The 2021 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 working in all categories of film.

Film submissions must be 20 minutes or less.

Entry fee is $10 US

Submission deadline: Oct. 1st.

Festival show time is Nov. 12 & 13, from 6-9pm

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

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 five cash pro juror awards selected by these professionals in the arts:

CRAIG CHILDS
TAYLOR REES
RENAN OZTURK
PETER O‘FALLON
MICHAEL STIPE

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, October 1st, 2021, 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 (Contact info is in the left sidebar). We prefer that entries be submitted via our online festival page, but exceptions can made if necessary.
10 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • 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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  • Arturo Dueñas Herrero

    Thank you very much for the Honorable Mention in the Professional Film category for our short Anagnórisis. The whole team is delighted that our story has pleased the jury on the other side of the Atlantic. We are very proud of our participation in the Ridgway Independent Film Festival and we look forward to doing so in the future with our upcoming work.
    Greetings from Spain!

    November 2020
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