The countdown has begun for the 14th annual StoryMode Independent Short Film Awards (SISFA), a celebration of cinematic artistry that has become a staple of Pueblo’s creative landscape. Taking place March 21-22, 2025, this year’s festival is set to elevate its storytelling impact with an exciting lineup of independent short films, feature screenings, and interactive events designed to engage filmmakers and audiences alike.

For two days, Pueblo will transform into a hub for independent cinema, attracting filmmakers and film lovers from across the country. With screenings at CSU-Pueblo’s Hoag Hall and Pueblo Community College’s Hoag Theater, a red-carpet showcase, industry panels, and a dynamic awards ceremony, SISFA 2025 is shaping up to be an unforgettable experience.

A Festival Rooted in Storytelling

SISFA has long been dedicated to fostering independent film and elevating voices that push the boundaries of storytelling. Presented by StoryMode Films and S & S Productions, the festival provides a platform for emerging and established filmmakers to showcase their work in an interactive and engaging environment.

This year’s festival theme—“This is Your Time. Your Moment. Your Story.”—serves as an open invitation to storytellers and cinephiles alike. Through its carefully curated lineup, SISFA 2025 aims to highlight the power of cinema as a storytelling medium that connects communities and cultures.

"We are thrilled to bring another year of groundbreaking cinema to Pueblo," said SISFA co-founder Brian Salay. "This year, we are shining an even brighter spotlight on the incredible talent coming out of Colorado, while continuing to welcome innovative filmmakers from across the country. The films screening at SISFA this year are powerful, emotional, thought provoking, and transcendent in all the best ways. We simply cannot wait to share these amazing films with you this March 21 & 22 in Pueblo.”

An Unmissable Opening Night

SISFA 2025 will kick off on Friday, March 21, with a Cocktail Reception at the Fuel & Iron Food Hall, the festival’s official hub. This reception will serve as a welcoming space for attendees to meet filmmakers, industry professionals, and fellow cinephiles while enjoying Pueblo’s vibrant food and drink scene. Festival badge holders will receive exclusive discounts throughout the weekend.

Following the reception, the Red Carpet Showcase at Pueblo Community College’s Hoag Theater will feature an array of compelling short films from across the United States. This will be followed by the Colorado Showcase: Late Night Edition, a special screening of Colorado-made films that explore darker themes and narratives.

To round out the evening, the SISFA Kickoff Party at Walter’s Brewery will offer attendees an opportunity to continue networking while enjoying local craft beer and live music.

A Diverse Lineup of Films

One of the most anticipated aspects of SISFA is its eclectic mix of films. This year, the festival boasts an impressive selection of short films, documentaries, dramatic narratives, comedic gems, and a feature film showcase. According to Salay, “we’re bridging the gap between what storytelling currently is at film festivals, and what storytelling has the potential to be.”

Main Event Selections

SISFA’s Main Event, taking place on Saturday, March 22, will feature an electrifying lineup of films competing for top honors. Among them:

“An Old Friend” (Directed by Nuk Suwanchote) – Featuring veteran actor Tom Skerritt (Top Gun, Alien), this dramatic short tells the heartwarming story of an imaginary friend who discovers that his child is now a 90-year-old man on his deathbed.
“As Easy as Closing Your Eyes” (Directed by Parker Croft) – Academy Award nominee Abigail Breslin (Little Miss Sunshine, Zombieland) presents this emotionally charged film about a grieving mother battling an addiction to a black-market drug that allows her to dream about her deceased son.
“Becoming Who You Are: The Aspen Music Festival & School” (Directed by Tyler Shown) – A compelling documentary that delves into one of the most prestigious classical music festivals in the world.
“I Am Duck” (Directed by Nick Zweig) – A quirky comedic short about a duck’s surreal quest for bread—or something greater.
“My Sister Got Shingled” (Directed by Silas J. Rowland) – A hilarious take on sibling rivalry, insurance agents, and the unexpected mishaps of life.
“The Only Son” (Directed by Piotr Matyja) – A Polish immigrant in Los Angeles is faced with a moral dilemma that could alter his son's future.
“Unprofessional” (Directed by Drew Schettler) – A dark comedy about a recently unemployed man who stumbles into a mysterious job opportunity.
“Bible Camp” (Directed by Philip DeRise) – A poignant story about young Korean immigrants navigating cultural assimilation, baseball, and music at a Christian summer camp.

These films, alongside five additional entries, will be vying for Best Short Film honors during the Main Event at CSU-Pueblo’s Hoag Hall.

Feature Film Spotlight: ‘Rival’

This year’s Feature Film Showcase will highlight "Rival" (Directed by David Elijah), a suspenseful Colorado-made thriller about a teenage girl who learns that her older brother is behind a series of murders in their town.

The screening will take place on Saturday afternoon at PCC’s Hoag Theater, offering a high-stakes, edge-of-your-seat experience for festival-goers.

Showcasing Colorado’s Creativity

One of the most exciting aspects of SISFA 2025 is its emphasis on local filmmaking. With support from the Colorado Office of Film, Television & Media, the festival is doubling down on its mission to showcase and support filmmakers from the Centennial State.

The Colorado Showcase: Late Night Edition will highlight dark and dramatic short films produced in Colorado, including:

“Run” (Directed by Brittany Marie) – A powerful exploration of past traumas and their lingering effects.
“Kino Kopf” (Directed by Jack Cosgriff) – A sci-fi tale about a sentient humanoid VHS camera grappling with existential questions.
“Kids for Kidnapping” (Directed by Torrance Maurer) – A gripping drama about two siblings navigating the seedy underbelly of an adult world.
“The Abyss” (Directed by Chris Churilla) – A thrilling story about a detective teaming up with a psychic to track a serial killer.
“Ghost Town” (Directed by Ryan Frazee) – A dramatic narrative about addiction, family, and second chances.

Beyond the Screen: Industry Panels & Interactive Experiences

On Saturday morning, March 22, SISFA will host the “Your Moment—Your Story” Industry Panel, featuring working Hollywood creatives sharing their insights and experiences. This panel aims to provide invaluable advice to aspiring filmmakers while fostering discussions about the evolving film industry.

In addition to screenings, the festival will offer an interactive audience experience, including live voting and audience participation during the Main Event.

Celebrating Film with a Grand Finale

The SISFA 2025 Main Event will not only showcase award-worthy films but also incorporate music, live storytelling, and an immersive stage show. Hoag Hall will transform into a "Forest of Dreams," bringing an otherworldly atmosphere to the awards ceremony.

Following the awards, the festival will wrap up with PartyMode: The SISFA After Party, a celebratory gathering where filmmakers and fans can unwind, network, and reflect on another successful festival.

How to Attend

SISFA offers multiple ticketing options to cater to different levels of engagement:

Silver Pass – Access to film screenings and the industry panel.
Gold Pass – Additional perks, including the red-carpet showcase and kickoff party.
Platinum Pass – VIP experience with premium seating and exclusive networking events.

Tickets can be purchased at www.sisfafest.com, and festival organizers encourage early reservations due to high demand.

Conclusion: A Must-See Event for Film Enthusiasts

With its diverse selection of films, Colorado-driven content, interactive elements, and celebratory atmosphere, SISFA 2025 is shaping up to be one of Pueblo’s most exciting cultural events of the year.

For anyone passionate about storytelling, independent cinema, and community engagement, SISFA is more than just a film festival—it’s an experience.

This is Pueblo’s moment. This is SISFA 2025.

For more details, visit www.sisfafest.com.