The 2022 Ridgway Independent Film Festival will once again bring an exciting selection of some of the best short films from around the world, and is open to all filmmakers of all ages, working in all categories of film.

Our theme for this year’s fest is inspired by Ridgway’s own motto “Think Outside.” In celebration of Ridgway’s own unique, “outside the box” thinking, and deep connection with, and access to, the outdoors, we encourage submitting artists to address this theme as creatively as they wish. The theme is encouraged but not required.

This year we are also introducing a new “Emerging Voices” category for youth filmmakers 20 and under.

Film submissions must be 20 minutes or less.

Entry fee is $10 US

Submission deadline: Friday, September 23, 2022, 11PM

Selections: October 14, 2022

Festival show time is Friday and Saturday, Nov. 11 & 12, from 6-9pm

The venue is the historic Sherbino Theater in Ridgway, Colorado, USA.

*This year, local Ridgway residents will be opening their homes to participants who are traveling from out of town and would like to stay with a local! More details to come!*

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

There will be cash pro juror awards selected by an exciting lineup of professionals in the arts. SO FAR confirmed this year are (more to be announced):

MICHAEL STIPE https://michaelstipe.com/
TAYLOR REES https://www.taylorfreesolorees.com/
RENAN OZTURK https://www.renanozturk.com/

Rules & Terms

1) Filmmakers are asked to submit creative, high-quality films.

2) Filmmakers are encouraged (but not required) to address the theme “Think Outside.” This is open to interpretation.

3) Films should have a run time of no longer than 20 minutes.

4). Submissions should demonstrate engaging storytelling, high entertainment value, as well as strong filmmaking skills, including editing and sound design.

5) 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 23 at 11 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 Arielle Bielak or John Clark (Contact info is in the left sidebar).
11 Reviews
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  • Emily Gold

    I was so honored to have my short film Plantastic! screen in the beautiful town of Ridgway! The only regret is that I was not able to attend in person, but I will say the communication was great. The team made it simple to relay info back and forth and was always a pleasure to correspond with. I love that this town takes it's art culture seriously. Thank you again!

    March 2022
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    Response from festival:

    Aw, thanks so much for the kind words, Emily! We love it when our filmmakers share our passion for film, and the arts of all kinds!

  • Pablo Fidanza

    Great festival! Thanks for having us and screen "Come close to me". Greetings from Buenos Aires, Argentina.

    November 2021
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    Response from festival:

    Gracias Pablo!

    We so enjoyed your film. What a lovely breath of fresh air for these troubled times.

    All the best,
    Ridgway Independent Film Festival

  • Ray Jacobs

    Even though I was unable to attend Ridgway film fest it has a place in my heart. The communication was was welcoming and excellent. I felt our film was appreciated and I felt connected to the festival. There was a real sense of community and love of films from the festival team. I would love to visit in the future when travelling is hopefully a bit easier. Many thanks , Ray

    November 2021
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    Response from festival:

    Thanks for the kind words, Ray! We love that you connected with Ridgway from so far away. Can't wait to see a submission from you all next year!!

  • Shayan Katiraei

    The festival was very good. I am glad that my film was present at this festival

    November 2020
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  • Madhu R

    Our film "Death Offers Life - last moments of Vincent Van Gogh" got official selection which is a great encouragement for us.

    November 2020
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