Independent Film Society of Colorado

09/16/2026

AND THE ENVELOPE, PLEASE…!
It's time to celebrate the filmmakers who made the 10th Anniversary Colorado Short Circuit Film Festival one to remember!

To ALL of our award winners—CONGRATULATIONS!
Your creativity, imagination, hard work, and dedication to independent filmmaking are what make Colorado’s film community so exciting. Every film we screened represents countless hours of writing, directing, producing, performing, filming, editing, and creating. We know how much goes into bringing an independent film from an idea to the screen—and we are honored that you chose to share your work with us.

Your stories made us laugh. Your stories moved us. Your stories surprised us. And, most importantly, your stories reminded us why independent film matters.

Independent filmmakers are the heartbeat of a thriving arts community, and Colorado is fortunate to have so many talented and passionate artists continuing to push boundaries, take creative risks, and tell stories their own way. Keep creating. Keep challenging. Keep creating film!

We also want to shine the spotlight on our four incredible 10th Anniversary Featured Filmmakers:
🎬 Tyler Holme
🎬 Adam Raynes
🎬 Nick Gatsby
🎬 Skye Armenta

For the past 10 years, these talented filmmakers have been part of the Colorado Short Circuit family. Their extraordinary creativity and dedication to independent film have truly stood the test of time.
They aren't just Featured Filmmakers—they are part of the story of Short Circuit.

Year after year, film after film, they have brought their talent, passion, and distinctive voices to our festival. We are incredibly grateful for their continued support and for the inspiration they provide to fellow filmmakers and audiences alike.
Thank you, Tyler, Adam, Nick, and Skye, for being part of our journey for the past decade!

And now…
The moment you've all been waiting for.

THE SHORT CIRCUIT AWARD GOES TO…

Young Filmmaker Narrative - Magpie's Lemonade

Young Filmmaker Documentary - We Bleed for Free

Animation - Crumbs

Comedy - Go Down, Diller

Drama - Esperando

Experimental - REST

Music Video - Phantasmagoria

Documentary - Talking to the Sun

Women In Film Award - Lather Rinse Repeat

Horror/Sci-fi - Numerus Duo

Director - Paul Pirkle for Book...ish

Cinematography - Andrew Holzschuh for REST

Actor - Sam Toledo for The Last Frame

Actress - Elaine Gissette for Esperando

CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL OF OUR 2026 AWARD WINNERS!
Your films. Your voices. Your vision.
That’s what independent film is all about.

🎬 See you at Short Circuit 2027!

09/16/2026

From All of Us at Colorado Short Circuit… Thank You!

As we wrap up the 10th Anniversary edition of the Colorado Short Circuit Film Festival, we are filled with gratitude, pride, and a little bit of disbelief that we’ve reached this incredible milestone.

To every filmmaker who joined us this year—thank you. Thank you for sharing your stories, your creativity, your passion, and your unique voices with us. Whether you traveled across Colorado or came from right here in our own community, you helped make this year’s festival something truly special.

For ten years, Colorado Short Circuit has been a place where filmmakers can put their work on the big screen, meet other artists, connect with audiences, and celebrate the incredible talent that exists throughout our state. You are the reason we continue to do this.

A very special thank you to Mayor Yemi Mobolade for joining us and welcoming our filmmakers to Colorado Springs. His warmth, enthusiasm, and heartfelt message about the importance of artists and storytelling in our community meant so much to all of us. We are grateful that he took the time to celebrate this milestone with us and our filmmakers.

Independent film matters because it gives filmmakers the freedom to tell the stories that might otherwise never be told. It creates opportunities for emerging artists, challenges audiences, sparks conversations, and brings people together. And here in Colorado, independent filmmaking is part of a thriving arts community that deserves to be celebrated, supported, and nurtured.

From Colorado Springs to communities across the state, artists, filmmakers, actors, writers, musicians, and creative organizations are building something remarkable. Festivals like Colorado Short Circuit help connect those creative communities and give independent voices a place to be seen and heard.

As we celebrate ten years, we’re already looking toward the future.

Thank you to our filmmakers.
Thank you to our audiences.
Thank you to our volunteers, partners, sponsors, supporters, and community.
And thank you to everyone who believes that independent film belongs on the big screen.

Here’s to Colorado filmmaking—and to the next chapter of Colorado Short Circuit Film Festival!

The Colorado Short Circuit Film Festival Team
Presented by the Independent Film Society of Colorado..

Photo Credit: Mike Pach 3 Peaks Photography & Design

09/14/2026

09/13/2026

09/13/2026

Day 2 recap. We showed some amazing films today! Another record turnout! Thanks to our filmmakers and all of our attendees. Colorado Short Circuit Film Festival is the place to be!

09/12/2026

Day 1 Recap. Shout out to all the filmmakers and guests. Special thanks to our featured filmmakers. Extra special thanks to Mayor Yemi for the support. The Colorado Short Circuit Film Festival is the place to be for independent film. We will see you tomorrow!