Colorado Films Conversation with Tom McCartney Air Academy Film Program

Colorado Films Conversation with Richard Paradise founder and festival director of the Boulder Environmental Nature Outdoor Film Festival (Boulder ENOFF)

On this episode of Colorado Films: The Podcast, I sit down with Richard Paradise — founder and festival director of the Boulder Environmental Nature Outdoor Film Festival (Boulder ENOFF), @boulderenoff [https://www.instagram.com/boulderenoff/] — to discuss how film can inspire audiences to think differently about the natural world and the issues shaping its future. We talk about the evolution of Boulder ENOFF, the challenge of programming films that balance urgency with hope, and why documentaries are at their best when they spark meaningful conversations long after the credits roll. Richard also reflects on his decades as a film programmer, what makes a truly memorable documentary, and why Colorado is becoming an increasingly important destination for filmmakers and film festivals. We also explore this year's festival lineup, featuring stories about river conservation, wildfire management, wildlife, outdoor adventure, and the filmmakers bringing these important conversations to Boulder. Topics include: • Building the Boulder Environmental Nature Outdoor Film Festival • Programming films that inspire action and discussion • What makes a memorable documentary • Authenticity in environmental filmmaking • Colorado's growing role in independent and documentary film • This year's Boulder ENOFF lineup and special guests • The importance of post-film conversations • How film festivals connect communities through storytelling The 8th Annual Boulder Environmental Nature Outdoor Film Festival takes place July 16–19 at the Dairy Arts Center in Boulder. Get your tickets here! https://www.boulderenoff.org/2026-festival-film-events-program #ColoradoFilms [https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/coloradofilms/] #BoulderENOFF [https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/boulderenoff/] #EnvironmentalFilm [https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/environmentalfilm/] #DocumentaryFilm [https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/documentaryfilm/] #FilmFestival [https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/filmfestival/] #ColoradoFilm [https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/coloradofilm/] #IndependentFilm [https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/independentfilm/] #Conservation [https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/conservation/] #NatureFilms [https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/naturefilms/] #OutdoorAdventure [https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/outdooradventure/] #BoulderColorado [https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/bouldercolorado/] #DairyArtsCenter [https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/dairyartscenter/] #ColoradoEvents [https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/coloradoevents/] #FilmCommunity [https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/filmcommunity/] #FilmPodcast [https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/filmpodcast/]

Colorado Films: The Podcast! Conversation with Jack Hanley a Colorado based film historian and more!

On this episode of Colorado Films: The Podcast, I sit down with Jack Hanley — a Colorado-based film historian, critic, programmer, educator, and podcaster to talk about how we watch movies and why that matters.We get into the many layers a great film can hold at once (Jaws as a shark movie, a study of masculinity, and a critique of capitalism all at the same time), the value of cinema as a communal experience, and Jack's friendship with Roger Ebert, whose belief in championing films that don't yet have an audience became a guiding principle for Jack's own work as a critic and programmer.We also explore the world cinema too often overlooked the Polish, Czech, and Romanian New Waves, Kieślowski's Dekalog, and Latin American masterpieces along with Jack's deep love of horror, his work with the Colorado Festival of Horror and the Telluride Horror Show, and the podcast he co-hosts, Blind Spotting, dedicated to seeking out the films we've all missed.Topics include:• How to watch movies more deeply• The many layers of a great film• Cinema as a communal experience• Roger Ebert and the role of critics and curators• Central and Eastern European cinema• World and Latin American cinema• Horror as a genre with something to say• The importance of film festivals and repertory cinema#ColoradoFilms #FilmPodcast #Cinephile #FilmCommunity #RepertoryCinema #FilmHistory #FilmCriticism #WorldCinema #HorrorCommunity #IndependentFilm #Boulder #DenverFilm #Filmmaking #WatchMoreMovies

Colorado Films Conversation with Jimmy Drain of Thunder Knight Entertainment

On this episode of Colorado Films: The Podcast! I sit down with filmmaker, actor, writer, and producer Jimmy Drain, founder of Thunder Knight Entertainment.Jimmy shares his journey from acting to producing, how a desire for creative control led him to focus being behind the camera. We discuss his feature films Realm of Shadows and Heavy Weapon, working with legendary actors including Tony Todd, Vernon Wells, Richard Tyson, Eric Roberts, and Naomi Grossman, and the challenges of independent film distribution in today's rapidly changing industry.We also dive into Colorado's growing film scene, the future of theatrical releases, practical effects versus CGI, reality-based horror, and why filmmakers should stay hungry and committed to the stories they're passionate about telling.Listen now and hear how Thunder Knight Entertainment is building ambitious genre films from Colorado while reaching audiences worldwide.#ColoradoFilms #JimmyDrain #ThunderKnightEntertainment #HeavyWeaponMovie #RealmOfShadows #ColoradoFilmIndustry #IndependentFilm #HorrorMovies #Filmmaking #ColoradoPodcast #FilmProducer #FilmDirector #MovieMaking #ColoradoFilmmakers #FilmCommunity

Colorado Films: The Podcast! conversation with actor, writer and director Curtis K. Rodgers.

On this episode of Colorado Films: The Podcast! I sit down with writer, director, and actor Curtis K. Rodgers to discuss his original stage production, 13 Fires.Inspired by the history of Indiana Avenue in Indianapolis, 13 Fires tells the story of a thriving Black community impacted by displacement, redlining, and gentrification. Curtis shares how discovering the hidden history of his hometown inspired him to write the play, why these stories remain relevant today, and how similar patterns have shaped communities in places like Denver, Aurora, Boulder, and across the country.We also discuss his journey as a writer and director, the challenges of bringing a community-centered production to the stage, and how theater can preserve stories that refuse to be forgotten.13 Fires premieres June 19 at the Longmont Theatre Company. Performance InformationThere will be a total of five performances across Boulder County. Most performances will be followed by talkbacks with the director and cast. Actor bios and additional details will be available on this site soon.June 19, 2026 – Longmont Theatre Company513 Main St, Longmont, CO 80501Showtime: 6:00 p.m.Tickets: https://tinyurl.com/13FiresJune 24–26, 2026 – Dairy Arts Center2590 Walnut St, Boulder, CO 80302Showtime: 6:00 p.m. each eveningTickets: https://thedairy.org/series/13-fires-june-24-26/August 8, 2026 – Boulder Public Library (Canyon Theater)1001 Arapahoe Ave, Boulder, CO 80302Showtime: 6:30 p.m.#ColoradoFilms #ColoradoTheatre #13Fires #CurtisKRodgers #LongmontTheatre #DairyArtsCenter #NederlandCommunityLibrary #BoulderArts #IndependentTheatre #Gentrification #BlackHistory #ColoradoArts #Playwriting #TheaterLife #ColoradoPodcast #CommunityStories #SupportLocalArts

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