For nearly four decades, the Rocky Mountain Women’s Film Festival has drawn filmmakers and audiences to Colorado Springs for a weekend of films told through women’s eyes. This year’s event runs Oct. 17–19 at Colorado College, with 40 films, live music, filmmaker forums, and community gatherings.
Founded in 1987 by Donna Guthrie and Jere Martin after a trip to the Telluride Film Festival, Rocky Mountain Women’s Film has grown from a half-day program into the longest-running women’s film festival in North America. “We hold that title because of our criteria,” said executive director Nicole Nicoletta, who has led the nonprofit since 2022. “Every film in our lineup has a woman behind the lens. Whether the story is about women or not, we believe in the unique power of a woman to tell it.”
The lineup spans documentaries, narratives, shorts, and animation, covering a wide range of subjects. “Last year we had a film about grizzly bears in the Tetons,” Nicoletta said. “Through a woman’s perspective, it resonates differently.” Hundreds of submissions arrive each year from around the world. The 2025 schedule will be announced in September.
What began as a volunteer effort is now a nonprofit with four staff members who organize the October festival and additional events throughout the year. The three-day weekend opens Friday evening and continues through Sunday with screenings, Q&As, live music, and filmmaker forums. Food trucks and pre-ordered lunches make it easy for attendees to stay on-site.
Parties and special events round out the festival, including a Thursday sponsor reception, a Saturday “After Dark” event with live music and free popcorn from Patsy’s Candies, and a closing celebration. Ticket options range from full-festival passes with Virtual Encore access to single-day or individual film block passes. Free admission on Sunday is offered to active-duty and retired military members and their spouses, sponsored by Phil Long Dealerships. Seniors and military also receive discounts.
A preview party will be held Sept. 16 at Ivywild, and discounted lodging is available at The Mining Exchange Hotel. Nicoletta said the festival endures because of its community. “We’ve had people attend for 38 years. They learn, connect, and leave inspired.”
For tickets and details, visit rmwfilm.org