Colorado Films: The Podcast!

Colorado Films interview with Tom Ropelewski of JILL SOBULE- Underdog Victorious

On this Episode of colorado FIlms: The Podcast we sat down with filmmaker Tom Ropelewski to talk about his documentary Jill Sobule: Underdog Victorious.  A tribute to Denver-born singer-songwriter Jill Sobule, one of the most eclectic and underappreciated storytellers in modern music.The project began in 2017 as a film about protest music in America, but after struggling to find the right narrative and a pause during COVID, Tom pivoted to a full biographical portrait centered on Jill's life and her one-woman show F♯ 7th Grade. When Jill tragically passed away in a house fire in Minneapolis, Tom committed to finishing the film with even greater urgency to honor her legacy.The result is a 100-minute documentary structured like a Hollywood musical, weaving together 30 of Jill's songs alongside 24 hours of intimate interviews. Filmed with a small crew led by cinematographer Barry Braverman, the film features collaborators and friends including Tom Morello, Matt Groening. and Stephanie Miller. Jill always considered Denver home, and the documentary captures that connection through footage from her high school reunion and local house concerts. There are also 250–300 unreleased Jill Sobule songs being organized by the estate with the potential for a future box set. A test screening is being held in Denver with support from 105.5 The Colorado Sound, followed by a Q&A and plans for a DVD release with bonus performances.Jill once summed up her whole philosophy in a single text:"All I want to do is play shows, watch the Broncos, and resist." 🧡🎧 Listen to the full conversation here:  https://www.youtube.com/@Colorado-Films #ColoradoFilms #JillSobule #UnderdogVictorious #Documentary #Denver #ColoradoMusic #IndieMusic #SingerSongwriter #Podcast #TomRopelewski #MusicDocumentary #DenverMusic #IndieFilm #MusicLegacy #ColoradoPodcast

Colorado Films Conversation with Tom McCartney Air Academy Film Program

On this episode of Colorado Films: The Podcast, we speak with Thomas McCartney, director of the Air Academy High School film program. This Saturday, Air Academy is hosting their 4th annual student film festival, “SummerTime Stories.” We also discuss how the program has evolved from a traditional film analysis class into a hands-on, multi-level production pipeline.Here, students write, direct, shoot, and edit their own films while learning to collaborate as a real studio. Through the film program, students develop teamwork, leadership, and creative confidence.In our conversation we cover:• The shift from film literature to a hands-on filmmaking curriculum• Building a three-level program that mirrors real production environments• Teaching collaboration through film• Why mentorship and student ownership matter more than expensive gear• Growing from a small club into an award-winning program• Using festivals and competitions to push student work forward• The long-term vision of creating a pipeline into the film industryThis program has created award-winning films like The Last Try. It continues to grow by staying focused on people, process, and passion for filmmaking. With plans to expand into more competitions and build a public archive of student work, this is a clear example of how film drives real creative development and community.Get all the information and tickets here: https://sites.google.com/msa.asd20.org/aahsfilmfestival2026/home?authuser=0#h.7pwc4avwiw2s#ColoradoFilms #Filmmaking #StudentFilmmakers #FilmEducation #IndieFilm #ColoradoFilm #CreativeCommunity #NextGenCreators #Podcast

Colorado Films: The Podcast! Conversation with Lance Lucero of Warehouse 9 Productions

On this episode of Colorado Films: The Podcast we’re joined by Lance Lucero—award-winning independent filmmaker, writer, comic book editor, and founder of Warehouse 9 Productions. This was such a fun episode as Lance's new movie, "Hunting for Fish," was shot in my old high school stomping grounds in Thornton! Known for his commitment to shooting on real film, Lance has built a unique voice blending classic filmmaking techniques with original storytelling across both film and comics. His latest project, Hunting for Fish (now streaming on Prime), is a true passion project—29 years in the making and finally released to the world.In this episode, we dive into:• His creative journey from Colorado’s booming ‘90s film scene• Why shooting on film still matters in a digital world• The difference between independent filmmaking and studio productions• Turning scripts into comics—and comics back into film• Building a creative network and staying independentLance shares so many good tips on the film industry I was amazed. Lance shares insight into his process, his dedication to practical effects, and what it really takes to keep creating over decades without losing momentum.#ColoradoFilms #FilmPodcast #IndependentFilm #Filmmaking #DirectorLife #FilmCommunity #IndieFilmmaker #ShotOnFilm #FilmIsNotDead #Cinematography #Storytelling #CreativeProcess #FilmIndustry #PodcastLife #WatchIndie #SupportIndieFilm #ColoradoFilm #Warehouse9Productions #HuntingForFish #FilmmakerLife

Colorado FIlms Conversation WIth Mandy & Mister Spooks of Ghoul Mates Entertainment

New Episode of Colorado Films: The Podcast! We sat down with Mandy Spooks and Mister Spooks of Ghoul Mates Entertainment to talk about their upcoming short film Bad Boy follows a woman who suspects she’s dating a serial killer… but her dog may be hiding an even darker secret. A genre blending mix of romance, horror, and true crime created with women horror fans in mind. Also in this episode, we discuss: • How Mandy built the Ghoulster Squad community • Turning spooky content into filmmaking • Collaborating as a husband-and-wife directing team • The Denver horror community’s role in their first film • Balancing dark horror with fun, accessible storytelling • The future of indie horror and women in filmmaking Ghoul Mates Entertainment is currently in post-production with Bad Boy and planning their next steps — including a potential festival run and Halloween release. Follow them for updates and behind-the-scenes content! ⁨@mandyspooks⁩  [https://studio.youtube.com/channel/UCyVuWR8OtTx0NiRkJ9Q2c9g] #ColoradoFilms #HorrorCommunity #IndieFilm #WomenInFilm #HorrorMovies #GhoulMates #Filmmaking #DenverFilm #Podcast #SpookySeasonAllYear #IndieHorror

Colorado Films: The Podcast! Conversation with Kathy Beeck Boulder International Film Festival

🎬 New Episode of Colorado Films: The Podcast! This week we sit down with Kathy Beck — international businesswoman, filmmaker, producer, and co-founder of the Boulder International Film Festival. From working in Boulder movie theaters as a teenager to helping build one of the most celebrated film festivals in the country, Kathy shares the journey behind creating a true cultural institution. In this episode, we discuss: • How her early love of cinema shaped her career • The origin story behind the Boulder International Film Festival • Why storytelling always matters more than production value • Building a filmmaker-friendly festival environment • The impact of community-driven programs like Call to Action • Advice for filmmakers submitting to festivals Kathy also gives a preview of this year’s festival highlights — from adventure films and special guests to workshops and community initiatives that continue to make Boulder a hub for independent film. Get your tickets here: https://tickets.biff1.com/welcome #ColoradoFilms #ColoradoFilmmakers #BoulderFilm #BIFF #FilmFestival #IndependentFilm #Filmmaking #ColoradoEvents #Podcast #FilmCommunity #Storytelling