Cinephiles, rejoice! The Colorado Short Circuit Film Festival returns for its ninth year to celebrate the creativity and power of visual storytelling with nearly 100 independent films all made in Colorado.

“It’s amazing how many filmmakers in this community are busy making films every single weekend,” said festival founder and director Ralph Giordano. “Independent film is thriving in Colorado right now, and especially here in the Pikes Peak region.”

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While some films being screened at Short Circuit represent traditional genres such as comedy and documentary, others fall into less mainstream categories such as experimental and music video, or showcase creatives including young filmmakers and women in film.

“There’s a lot,” Giordano said. “We’re giving everybody a really wonderful choice.”

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Giordano said the event is an opportunity for area filmmakers to come together, network, and enjoy each others’ work. Seeing familiar faces find community and accolades at a hub like Short Circuit feels like a personal victory for Giordano, who has been in Colorado’s independent film industry for decades.

But he loves seeing new faces fill the seats each year, too. And, he says, the festival is never the same twice.

This year, free panel discussions on each weekend day of the festival will explore the future of independent film and explore the actor-director relationship.

The festival, sponsored by the Independent Film Society of Colorado, takes place at the historic Ivywild School gym auditorium, where attendees are welcome to duck out for drinks and some of Ivywild Kitchen’s drool-worthy offerings to enjoy at their seats. After each category has been screened, audiences are also invited to participate in live question and answer sessions with the filmmakers.

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VIP passes are available to those craving a more red-carpet experience. These grant access to the Friday evening reception where attendees can mingle with the filmmakers, directors and actors over hors d’oeuvres, and toast the town’s independent film scene.

The festival ends in celebration on Sunday night with a free awards ceremony honoring the winning filmmaking team in each category.