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

Colorado Films conversation with Kassia Fundoukos of The Kendama Club & Audrey Britain of Staked Girls.

New episode of Colorado Films: The Podcast. This week I sat down with University of Denver filmmakers Kassia Fundoukos (The Kendama Club) and Audrey Brittain (The Staked Girls), whose films are featured in this year's In Short Student Film Showcase. We discussed the inspirations behind their films, the challenges of student filmmaking, directing styles, and how the University of Denver's Media, Film & Journalism Studies program helped bring their projects to life. Kassia shared how personal experiences with heartbreak and the community built around kendama inspired The Kendama Club. Audrey talked about creating The Staked Girls as a horror-comedy that challenges negative portrayals of female friendships and explores trust, power, and friendship through genre filmmaking. We also discussed production challenges, future career goals, networking opportunities, and what's next for both filmmakers. Be sure to support these talented student filmmakers and check out the In Short Student Film Showcase. #ColoradoFilms #ColoradoFilm #DenverFilm #UniversityOfDenver #DUFilm #MFJS #StudentFilmmaker #IndependentFilm #WomenInFilm #HorrorComedy #TheKendamaClub #TheStakedGirls #FilmPodcast #ColoradoCreative #Filmmaking

Colorado Films: The Podcast! Conversation with Noah Smith President of the CFVA!

On this episode of Colorado Films: The Podcast, I sit down with Noah Smith, President of the Colorado Film and Video Association (CFVA), @CFVA and founder of In Contrast Films, to discuss the current state and future of Colorado's film industry.We talk about the impact of Colorado's film incentives, the opportunities and challenges surrounding Sundance's move to Colorado, and how filmmakers across the state are working together to build a stronger, more connected community. Noah shares his insights on film festivals, industry advocacy, supporting local productions, and the importance of creating opportunities for filmmakers at every level.We also discuss Noah's own journey into filmmaking, his work in community building, and the CFVA's efforts to help Colorado become a sustainable home for film production and creative talent.Topics include:• Sundance in Colorado• Film incentives and legislation• Colorado film festivals• Community building and collaboration• Diversity and representation in film• Opportunities for local filmmakers• The future of Colorado's film industry#ColoradoFilms [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/coloradofilms] #CFVA [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/cfva] #ColoradoFilmIndustry [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/coloradofilmindustry] #ColoradoFilmmakers [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/coloradofilmmakers] #SundanceFilmFestival [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/sundancefilmfestival] #IndependentFilm [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/independentfilm] #FilmPodcast [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/filmpodcast] #DenverFilm [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/denverfilm] #FilmCommunity [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/filmcommunity] #Filmmaking [https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/filmmaking]

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