What They’re Saying: Local Film Festivals Applaud New Law Signed by Governor Polis Supporting Film in Colorado

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DENVER – Earlier today, Governor Polis signed HB25-1005 - Tax Incentive for Film Festivals - sponsored by Representatives Monica Duran and Brianna Titone, and Senators Judy Amabile and Mark Baisley. This legislation supports Colorado's thriving film festivals, including the Sundance Film Festival which recently announced it would be moving to Boulder beginning in 2027.

"We are incredibly grateful to the State of Colorado for this support, not only for the Sundance Film Festival, but also for the many film festivals that have spent decades building and nurturing a rich cultural landscape in Colorado. This investment highlights the invaluable role the state plays in cultivating creative industries that both enrich our culture and drive the economy," said Ebs Burnough, Sundance Institute Board Chair, and Amanda Kelso, Sundance Institute Acting CEO. "We are also deeply honored as a nonprofit to be welcomed into Colorado's thriving film festival and arts ecosystem. We look forward to the future, inviting our audiences and artists to join us in Boulder in 2027, and are excited to contribute to the vibrant arts community here in Colorado."

"ACT is celebrating ten years of elevating human rights stories and inspiring audiences," said Act Human Rights Film Festival Managing Director Beth Seymour. "At ACT we celebrate how far we have come in advancing human rights in all corners of the globe, and we also share stories that help guide us to learn more about the work that remains."

"We believe film festivals are a place for audiences to be entertained, to learn and to be inspired. Through our popular youth programs, senior programs, and our signature Call2Action program, BIFF has united the community and ignited positive change. This is part of the magnificent richness of film festivals, and what has made them into an unforgettable experience," said Robin Beeck, Boulder International Film Festival Executive Director and Kathy Beeck, BIFF Director. "BIFF has attracted audiences and filmmakers from around the state and around the world, and brings in much needed dollars to local businesses at an otherwise down time of year. We're excited about the tax incentive bill, and Sundance Film Festival's potential cultural and economic impact for Boulder and the State of Colorado. The bill's support for Colorado film festivals will strengthen our ability to be epicenters of community involvement, creativity, innovation and change."

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"Film festivals are an integral part of Colorado's film industry and art scene. They offer vital community forums, uplift differing perspectives, and provide entertainment you can't beat anywhere else! The Breckenridge Film Festival is thrilled to be a part of a state that uplifts these vital cultural celebrations and we look forward to watching the Colorado film industry flourish under these new tax incentives!" said Cait McCluskie, Head of Programming and Director of Operations, Breckendridge Film Festival.

"As one of the first 10 film festivals in the country, Denver Film Festival has been embraced and celebrated by film lovers across our state for nearly a half century," said Denver Film CEO Kevin Smith. "As champions of independent film and the people that bring these films to life, film festivals serve as the culmination of that discovery delivering a chance for our audiences to break out and see, experience, learn and talk through something new, something challenging, bold, entertaining or thought provoking. We proudly provide that place of discovery, and we're excited to see that spotlight shine a little brighter on our industry and the state of Colorado with the addition of the Sundance Film Festival and the thoughtful and strategic investment and support of the arts by our business and elected leaders. Working collaboratively, we will elevate our collective body of work and strengthen Colorado's position on the global film stage."

"So happy that the new Colorado Film Festival Tax Incentive is in place. Small festivals like Durango Independent Film Festival will benefit greatly from this bill, alongside larger entities like the Sundance Film Festival. There is a pool of $5 million (paid out over 10 years) that will help rural festivals like ours support both the economics of our community and the creativity of independent filmmakers. It's exciting," said Carol Fleisher, Executive Director, Durango Independent Film Festival.

"Film festivals are a wonderful opportunity to showcase local culture as well as bring in films and ideas from across the country and around the world. Being able to come together in a theater and experience movies together as a community is more important than ever. The Junktown Film Festival makes an impact on the community of Grand Junction. Students at Colorado Mesa University and CMU Tech are able to not only have their work show (and win awards) but also help as jury for the submitted films and in promoting the festival," said Jeff Gustafson, The Junktown Film Festival Director.

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"At Pueblo Film Fest, our mission is to ignite an international passion for storytelling through the art of cinema as we build the next generation of filmmakers. We celebrate the diverse voices of filmmakers from around the world, from budding talents to seasoned auteurs. Our festival serves as a vibrant platform, connecting artists with audiences and fostering a sense of community. Through thought-provoking narratives, captivating documentaries, and innovative experimental works, we aim to inspire, entertain, and provoke meaningful conversations. Pueblo Film Fest is committed to nurturing the cinematic arts, promoting cultural exchange, and shining a spotlight on how to have conversations across lines of difference. The festival makes a powerful economic impact and serves to provide both representation and inspiration to Southern Colorado and beyond!" said Andee Naglich, Executive Producer of the Pueblo Film Fest.

"Our 11-year old festival began to really flourish when we partnered with COFTM, and we have grown by leaps and bounds in the years since. We have been impressed by the ease of accessibility to opportunities and funding. Colorado is a great place to make a home for our festival, where people are truly engaged with our programming, and the beautiful land itself plays a featured role in our festival. RIFF is looking forward to new opportunities and growth in Colorado in the coming years," said Arielle Bielak, Ridgway Independent Film Festival Director.

"The Tax Incentive for Film Festivals Bill will strengthen Colorado's creative economy by supporting statewide nonprofit arts organizations, generating jobs, and attracting tourism. By investing in film festivals, this legislation will drive economic growth and establish Colorado as a leading destination for independent film and television. SeriesFest is proud to exist in a state that recognizes the power of community building through storytelling," said SeriesFest Co-Founder & CEO, Randi Kleiner

"Colorado stands at a unique crossroads of culture and commerce, with two of the most influential film festivals in the world—Telluride and Sundance Film Festival—showcasing the brilliance of cinema. Together, we amplify Colorado's role as a cultural leader, offering a comprehensive survey of the film industry today. For 52 years, Telluride has brought world-class cinema to the far western corner of the state, and now, with the opening of our new year-round home and state-of-the-art theater, we're investing in the future of cinema—nurturing artistic innovation with filmmaker residencies, and the creation of a collaborative hub for the theatrical experience of film. This is an exciting moment for Colorado, as the magic of cinema set against Colorado's exquisite natural beauty—seemingly crafted by cinematic masters—creates an experience that can't be matched," said Julie Huntsinger, Director of the Telluride Film Festival.

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