what it's like to feel fully supported and championed by a programming team? Well, OIFF has your answers! Hands down, one of the most fulfilling, community-driven festivals I've ever been to. OIFF is a festival FOR the filmmaker. With a diverse and concise lineup of films, every block is tailor-made for the filmmakers to stand out and succeed. The team is incredibly passionate about everything they do and the joy they have for cinema is intoxicating. On top of that, OIFF is located in one of the most picturesque American towns. You'll wake up every day feeling refreshed and motivated, with plenty of great hikes and adventures to be had in between screenings. With incredible housing and travel accommodations provided, this is a festival experience that is well worth the trip. Make something bold, new and exciting and SUBMIT TO OURAY!!!

    June 2025
    Helpful
  • Jackie! Zhou

    OIFF is an extremely generous, nourishing, and thoughtful festival! The programmer have done an incredible job to foster true community and a filmmaker-forward experience. So honored to get to be apart of this fest!

    June 2025
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  • Chad Weber

    Ouray Film Fest was a great experience! They provided lodging and a stipend for the filmmaker. My airBnB was great and the town of Ouray was so beautiful. I enjoyed exploring and hiking the area around the festival. The screenings were well attended and my block was sold out. It's great having that audience, as it's not unusual for festivals to have small and inconsistent audiences. Communication was great. I'd encourage anybody to submit and attend OIFF!

    June 2025
    Helpful