SISFA Film Festival

Overview

The StoryMode Independent Short Film Awards (SISFA Film Festival), is an annual film festival celebrating the power of indie film nationwide. Now in it's 15th year, this Southern Colorado festival is now accepting short film, feature film, and short script submissions for entry into this year's event.​ With so much festival noise out there, our mission is to provide a place for indie filmmakers to showcase their work, in an environment that is like no other. Combining exciting films, red carpet events, amazing musical performances and an interactive live show, SISFA takes film festivals to a whole new level. 'EVERYONE HAS A STORY. WHAT'S YOURS?' ----------------------------------------- SISFA was initially created over a decade ago by two filmmaking brothers and their grandfather, under the Short Film Awards name. In the early years, the festival brought local family and friends together to share in a small film gathering at a very tiny venue. Over time, the festival has evolved into one of the biggest and most anticipated annual events in Southern Colorado, bringing the community together to share in an artistic celebration of film and visual storytelling. At SISFA, we take pride in the uniqueness of our event, mixing the festival aspect with that of a live show, setting an Oscar-esque tone for the whole run of the fest. The festival will kick off with a Short Film Showcase Night, premiering select Colorado shorts, Late Night selections, and an assortment of additional shorts from around the United States, complete with cast/crew Q&A's. From there, guests will find themselves at the SISFA Kickoff Party where they can enjoy a bevy of local brews and live music from the best new indie artists at a local brewery in town. Day Two of the festival will feature interactive panels and creative conversations with industry insiders and a Feature Film Showcase in Red Carpet fashion. It all leads up to the Main Event, combining live stage entertainment with amazing films. The show will begin with an exciting opening from the evening’s host followed by the presentation of the selected short films. The audience will then get to vote in select categories for their favorite films. A special musical performance will entertain guests as they enter the show’s second half, where in an Oscar-type fashion, awards are presented and the winners will accept them live on stage. The festival will then conclude with PartyMode, the SISFA After Party, where filmmakers and film fans alike can gather to relax, network and celebrate. Presented Live from a theater in Colorado Springs, CO, this annual fest brings together filmmakers, film fans, local sponsors, and entertainers alike to share in several captivating days. There is no other event in Southern Colorado, or in the US in general, that is quite like SISFA. It's the only place where artists of all types unite to tell incredible stories.

Last updated Sep 12, 2026

Legitimacy Analysis

Trust Signals

Festival Details

FilmFreeway communityGold festival

• Filmmaker

  StoryMode’s modest venue was filled with enthusiastic organizers and talented filmmakers. May they continue to grow and support filmmakers in coming years.

• Filmmaker

  A great festival that really makes storytelling the focus. Well worth the cost of entry. Thanks for the support for our film!

• Filmmaker

  Attending SISFA was a great experience all around! SISFA provided ample opportunities for filmmakers to share their work, network with other filmmakers from all around the country, and feel celebrated as storytellers. I highly recommend submitting your work and attending for a fantastic film festival experience.

• Filmmaker

  Brian and the SISFA team are redefining what it means to be a film festival. The show they put on last night combined; live musical performance, a connected stage play to bridge moments between films, and of course the films playing during their main event. The SISFA team stands above all other festivals in their showmanship, heart, and love for artists and filmmakers. I highly recommend this unique festival!

• Filmmaker

  Great communicators and wonderful people I never had the pleasure to meet in real life but wish I could have. Grateful to be a part of the show. Thanks SISFA! Would recommend!

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