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

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

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