Durango Film Festival
Downtown Durango • Main Street, Durango, CO81301
Event Description
The 21st Annual Durango Independent Film Festival will be held in theaters March 4 – 8, 2026.
About Durango Film: Durango Film brings a community together with independent filmmakers for the unique opportunity to experience and discuss global, innovative and diverse films. People who have attended our festival find Durango, Colorado to be one of the best venues for film and fun. With the spring ski season in full swing during the festival dates, there is no shortage of activity for film goers. Join us every year for our film festival in a town in Southwest Colorado that “ought to be in your pictures!”
From The Festival: Our goal is to connect our community with independent filmmakers, engaging the audience in a unique viewing and interactive experience. Bringing the Four Corners Film Office into our organization reinforces our commitment to filmmakers to share their art with the community and to encourage them to film in our geologically diverse landscape. Direct networking opportunities are abundant during our five day festival, helping to create strong brand awareness.
Showcasing all genres of independent film is what the festival is all about. We proudly spotlight the best of Native Cinema, indulge the adventurous who live and play in Durango with a spotlight on adventure films, and focus on family films especially for the young and young at heart. Most of our special guests over the years have contributed much more than sharing a film. Jim Belushi and the Sacred Hearts performed live in concert. Mackenzie Astin ventured to Animas High School to help students with filmmaking. When Lindsay Wagner attended the festival, we learned she was the first woman to burst through the glass ceiling in television.
Direct networking opportunities are abundant during our 5-day festival, helping to create strong brand awareness. Event sponsorship opportunities in print, on-screen and online provide participation engagement with our loyal audience.
Durango Independent Film Festival
Film is a vibrant medium and a very powerful way to tell a story. Cinema has had a huge impact on Durango culture for many decades. The annual Durango Independent Film Festival is a great way to celebrate and showcase new independent films. This event is an exciting way to see over 100 new independent films.
The Festival is Back!
The Durango Independent Film Festival is a mix of documentaries, short films, dramatic films, narrative features and more. The event takes place in the first full weekend of March each year, and it has been one of the biggest events on the Durango cultural calendar for over a decade. This year, the event celebrates its 21st anniversary!
Ticket Information
This year there will be four options for tickets to the event. There is an unlimited All Festival pass that will allow ticket holders to immerse themselves into the complete film festival experience, and includes first tier seating and access to VIP parties. Follow the link to see more ticket options.
Film Festival Venues
Films are screened at various locations in Durango. This year, visitors will attend shows at the Gaslight Twin Theatres and Durango Arts Center. Additional events, including festival parties, panels and workshops will be held at varying locations around Durango.
Free Movie Night
The first night of the festival every year is a free movie night. Tickets are not required to attend the films on this evening. Entry is first-come, first-served for all attendees, even pass holders. This event takes place after the festival kickoff party that is open to pass holders. If you are in Durango during the festival, but did not have plans to attend, this is a great free way to get involved.
