Royal Gorge Film Festival Announces Inaugural Dates & Call for Entries
Cañon City, CO (July 1, 2025) – The Royal Gorge Film Festival (RGFF) is proud to announce its first-ever edition, running February 13–15, 2026 at the historic Skyline Theater in Cañon City, Colorado. Submissions are now open on FilmFreeway for four competitive categories—Short Films, Feature Films, and Music Videos, all of which must be produced in Colorado and completed within the last five years.
Key Dates
Earlybird Deadline: (has already passed)
Regular Deadline: November 19, 2025
Late Deadline: December 20, 2025
Extended Deadline: January 20, 2026
Filmmakers can enter and find full guidelines at:
filmfreeway.com/RoyalGorgeFilmFest
“We’re thrilled to bring a festival back to the Royal Gorge region after more than a decade,” said Festival Founder Benjamin Black. “Our mission is to showcase Colorado’s rich storytelling talent and celebrate Western heritage through the art of cinema.”
About the Venue
The Skyline Theater—an architectural gem nestled in the heart of downtown Cañon City—provides state-of-the-art projection and sound in an intimate, 500-seat setting. Festival guests will enjoy three days of screenings, panel discussions, live Q&As, and evening networking receptions, all framed by the dramatic vistas of the Royal Gorge.
Event Description
The Royal Gorge Film Festival is where history meets innovation. Over three immersive days, RGFF showcases a curated selection of Colorado-made films that honor our Western roots while pushing creative boundaries. Highlights include:
Short Films (≤40 min): Poignant narratives, documentaries, animations, and experimental works.
Feature Films (41 min+): From sweeping Western epics to intimate indie dramas.
Music Videos (≤10 min): Visually striking collaborations between Colorado musicians and filmmakers.
In addition to screenings, the festival offers industry panels, and networking events—all designed to foster collaboration among Colorado’s writers, directors, producers, and crew. Attendees will have the chance to connect with seasoned professionals, discover the latest trends in film production, and celebrate the unique spirit of the Royal Gorge region.
Join us February 13–15, 2026 at the Skyline Theater to experience the finest in Colorado cinema. Submit your film today and be part of the next chapter in Western storytelling.
