Film festivals are the most highly anticipated offerings from Aspen Film, three signature events presented annually throughout the community. Our festivals showcase feature-length and short-form films from around the globe that highlight unique, compelling, and diverse stories.
Independent By Nature
Learn about upcoming events at Aspen Film
Events + ScreeningsUp Next
Studio Ghibli Fest 2024: SPIRITED AWAY
Saturday, April 27, 3pm | Sunday, April 28, 3pm | Tuesday, April 30, 7pm
Aspen Film Isis Theatre | 406 E Hopkins Ave, Aspen
Winner of the Academy Award® for Best Animated Feature, Hayao Miyazaki’s wondrous fantasy adventure is a dazzling masterpiece from one of the most celebrated filmmakers in the history of animation. Chihiro’s family is moving to a new house, but when they stop on the way to explore an abandoned village, her parents undergo a mysterious transformation, and Chihiro is whisked into a world of fantastic spirits ruled over by the sorceress Yubaba. Put to work in a magical bathhouse for spirits and demons, Chihiro must use all her wits to survive in this strange new place, find a way to free her parents, and return to the normal world. Overflowing with imaginative creatures and thrilling storytelling, Spirited Away became a worldwide smash hit and is one of the most critically acclaimed films of all time.
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RYUICHI SAKAMOTO: OPUS
Wednesday, May 1, 7:30pm
Aspen Film Isis Theatre | 406 E Hopkins Ave, Aspen
On March 28th, 2023, legendary composer Ryuichi Sakamoto passed away after his struggle against cancer. In the years leading up to his death, Sakamoto could no longer perform live. Single concerts, not to mention sprawling global tours, were too taxing. Despite this, in late 2022, Sakamoto mustered all of his energy to leave the world with one final performance: a concert film, featuring just him and his piano.
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Why We Do What We Do
Filmfest
Our fall festival focuses on feature films from around the world, films that have premiered at the Sundance, SXSW, Cannes, Venice, Telluride, New York, and Tribeca film festivals, giving our Aspen audience a first-look at some of this year’s hottest cinema.
Academy Screenings
Our winter festival is dedicated to showcasing hopeful awards season contenders. During the dynamic holiday season in Aspen, audiences have the chance to watch these incredible films in the historic Wheeler Opera House.
Shortsfest
Shortsfest was named “one of the coolest festivals in the world in 2022” by MovieMaker magazine. The festival takes place each spring and features groundbreaking filmmaking from around the globe, showcasing shorts that range from comedy to drama, documentary to experimental. Filmmakers are invited to present their films in an intimate and interactive setting.
More Than Film
Aspen Filmfest, Ellen Fest, Thurs. Sept. 23, 2021
become a member
As a member at Aspen Film, you’ll be a part of a world renowned film society and presenting arts organization. Membership at Aspen Film offers a range of benefits and offers such as exclusive sneak previews and VIP events. We also bolster the strongest movie-loving community in the Roaring Fork Valley.
Film Matters
Message from the Executive + Artistic Director
Film is a democratizing medium. It is also a resilient and powerful artform that can convey truth, wisdom, and emotion. As the world continues to change in unexpected ways, we hope that people look to film as a tool to understand our diverse realities and experiences. Our goal is to amplify voices and share stories. Aspen Film programs films with the intention of breaking barriers, building communities, and giving voice to experience. Show your support for global cinema by joining our vibrant community of members or by coming to any of our year-round programming.
In the news
At Aspen Film’s Shortsfest, stories with surprises and fresh perspectives win top honors
Apr 10, 2024
Aspen Film has announced the winners of nine awards from last week’s “Shortsfest,” ranging from a three-minute dark comedy about capitalism and consumerism to a 24-minute drama about cultural identity. Five of the winners, chosen by a jury of industry pros, will now be qualified for the Oscars, and all of the top honorees took […]
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Colorado represented in 33rd annual Aspen Shortsfest
Mar 27, 2024
When filmmaker Cheryl Hess made her annual pilgrimage to visit a friend in the Roaring Fork Valley and get her ski fix, she had no plans of making a three-minute film. But a chance encounter with a local snow enthusiast and possession of five minutes of film stock changed that. “My friend in Aspen met […]
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Susan Wrubel: The aficionado who believes in the unifying power of cinema
Mar 19, 2024
Editor’s note: This story is part of a series, in honor of International Women’s Month, that shines a spotlight on the dynamic women of Aspen and the Roaring Fork Valley. For Susan Wrubel, the allure of cinema lies in its ability to tell universal stories that give us a glimpse into the lives of others. […]
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