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.
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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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The Met Opera HD Live: MADAMA BUTTERFLY
Saturday, May 11, 10:55am
Aspen Film Isis Theatre | 406 E Hopkins Ave, Aspen
The Metropolitan Opera’s award-winning Live in HD series returns to cinemas for the 2023-2024 season! Don’t miss the chance to experience thrilling live opera transmissions, special interviews, and behind-the-scenes features from the comfort of your local cinema.
Learn MoreFestivals
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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Shortsfest film looks at Texas’ threat to take trans child away from parents Geoff Hanson, Aspen Daily News Staff Writer Mar 30, 2024
Mar 30, 2024
Of the 70 films screening at Aspen Film’s 33rd annual Shortsfest next week, one is sure to make waves far beyond the banks of the Roaring Fork River. “Love to the Max” highlights the Briggle family of northern Texas. Amber and Adam Briggle are raising their children Max, 14, and Lulu, 9. They seem like […]
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Aspen Film Shortsfest showcases global talent and youth engagement
Mar 27, 2024
Aspen Film will host the 33rd Annual Shortsfest at the Wheeler Opera House and Isis Theatre from April 1 through 7. The Oscar-qualifying festival will feature works by emerging filmmakers from 24 countries, with 58% of the films directed or co-directed by women. The Sopris Sun spoke with Shortsfest’s programming director, Jason Anderson, by phone […]
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