We couldn’t talk about the threat to public media funding without also mentioning Rocky Mountain PBS and the important role it plays in southwest Colorado, through partnerships with so many of our beloved institutions.
Fort Lewis College, KSUT Four Corners Public Radio and Tribal Radio, and the Durango Independent Film Festival, to name a few, that today kicks off its 20th year celebrating independent films and filmmakers.
The synergy between RMPBS and DIFF originated with Carol Fleischer, the baptized-by-fire Executive Director, now in her 2nd year previously serving as Senior Producer for RMPBS and Producer in Residence at FLC.
Fleischer is again excited to welcome the filmmakers – DIFF has a reputation as a ‘filmmakers festival’ – and the community enjoys meeting them, too. She indicated there were more submissions than ever before in the festival’s history, hailing from over 40 countries, and one Oscar-nominee (Porcelain War).
On the heels of the Oscars, immerse yourself in our own indie film festival, the panel discussions, parties, and, of course, the films. A special program, “Native Lens Media Showcase,” a series of short films by Indigenous storytellers, is made possible by Rocky Mountain PBS, KSUT’s Tribal Media Center, the Colorado Office of Film, TV and Media, and DIFF, and brings to life the craft of storytelling and community conversation.
There are free films in the schools in Ignacio and at Animas High School, as well as online regionally, free movie night on Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. – the Herald is a sponsor – and all the animated, live action, family, feature, educational, adventure, cultural films and more.
There truly is something for everyone. Congratulations Carol and the 30+ volunteers who work year-round to make the festival possible. Thanks, too, to the incredible generosity of our community, from SKA Brewing to all the food vendors and venues. Once again, an event of this kind would not be possible without all involved.
Thanks for making it possible and congratulations on 20 years! More information can be found at durangofilm.org.
