5 Film Festivals in Colorado Springs

One Nation Film Festival

On Point: Understanding and appreciating Native American and indigenous people and cultures.

What to Expect: Mostly documentaries, moving and inspirational. “Some are inspirational in the creative ways that people have come up with dealing with the tragedies or difficulties they need to face,” says outgoing ONFF director Martha Stender. “You come out wanting to cheer folks on.”

Top Notes: More ways to make a difference. “Here’s the problem a film highlights, here’s how we can tie it back to our community, and here’s how you can help folks,” Stender says.

Your Next Favorite Film: Hands Across the Bridge features white and indigenous students who found creative ways to overcome the gap between their rival high schools. In Mele Murals, a graffiti artist returns to his Hawaiian home to relearn his culture and guide high school students through creative community.

Sneak Peek: onenationfilmfestival.org

The Arc Pikes Peak 5th Annual Achieve With Us Colorado Film Festival

March 1 | Stargazers Theatre

On Point: Celebrating films by and about people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

What to Expect: Inspirational fare exploring and celebrating people who thrive in spite of diverse challenges.

Top Notes: This year’s theme is “Building for Change,” changing the perceptions of people with differing abilities and becoming an inclusive community.

Your Next Favorite Film: Learning to Drive is based on the true story of feisty young Michael, who wants to drive just like everyone else despite his Down syndrome. On a roadtrip to scatter their recently deceased mother’s ashes over the Grand Canyon, his scatterbrained brother finally relents. Starring Colorado actor Connor Long, who also happens to have Down syndrome.

Sneak Peek: thearcppr.org

Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour

March 7-8 | Stargazers Theatre

On Point: The Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity tours 35 of the year’s best films about mountain culture.

What to Expect: Plenty of hucking and sending, but so much more: Epic adventure. Deep personal tales. Big air with big ideas about the places we play and explore.

Top Notes: All proceeds go to the Rocky Mountain Field Institute, says sponsor and Mountain Chalet owner Jim Smith.

Your Next Favorite Film: The lineup changes for each city but includes the likes of Dog Power (inside and beyond the sled dog-musher relationship), FIFTY (one man, 50 marathons over 50 peaks in 50 days), and Danny MacAskill’s Wee Day Out (the master on an insane mountain bike ride through the countryside).

Sneak Peek: banffcentre.ca