Celebrating Independent Cinema
Join us for four days of extraordinary independent films, emerging filmmakers, and cinematic storytelling.
About RIFF
The Ridgway Independent Film Festival showcases the best in independent cinema, providing a platform for emerging and established filmmakers to share their stories with passionate audiences. Our festival celebrates creativity, diversity, and the art of storytelling through film.
Festival Information
Professional Jurors
Our distinguished panel of industry professionals evaluates and celebrates outstanding independent cinema with decades of combined experience in filmmaking, criticism, and academia.

Colleen Thurston
Documentary storyteller, producer and film curator from Tulsa, Oklahoma. Created non-fiction film and videos for the Smithsonian Channel, Vox, and museums, public television, and federal and tribal organizations.
Her work has been supported by Firelight Media, the Sundance Institute, Patagonia, ITVS, Vision Maker Media, the Ford Foundation, the Redford Center, and Creative Capital.
Colleen's first feature documentary DROWNED LAND (2025) examines the cycle of displacement as it is related to resource extraction in her tribe, the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma.

Taylor Rees
Filmmaker, photographer, and explorer who seeks to create collaborative stories that deeply inspect ourselves, our relationships to other earthlings, and the ways that fresh ideas create new worlds.
Directing credits include Ashes to Ashes, featured by the New Yorker and winner of over 30 film festival prizes, including winning best short film at 5 Oscar qualifying festivals.
Photographic work has appeared in National Geographic Magazine, The United Nations publications, and numerous commercial clients. Sony Artisan of Imagery for 5 years.

Carroll Cartwright
Screenwriter who began his career in New York and regional theater before decamping to Hollywood. Worked on production rewrites including the original Jumanji where he got to think up monologues for Robin Williams.
Forever pleased with how nicely What Maisie Knew turned out, and pleased with the love that Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris has received.

Peter O'Fallon
Writer, director, producer and show-runner. Created Mysterious Ways (NBC), co-created Legit (FX), and was writer/director/producer for A Rumor of Angels starring Vanessa Redgrave and Ray Liotta (MGM).
In television he has directed over 15 pilots that have gone to series including UnReal (Lifetime), Legit (FX), The Riches (FX), and American Soul (BET). Over 100 credits as Executive Producer.

John Smallcombe
Began working aged 17 as office runner at Hemdale Film Company in London. Worked with Oscar Winner Fred Zinnemann, Michael Apted, Hugh Hudson, Richard Lester, and Ken Russell.
Credits include Lucky Lady, Tommy, Mahler, Chariots of Fire, and Triple Echo. In 2021 was initial producer on Ernest Hemingway's Across the River and Into the Trees starring Liev Schreiber.
Sponsors & Partners
Childcare with Voyager
Voyager Youth Partnership

Voyager is providing childcare for the festival on Friday and Saturday nights!
5:30PM - 7:30PM
Ages 3-8
$20
Click to enroll!
Featured Films
Discover our spotlight selections showcasing the extraordinary range and depth of independent cinema at this year's festival.
Special Programming
Beyond our main competition, experience unique screenings and programs designed to celebrate the breadth of cinematic storytelling.
Fuse / Creative Main Street Reception (Free)
Friday, October 17 • 4:30 PM - 5:45 PM
Celebrate of The Arts in Ridgway
DeckerAfter Party (Free)
Friday, October 17 • 9:45 PM - 11:00 PM
Late night afterparty with special guest DJ Béeso (Remaining Native score composer)
SherbinoStop Motion Animation Workshops (Free)
Saturday, October 18 • 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Free workshops for all ages - register online to save your spot!
4th-8th Grades
Highschool
Star Gazing After Show (Free)
Saturday, October 18 • 7:30 PM - 10:00 PM
Experience the magnificence of Ridgway's dark skies at Frontier Field Pavilion (walk from Decker after showing). Constellation tours! Dress warmly, bring red light mode headlamp, warm beverages provided!
DeckerRemaining Native 5k (Free)
Sunday, October 19 • 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM
Contemplate and Celebrate Ku's 50 mile journey with an all ages / all abilities 5k along the Uncompahgre river. Surprise performers from the Uncompahgre Pow-Wow.
Register now!
End of RIFF Celebration with Improv Comedy
Sunday, October 19 • 4:00 PM - 5:30 PM
Join us for the presentation of jury awards and audience choice winners - following a performance by Ridgway's very own local improve troop - celebrating four days of exceptional independent cinema
SherbinoSchedule
Thursday, October 16
Friday, October 17
Saturday, October 18
Sunday, October 19
Venues
The Sherbino
Ridgway's Livingroom! An historic theater and cultural hub, hosting diverse community events like live music, films, and performances.
604 Clinton Street, Ridgway, CO 81432The Decker Room
Intimate venue space perfect for screenings and filmmaker discussions.
675 Clinton Street, Ridgway, CO 81432The Old Firehouse
Unique historic venue offering a distinctive atmosphere for film presentations.
185 N. Lena Street, Ridgway, CO 81432Kiva Room at Chipeta Lodge
Cozy mountain lodge setting providing an intimate screening experience.
304 S Lena Street, Ridgway, CO 81432Tickets
Buy Tickets OnlineContact Us
Email: arielle@sherbinotheater.com
Instagram: @ridgwayindiefilmfest
Facebook: facebook.com/Ridgwayfilmfest/
Film Freeway: filmfreeway.com/RidgwayIndepedentFilmFest