Estes Park is preparing for a significant cinematic return with the announcement of the Estes Park Film Festival's revival in November 2028. This comes 16 years after the original event concluded its run in the mountain community. The Estes Park Film Society, a new nonprofit organization created by the Rocky Mountain Channel, will be responsible for bringing the festival back, along with hosting ongoing filmmaker meetups and other local events.
The new organization will be co-directed by Claire Mollé, President of the Rocky Mountain Channel, and Emmy-winning filmmaker Sean Doherty. Doherty is familiar with the festival's history, having founded the original Estes Park Film Festival in 2005 and directed it through 2012. He noted that the initial festival was "the right event at the wrong time."
Doherty expressed his long-held belief that Estes Park is an ideal location to showcase independent film. He stated his happiness to see the festival's return and to once again witness the town host talented filmmakers from around the world.
This revival coincides with a broader shift in Colorado's film landscape. The state is preparing to welcome the Sundance Film Festival to Boulder in January 2027. By the time Estes Park's festival makes its return, Sundance will have completed its first two Colorado editions, potentially drawing new attention to independent filmmaking across the Front Range.
Claire Mollé outlined the dual purposes behind forming the film society. One goal is to ensure Estes Park maintains a prominent presence within this evolving film landscape in Colorado. The other is to establish a supportive environment where independent filmmakers can empower one another within an industry that often presents challenges for artists seeking recognition.
Enterpreneur, author, and climber Melissa Strong has partnered with the Rocky Mountain Channel to facilitate the festival's return. Strong hopes that the renewed focus on filmmaking will foster opportunities for local artists and students. She anticipates that the festival will help build community connections, support local talent, create new opportunities, and contribute to the community that makes Estes Park unique.
Strong is particularly interested in expanding the existing Youth Film Festival. Her vision includes providing scholarships and filmmaking opportunities for students attending Estes Park and Eagle Rock high schools.
Residents interested in getting involved won't have to wait until 2028. The Estes Park Film Society will host its inaugural Estes Park Filmmaker Meetup on Thursday, November 12, from 6 to 9 p.m. The event will take place at the Rocky Mountain Channel studio, located at 142 E. Elkhorn Ave., in downtown Estes Park.
This free-form, open-house gathering is designed to welcome filmmakers and community members who wish to connect with the local film industry. Avant Garde Brewery will provide a bar for the meetup. Organizers plan to host similar meetups every other month at various locations throughout town.
Future programming by the society will extend beyond meetups, encompassing filmmaker labs, professional development opportunities, a 48-hour film challenge, and an annual environmental film festival scheduled for April. These initiatives aim to cultivate and support the local film community.
The festival's return builds upon Estes Park's existing film culture. The Historic Park Theatre, which dates back to 1913, continues to screen movies and host special events. Its current programming includes the annual Environmental Film Festival, along with documentary screenings and discussions featuring filmmakers. Additionally, the town's Youth Film Festival has provided opportunities for emerging filmmakers.
