On this Episode of colorado FIlms: The Podcast we sat down with filmmaker Tom Ropelewski to talk about his documentary Jill Sobule: Underdog Victorious.  A tribute to Denver-born singer-songwriter Jill Sobule, one of the most eclectic and underappreciated storytellers in modern music.The project began in 2017 as a film about protest music in America, but after struggling to find the right narrative and a pause during COVID, Tom pivoted to a full biographical portrait centered on Jill's life and her one-woman show F♯ 7th Grade. When Jill tragically passed away in a house fire in Minneapolis, Tom committed to finishing the film with even greater urgency to honor her legacy.The result is a 100-minute documentary structured like a Hollywood musical, weaving together 30 of Jill's songs alongside 24 hours of intimate interviews. Filmed with a small crew led by cinematographer Barry Braverman, the film features collaborators and friends including Tom Morello, Matt Groening. and Stephanie Miller. Jill always considered Denver home, and the documentary captures that connection through footage from her high school reunion and local house concerts. There are also 250–300 unreleased Jill Sobule songs being organized by the estate with the potential for a future box set. A test screening is being held in Denver with support from 105.5 The Colorado Sound, followed by a Q&A and plans for a DVD release with bonus performances.Jill once summed up her whole philosophy in a single text:"All I want to do is play shows, watch the Broncos, and resist." 🧡🎧 Listen to the full conversation here:  https://www.youtube.com/@Colorado-Films

#ColoradoFilms #JillSobule #UnderdogVictorious #Documentary #Denver #ColoradoMusic #IndieMusic #SingerSongwriter #Podcast #TomRopelewski #MusicDocumentary #DenverMusic #IndieFilm #MusicLegacy #ColoradoPodcast

On this episode of Colorado Films: The Podcast, we speak with Thomas McCartney, director of the Air Academy High School film program. This Saturday, Air Academy is hosting their 4th annual student film festival, “SummerTime Stories.” We also discuss how the program has evolved from a traditional film analysis class into a hands-on, multi-level production pipeline.Here, students write, direct, shoot, and edit their own films while learning to collaborate as a real studio. Through the film program, students develop teamwork, leadership, and creative confidence.In our conversation we cover:• The shift from film literature to a hands-on filmmaking curriculum• Building a three-level program that mirrors real production environments• Teaching collaboration through film• Why mentorship and student ownership matter more than expensive gear• Growing from a small club into an award-winning program• Using festivals and competitions to push student work forward• The long-term vision of creating a pipeline into the film industryThis program has created award-winning films like The Last Try. It continues to grow by staying focused on people, process, and passion for filmmaking. With plans to expand into more competitions and build a public archive of student work, this is a clear example of how film drives real creative development and community.Get all the information and tickets here: https://sites.google.com/msa.asd20.org/aahsfilmfestival2026/home?authuser=0#h.7pwc4avwiw2s#ColoradoFilms #Filmmaking #StudentFilmmakers #FilmEducation #IndieFilm #ColoradoFilm #CreativeCommunity #NextGenCreators #Podcast

On this episode of Colorado Films: The Podcast we’re joined by Lance Lucero—award-winning independent filmmaker, writer, comic book editor, and founder of Warehouse 9 Productions. This was such a fun episode as Lance's new movie, "Hunting for Fish," was shot in my old high school stomping grounds in Thornton! Known for his commitment to shooting on real film, Lance has built a unique voice blending classic filmmaking techniques with original storytelling across both film and comics. His latest project, Hunting for Fish (now streaming on Prime), is a true passion project—29 years in the making and finally released to the world.In this episode, we dive into:• His creative journey from Colorado’s booming ‘90s film scene• Why shooting on film still matters in a digital world• The difference between independent filmmaking and studio productions• Turning scripts into comics—and comics back into film• Building a creative network and staying independentLance shares so many good tips on the film industry I was amazed. Lance shares insight into his process, his dedication to practical effects, and what it really takes to keep creating over decades without losing momentum.#ColoradoFilms #FilmPodcast #IndependentFilm #Filmmaking #DirectorLife #FilmCommunity #IndieFilmmaker #ShotOnFilm #FilmIsNotDead #Cinematography #Storytelling #CreativeProcess #FilmIndustry #PodcastLife #WatchIndie #SupportIndieFilm #ColoradoFilm #Warehouse9Productions #HuntingForFish #FilmmakerLife

New Episode of Colorado Films: The Podcast!

We sat down with Mandy Spooks and Mister Spooks of Ghoul Mates Entertainment to talk about their upcoming short film Bad Boy follows a woman who suspects she’s dating a serial killer… but her dog may be hiding an even darker secret. A genre blending mix of romance, horror, and true crime created with women horror fans in mind.

Also in this episode, we discuss:

• How Mandy built the Ghoulster Squad community

• Turning spooky content into filmmaking

• Collaborating as a husband-and-wife directing team

• The Denver horror community’s role in their first film

• Balancing dark horror with fun, accessible storytelling

• The future of indie horror and women in filmmaking

Ghoul Mates Entertainment is currently in post-production with Bad Boy and planning their next steps — including a potential festival run and Halloween release.

Follow them for updates and behind-the-scenes content! ⁨@mandyspooks⁩ 

#ColoradoFilms #HorrorCommunity #IndieFilm #WomenInFilm #HorrorMovies #GhoulMates #Filmmaking #DenverFilm #Podcast #SpookySeasonAllYear #IndieHorror

🎬 New Episode of Colorado Films: The Podcast!

This week we sit down with Kathy Beck — international businesswoman, filmmaker, producer, and co-founder of the Boulder International Film Festival. From working in Boulder movie theaters as a teenager to helping build one of the most celebrated film festivals in the country, Kathy shares the journey behind creating a true cultural institution.

In this episode, we discuss:

• How her early love of cinema shaped her career

• The origin story behind the Boulder International Film Festival

• Why storytelling always matters more than production value

• Building a filmmaker-friendly festival environment

• The impact of community-driven programs like Call to Action

• Advice for filmmakers submitting to festivals

Kathy also gives a preview of this year’s festival highlights — from adventure films and special guests to workshops and community initiatives that continue to make Boulder a hub for independent film.

Get your tickets here: https://tickets.biff1.com/welcome

#ColoradoFilms #ColoradoFilmmakers #BoulderFilm #BIFF #FilmFestival #IndependentFilm #Filmmaking #ColoradoEvents #Podcast #FilmCommunity #Storytelling

🎬 New Episode of Colorado Films: The Podcast!In this episode, we sits down with Hunter Burns. Hunter is a filmmaker, marketing chair, and one of the driving forces behind the Castle Rock Film Festival. Hunter shares his journey into filmmaking, from sneaking into late-night movies as a kid to helping build one of Colorado’s growing grassroots film festivals.They dive into:• How the Castle Rock Film Festival got started• Building a film festival from the ground up• Supporting the local artist community• The importance of accessibility (including $1 screenings)• Plans for an independent theater in Castle Rock• Advice for filmmakers submitting to festivals• Hunter’s favorite horror films and programming highlightsHunter also discusses how the festival supports the Castle Rock Artist Alliance Veterans and First Responders Art Fund, and his long-term vision for expanding the arts in the community.If you're passionate about independent film, Colorado’s growing festival scene, or building creative communities — this is an episode you don’t want to miss.

Tickets are going fast! Get your here: https://filmfreeway.com/CastleRockFilmFestival/tickets#ColoradoFilms #CastleRockFilmFestival #ColoradoFilm #FilmFestival #IndependentFilm #Filmmakers #ColoradoArtists #FilmCommunity #Podcast #SupportLocalFilm

🎬 New Episode of Colorado Films: The Podcast!As a CSU alum from the School of Liberal Arts, the ACT Film Fest makes me proud to be a Ram. Go Rams!!!We sat down with Beth Seymour, Executive Director of the ACT Human Rights Film Festival at Colorado State University in the College of Liberal Arts Fort Collins. Now in its 11th year, ACT continues to bring powerful human rights stories from around the world to Northern Colorado — pairing film with meaningful conversations that inspire awareness, empathy, and action.In this episode, Beth shares:• What first drew her to human rights storytelling• How ACT curates films from across the globe• The importance of balancing heavy topics with hopeful stories• Why experiencing films in a theater creates deeper connections• How the Fort Collins community has helped ACT grow• What first-time attendees can expect from the festival🎟️ ACT’s mission — Awaken, Connect, Transform — is an invitation to experience stories that stay with you long after the credits roll.#ColoradoFilms #Podcast #ACTHumanRightsFilmFestival #FortCollins #CSU #FilmFestival #HumanRights #DocumentaryFilm #IndieFilm #ColoradoFilm #Storytelling #FilmCommunity #SupportIndieFilm #FilmPodcast #GoRams

On this episode of Colorado Films: The Podcast! we sit down with award-winning editor Mike Scalisi, known for his work on The Cove, which won the Academy Award for Best Documentary in 2009.

Mike, in partnership with the Boulder County Film Commission, is teaching an in person one-day Adobe Premiere class. So if you want to learn editing from an academy award winning editor sign up now as the is only one spot left!

Sign up here:

https://business.boulderchamber.com/events-calendar/Details/adobe-premiere-one-day-hands-on-class-1573172?sourceTypeId=Website

Our conversation goes deep into the craft of editing and what really shapes a film behind the scenes.

We talk about:

Why editing is the true engine of storytelling

The balance between technical skill and creative instinct

How something as simple as organization can define your success

The reality of AI in filmmaking and why it’s not replacing editors anytime soon

One of my biggest takeaways:

You can give 30 editors the same footage and get 30 completely different films.

If you care about filmmaking, storytelling, or the process behind great documentaries, this is one you don’t want to miss.

Listen now

Question:

For our filmmakers how important is editing to the filmmaking process?

#ColoradoFilms #FilmPodcast #Filmmaking #VideoEditing #TheCove #DocumentaryFilm #IndieFilm #FilmIndustry #Storytelling #Editors #AcademyAwards

On this episode of Colorado Films: The Podcast, I sat down with Sara Moore, Executive Director of Colorado Dragon Boat, to talk about the upcoming Colorado Dragon Boat Film Festival and the incredible work her organization is doing to uplift Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) voices in Colorado.

Since launching in 2016, the film festival has grown into the only all-Asian and Asian American film festival in Colorado, bringing powerful stories from across Asia and the U.S. to local audiences. Through film, conversations, and community events, the festival creates a space where storytelling becomes a bridge between cultures.

Sara also shared how the broader organization celebrates culture year-round—from the massive Colorado Dragon Boat Festival at Sloan’s Lake (the largest dragon boat festival in the United States) to leadership programs, cultural markets, and new events across Colorado.

One of the most exciting parts of the festival?
The local filmmaker showcases, where Colorado filmmakers get the chance to screen their work and connect with audiences.

At its heart, the festival is about connection. As Sara put it, film allows us to experience cultures, histories, and perspectives we might not otherwise encounter—and sometimes realize we’re more alike than we think.

Colorado Dragon Boat Film FestivalMarch 20th–22ndSie FilmCenter

Get your passes or tickets here: https://coloradodragonboatfilmfestival.eventive.org/welcome

A fantastic panel from ScorpiusFest, called “A Bug’s Life: The Delusion of Distribution” with award-winning filmmaker Justin Hunt.

It hit right at the intersection of two things I love talking about film and software.

Justin from his own experiences describes the modern distribution machine: how the marketplace actually works, the traps filmmakers fall into, and how to get your film distributed without getting ripped off.

One of the most interesting parts of the conversation was his breakdown of platforms like FilmHub and how they can empower filmmakers to take more control of their distribution. The technology powering the FilmHub platform provides real insights for filmmakers on how well their film is doing across platforms. Instead of waiting for the traditional gatekeepers, tools like this are shifting power back toward creators who understand the system and know how to navigate it.

For independent filmmakers, understanding distribution is just as important as making the film itself and panels like this are a reminder that the business side of filmmaking is evolving just as fast as the creative side.

Huge thanks to Justin for sharing real insight into a part of the industry that too often feels opaque.

#ScorpiusFest #FilmDistribution #IndependentFilm #Filmmaking #IndieFilm #FilmHub #FilmFestival #ColoradoFilm #FilmIndustry #IndieFilmmaker