Pxl 20221113 014733848 original

The 2023 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.

We have expanded the festival to 3 days, new events and a new venue, Ridgway Space to Create! Join us in person for an intimate and meaningful experience in a stunning mountain setting.

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 5 cash pro juror awards selected by an exciting lineup of professionals in the arts, and 3 People’s Choice Awards with cash prizes. A poster contest with a cash prize is running now, please email the organizers if you are interested.

Rules & Terms

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

2) Films should be submitted with captions in English.

3) Films should have a run time of no longer than 25 minutes.

4) Films must be submitted by Tuesday, August 1 at 11 PM.

5) Short shorts are films 10 minutes or less

6) Films that fit into multiple categories can be submitted to any one category that fits the film. Films will not be judged for selection any differently based on category.

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 the festival organizers.
13 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Kevin Jean

    Highly recommend! Great staff, great communication, a family spirit and deep love for cinema surrounds ridgway and i'm very thankful for the award i received there! Next time i'll make the trip to Colorado!

    November 2022
    Helpful
  • maryam khodabakhsh

    Thanks for having us and screen "World Cup" .
    Great Festival!

    November 2022
    Helpful
  • 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
    Helpful
    Logo
    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
    Helpful
    Logo
    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
    Helpful
    Logo
    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!!