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 14th 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.
'THIS IS YOUR TIME. YOUR MOMENT. YOUR STORY.'
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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 historic Pueblo county, 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.