Ridgway Independent Film Festival 2026

@ 12 Years of Fierce, Fearless, Independent Film The Ridgway Independent Film Festival (RIFF) returns in 2026 with its 12th year of celebrating bold storytelling, emerging filmmakers, and the power of community through the lens of independent film. All Access Passes Now on Sale! Buy your all-access pass now, save a few bucks, AND receive an exclusive invitation to the festival’s opening night party Friday, November 13! A maximum of 50 presale passes are available. Get yours today. Rooted in a volunteer-driven, grassroots effort born shortly after Ridgway became one of Colorado’s first Certified Creative Districts, RIFF continues to evolve while honoring its origins. This year, RIFF returns to its longtime home in November, taking place November 13–15, 2026, with a refreshed structure designed to create deeper connection and conversation. RIFF 2026 will open with a Friday night kickoff event, followed by two full days of film screenings on Saturday and Sunday at the historic Sherbino Theater in downtown Ridgway. In a new twist for 2026, all film selections will center around a unified theme chosen by a community committee—a curatorial shift that invites filmmakers from around the world to explore a shared question, idea, or perspective. More details on the theme will be announced in spring 2026. As always, RIFF showcases exceptional short films while also featuring a curated selection of longer-form work—hidden gems from rising and established filmmakers that deserve a spotlight. Expect filmmaker Q&As, meaningful discussion, and opportunities to engage with artists, musicians, adventurers, athletes, and changemakers who call this creative mountain town home. Ridgway is a designated Dark Sky Community, nestled between the Sneffels and Cimarron mountain ranges on Colorado’s Western Slope—a place where creativity, nature, and authenticity meet. Filmmakers interested in submitting to RIFF 2026 can find details at FilmFreeway.com beginning in late December by searching Ridgway Independent Film Fest. Whether you’re a filmmaker, a film lover, or simply someone seeking connection and inspiration, we invite you to join us for RIFF 2026—where stories spark conversation and community lights the way. FOR PROSPECTIVE FILMMAKERS: Welcome to 12th AnnualRidgway Independent Film Fest, November 13-15, 2026 Presented by the historic Sherbino Theater and the Town of Ridgway, the Ridgway Independent Film Fest (RIFF) features short films by both emerging and veteran voices in filmmaking. We value storytelling, experimentation, and community-building through film and art. Ridgway has been a certified Creative District since 2013. Our small community is nestled in a scenic valley between two mountain ranges: the Sneffels Range on the northern edge of the San Juan Mountains and the Cimarron Range. Ridgway is located in SW Colorado between the historic towns of Telluride to the west and Ouray to the south. Ridgway provides an intimate, genuine, and community-oriented festival experience.Filmmakers join us to make connections with fellow creatives, industry leaders, artists, musicians, athletes, and change-makers—all of the remarkable people who make Ridgway their home and who join us for this unique festival each year. RIFF also celebrates long-form films that may have flown under the radar during their initial release. The planning committee reserves the right to invite longer-form films to the Fest, although they may not be adjudicated. Submit your film today, and make your travel arrangements early. You don’t want to miss this one! Awards and Prizes Ridgway Independent Film Fest offers a number of cash awards and juried prizes (details coming soon) 2026 Jurors: (coming soon) Rules and Terms 1) Filmmakers are asked to submit creative, high-quality, independent films. Strong storytelling and inventiveness are encouraged. 2) Films must be submitted with captions in English for accessibility. 3) All fees are nonrefundable. 4) A limited number of fee waivers exist for hardship reasons. They will be granted on a first come, first served basis. Submitters MUST provide RIFF with reasons, in writing, that a hardship exists. 5) By submitting your film to this festival, you allow us to use stills, trailers, and other promotional materials for potential projection on exterior walls of buildings in Ridgway, inclusion in social media, web promotion, and print promotion. 6) Films may be selected for subsequent viewings beyond the festival dates. RIFF celebrates voices in storytelling from a rich diversity of cultural and personal backgrounds and viewpoints. Filmmakers are very welcome to attend the festival in person. We will accommodate filmmakers to appear remotely whenever possible. Categories Narrative Short Documentary Short Animated Short Experimental/Arthouse Short Notification date for filmmakers selection Jul 22, 2026 Event Nov 13-15, 2026 https://filmfreeway.com/RidgwayIndependentFilmFest Contact Mary Menz, special project coordinator mary@sherbinotheater.com Add to calendar Google Calendar iCalendar Outlook 365 Outlook Live