The StoryMode Independent Short Film Awards (SISFA Film Festival), is an annual film festival celebrating the power of indie film nationwide. Now in it's 15th year, this Southern Colorado festival is now accepting short film, feature film, and short script submissions for entry into this year's event.​

With so much festival noise out there, our mission is to provide a place for indie filmmakers to showcase their work, in an environment that is like no other.

Combining exciting films, red carpet events, amazing musical performances and an interactive live show, SISFA takes film festivals to a whole new level.

'EVERYONE HAS A STORY. WHAT'S YOURS?'
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SISFA was initially created over a decade ago by two filmmaking brothers and their grandfather, under the Short Film Awards name. In the early years, the festival brought local family and friends together to share in a small film gathering at a very tiny venue.

Over time, the festival has evolved into one of the biggest and most anticipated annual events in Southern Colorado, bringing the community together to share in an artistic celebration of film and visual storytelling.

At SISFA, we take pride in the uniqueness of our event, mixing the festival aspect with that of a live show, setting an Oscar-esque tone for the whole run of the fest.

The festival will kick off with a Short Film Showcase Night, premiering select Colorado shorts, Late Night selections, and an assortment of additional shorts from around the United States, complete with cast/crew Q&A's. From there, guests will find themselves at the SISFA Kickoff Party where they can enjoy a bevy of local brews and live music from the best new indie artists at a local brewery in town.

Day Two of the festival will feature interactive panels and creative conversations with industry insiders and a Feature Film Showcase in Red Carpet fashion.

It all leads up to the Main Event, combining live stage entertainment with amazing films. The show will begin with an exciting opening from the evening’s host followed by the presentation of the selected short films. The audience will then get to vote in select categories for their favorite films. A special musical performance will entertain guests as they enter the show’s second half, where in an Oscar-type fashion, awards are presented and the winners will accept them live on stage.

The festival will then conclude with PartyMode, the SISFA After Party, where filmmakers and film fans alike can gather to relax, network and celebrate.

Presented Live from a theater in Colorado Springs, CO, this annual fest brings together filmmakers, film fans, local sponsors, and entertainers alike to share in several captivating days.

There is no other event in Southern Colorado, or in the US in general, that is quite like SISFA. It's the only place where artists of all types unite to tell incredible stories.

-There are six headlining categories for the Short Film Competition: Best Dramatic Short, Best Comedic Short, Best Documentary Short, Best Sci-Fi/Thriller/Horror Short, Best Long-Form Short and Best Short Screenplay.

-The Feature Film Showcase allows filmmakers the opportunity to submit their films for a chance to be featured at a SISFA Red Carpet Event/Screening. The film with the highest score will also receive the Award for Best Feature Film.

-In addition to these, there are also categories for Best Post Production, Best Cinematography, Best Original Story, Best Actress, Best Actor, Audience Choice, and Best Picture.

- All winners will receive a hand-crafted trophy, glazed to perfection in the fiery kiln of a local pottery shop.

​General:
-Short films can be anywhere between 1-16 minutes in length.
-Long-Form short films must be between 16-43 minutes in length.
-Feature films must be between 43-130 minutes in length.
-All films must be submitted in a resolution of at least 1920 x 1080p. 
-Films may be about anything as long as they are not copyrighting any existing films, stories, or ideas. 
-Films can be of any genre. 
-All films must be submitted (through FilmFreeway or postal mail) by July 6, 2026. No films will be accepted after this date.

Judging:
-Our judging panel, consisting of Emmy Nominated individuals and industry professionals, will evaluate the submitted films several weeks before the festival. The short films that receive the highest scores will make it into the Main Event/Live Show.
-Show inclusion is determined by selecting the highest scoring films in each category, thus creating a two hour show. 
-Feature films selected will be showcased individually as their own events, separate from the Main Event.

Additional:
-Foreign language films must contain English subtitles. 
-Films that make it into the show must be submitted to the festival in a digital file. 
-Films previously submitted to SISFA will not be accepted. 
-Entry materials will not be returned. 
-All fees and forms must be paid, signed and acknowledged before inclusion into festival. 
-Filmmakers will be notified of their inclusion in the festival no later than July 20, 2026.

TERMS & CONDITIONS:
All filmmakers acknowledge and agree to the following:
1) Filmmakers understand, and comply with all entry requirements.
2) Filmmakers are legally authorized to submit their film to SISFA.
3) By submitting to SISFA, filmmakers are allowing StoryMode Films, LLC to screen their project, in whatever format that may take, during the festival weekend.
4) Filmmakers agree to indemnify and hold harmless StoryMode Films, LLC from and against any and all claims, losses, damages, or expenses which they may have concerning the marketing, publicity, screening and loss of or damage to the screening videos submitted.

Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Attending SISFA was a great experience all around! SISFA provided ample opportunities for filmmakers to share their work, network with other filmmakers from all around the country, and feel celebrated as storytellers. I highly recommend submitting your work and attending for a fantastic film festival experience.

    April 2025
    Response from festival:

    Thank you Ryan! We appreciate that. We were so glad to be able to screen ‘Ghost Town’ at our festival this year. We look forward to seeing your future projects! All the best!

  • Richard Endacott

    A great festival that really makes storytelling the focus. Well worth the cost of entry. Thanks for the support for our film!

    March 2025
    Response from festival:

    Thank you Richard for sharing your film with us! We look forward to seeing your next!

  • Nancy Bentley

    StoryMode’s modest venue was filled with enthusiastic organizers and talented filmmakers. May they continue to grow and support filmmakers in coming years.

    March 2025
    Response from festival:

    Thank you Nancy for your kind words! We were so glad to include your film in SISFA this season!

  • J.A. DellaRipa

    I am so honored that my short film "Another Saturday" was selected for the StoryMode Independent Short Film Awards. The team was professional. They communicated clearly throughout the entire process. The publicity of my film shown was beautiful. I would highly recommend this film festival and I will be back for sure with my next project! Thank you so much SISFA for EVERYTHING!

    March 2025
    Response from festival:

    Thank you Julie! We appreciate that. We were glad to screen your project and can't wait to see your next one!

  • Paper Horse Pictures

    Participating in the StoryMode Independent Short Film Awards was a fantastic experience. Although we couldn’t attend due to scheduling conflicts, we were truly impressed by the festival’s exceptional support and dedication to both the films and filmmakers. Their professionalism really stood out.

    March 2025
    Response from festival:

    Thank you Parker! We appreciate this. Screening your film at SISFA this year was a huge highlight. A huge talking point amongst festival-goers. We are looking forward to whatever you create next!