Your support helps Aspen Film keep Shortsfest as a premier destination for filmmakers, industry professionals, and film lovers alike.
Supporting Aspen Film also helps us achieve our goal of preserving the Isis Theatre. Every donation, big or small, makes a direct impact. Ready to be part of the story?
Lights, Camera, Action! Support the Art of Short Film – Underwrite an Award
Shortsfest winners go on to big things—including Oscar® consideration! Help honor the best and brightest with a named festival award.
🏆 $2,500 FILMMAKER PHENOM AWARDS
✨ Award for Animation* – Where imagination meets storytelling
✨ Award for Comedy* – Laughter is universal; help us celebrate it!
✨ Award for Documentary* – Honoring truth in storytelling
✨ Award for Drama* – Emotional depth, powerful storytelling
🏆 $1,250 EMERGING STAR AWARDS
🎥 Award for Short Short (Under 10 min)* – Small stories, big impact
🎓 Award for Student Film – Support the next generation of filmmaking
🎟️ Audience Award – The people’s choice!
*Winners in these categories become eligible for Academy Award® consideration
In order to ensure your support gets matched with the specific award you wish to underwrite, please send an email to admin@aspenfilm.org with your name and the award name you are interested in.
👕 Wear Your Support: Filmmaker, Industry + Volunteer T-Shirts ($5,000)
Help us outfit our incredible Shortsfest staff, filmmakers, industry guests + volunteers with festival t-shirts (which can include your name or business logo)! Your sponsorship keeps our team looking sharp while showing off your support for independent film.
📽️ Your Business on the Big Screen – Shortsfest On-Screen Static Ads ($750)
Make a statement where it matters most! Purchase a static on-screen ad for your business or organization at Shortsfest. Support Aspen Film while getting prime exposure (approximately 10 rotations of your ad/logo in front of each of our 10 Shortsfest programs).
🛒 Stock the Shortsfest Lounge ($50 to $1,000)
Fuel the minds behind the movies! Help us keep our Filmmaker Lounge well-stocked with essentials for filmmakers and industry guests by donating cash (or gift cards to City Market or Clark’s Market).
🍽️ Feed the Staff + Volunteers Meals ($50 to $1,000)
Keep our hardworking staff and volunteers fueled during the festival by donating cash, restaurant gift cards or sponsoring local take-out meals. Creativity runs on good food – let’s make sure they don’t go hungry!
Email admin@aspenfilm.org if you have gift cards to donate or would like suggestions on which restaurant gift cards are most useful.
🎬 Adopt a Filmmaker – Give the Gift of an Aspen Experience ($1,500)
Help a Shortsfest filmmaker feel at home by covering essentials for their stay—housing, meals, and local hospitality. Your generosity ensures they can focus on what they do best: storytelling.
✈️ Miles + Moments: Help Bring Industry Experts to Aspen
Airline miles are our secret weapon in bringing top-tier Shortsfest jury members and industry professionals to Aspen. Your miles ensure we don’t have to dip into crucial festival funds—help us get them here!
Email guestservices@aspenfilm.org saying you have points or miles to donate.
🏡 Open Your Doors: Housing + Accommodations for Filmmakers
Aspen’s charm isn’t just in its scenery—it’s in its people. Donate hotel points, offer up an ADU, or provide a cozy space for a visiting filmmaker. You’ll be part of their Shortsfest story.
Please tell us more about the accommodations you may have available. CLICK HERE
🚗 Drive the Story Forward: Filmmaker Transportation
Be part of the magic by helping our filmmakers get where they need to go—airport pickups, school visits, and more. Sign up for a driving shift and hear incredible stories along the way!
🏃 Festival Runner: Be the Backbone of Shortsfest
Shortsfest needs a dedicated festival runner for last-minute pick-ups, drop-offs, and logistics. Support this crucial role and help keep the festival running smoothly.
Email admin@aspenfilm.org for a volunteer sign-up link