This fall, the Ridgway Creative District and the Ridgway Chautauqua Society at the Sherbino will once again be showcasing the work and creativity of regional (and global!) independent filmmakers. UPDATE: due to the ongoing pandemic, as well as local public health restrictions, we are moving our festival online for 2020. For a $10 fee, it will be available for viewing from Nov. 6th through Nov. 12th, and access to the films will be by signing up at our partner's website: https://sherbino.org

*This change is for the 2020 festival only.* We are very sorry to have to make this change, and apologize for any inconvenience it may cause, to filmmakers and attendees alike.

We are asking filmmakers to submit creative, high-quality films that run no more than 20 minutes, and that demonstrate engaging storytelling and strong filmmaking skills. All genres will be accepted.

Ridgway is a small, rural town on Colorado's Western Slope, located in a beautiful valley beneath the San Juan Mountains. The Ridgway Creative District has been a Colorado-certified creative district since 2013. Ridgway Chautauqua at the Sherbino is a 105-year old theater, run by the non-profit Ridgway Chautauqua Society. The Sherbino is known locally as "Ridgway's Living Room".

Awards & Prizes

Four films will receive recognition in these categories:

Best of the Fest (chosen by our slate of professional filmmakers)
Best Amateur Filmmaker
Best Professional Filmmaker

Rules & Terms

As stated above, filmmakers are asked to submit creative, high-quality films that run no more than 20 minutes. Filmmakers should follow the guidelines below for their submissions:

1) We ask that submissions demonstrate engaging storytelling, high entertainment value, as well as strong filmmaking skills, including editing and sound design.

2) Films must have a total run time of no longer than 20 minutes.

3) We will accept all work that celebrates the art of the motion picture and all genres of films for submission.

Films will be juried for selection to be shown at the two-night event. If at all possible, selected filmmakers should be prepared to give a 5-minute presentation about the inspiration for their film and/or anecdotes about the making of the film (which can be done in person or remotely). The more filmmakers that attend, the better the opportunities to network with each other!

Films must be submitted by Friday, September 25th, 2020, at 5:00 PM. Please submit entries at the festival page on the FilmFreeway website. If an applicant cannot submit their entry online for some reason, they should contact John Clark or Diedra Silbert (info below). We prefer that entries be submitted via our online festival page, but exceptions can made if necessary.
4 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Pierre GAFFIÉ

    We had a very good experience with the RIDGWAY IFF (for our short "Radio Moon"). The updates were good, and frequent. We really felt our film was desired, and being taken care of ! I recommand this great festival ! Pierre

    May 2020
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  • Joan Bentosela

    Very good organization and communication. I made a video message from Paris for them. Many thanks for screening my film Gone!

    December 2019
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    Response from festival:

    Thanks, Joan! We appreciate the feedback very much. Hope to see another submission or two from you next year!

  • Primary School"Stjepan Kefelja", Kutina, Croatia -film group

    Great festival. Greetings from Croatia.

    November 2018
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  • Steve Ogden

    Excellent festival. The details were handled, they rolled out the red carpet (hospitality), the theater was full with an enthusiastic crowd, and the 4-Corners film commission was represented. I'm sure it's an up-coming festival in a spectacular Colorado setting.

    November 2017
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    Response from festival:

    Thanks Steve! We so appreciate your supportive words, especially since we're so new. Thanks as well for making the trip to attend the Fest, and submit your wonderful film. It was well received, and we hope that will inspire you to submit a film next year as well!!