Lights, Camera, Action!

Join the legacy of UCCS student filmmakers with The Bluffs Film Festival a showcase of Digital Filmmaking at UCCS!

Awards will be announced the night of the festival. The following awards will be given in each category:

• Audience Choice - Gold and Silver for:

  • COMM 2250 Intro to Film & Video

  • COMM 3270 Digital Cinematography

  • COMM 3100 Directing

  • COMM 4170 Documentary

  • COMM 4270 Digital Film Production

  • Colorado Filmmaker

Every film that is accepted for festival viewing will be considered for an award by audience participation. The audience will have the ability to vote for your film on the night of the event. Winners will be announced at the end of the night, prior to the Season 10 Premier of The Bluffs. 

• March 14th - Submissions open for all categories

• April 26th  by 11:59pm - Submission cut off day for Colorado Filmmaker Category

• May 3rd  by 11:59pm - Submission cut off day for Student Filmmaker Category

• April 29th - Colorado Filmmakers will be notified of their standing via email

• May 5th - Bluffs Film Festival & Bluffs Season 10 Premiere, 2pm - 10 pm, Ent Center for the Arts

Note: To be considered for festival viewing your film must be submitted before midnight on submission cut off day. 

Films accepted for The Bluffs Film Festival should be between 5 and 10 minutes, but no longer than 15 minutes. We accept an array of short film genres and styles.  If you're unsure about whether your short film will make the cut, here is a short list of styles and genres we accept:

• Narrative Shorts: These films tell a fictional story with a beginning, middle, and end, often focusing on character development and plot progression within a limited runtime.

• Documentary Shorts: These films present factual information or document real-life events, people, or issues. They may include interviews, archival footage, or observational footage to convey a message or raise awareness about a particular topic.

• Experimental Shorts: These films push the boundaries of traditional storytelling and filmmaking techniques, often exploring abstract concepts, visual aesthetics, or experimental narratives.

• Animation Shorts: These films use animation techniques to bring characters, worlds, and stories to life. They can range from traditional hand-drawn animation to computer-generated imagery (CGI) and stop-motion animation.

• Comedy Shorts: These films aim to entertain and evoke laughter through humorous storytelling, witty dialogue, and comedic situations. They may include elements of satire, parody, or slapstick comedy.

• Drama Shorts: These films explore complex human emotions, relationships, and conflicts, often delving into themes of love, loss, identity, and personal growth. They may feature intense performances and compelling narratives.

• Horror/Thriller Shorts: These films aim to create suspense, tension, and fear through chilling atmosphere, psychological suspense, and thrilling plot twists. They may include elements of horror, suspense, mystery, or psychological thriller.

• LGBTQ+ Shorts: These films focus on LGBTQ+ themes, characters, and experiences, providing representation and visibility to the LGBTQ+ community. They may explore topics such as love, identity, acceptance, and discrimination.

• Environmental Shorts: These films raise awareness about environmental issues, sustainability, and conservation efforts. They may highlight the beauty of nature, the impact of human activities on the environment, or solutions to environmental challenges.

The UCCS Bluffs Film Festival is a diverse and inclusive platform that welcomes a wide range of short films. We seek to provide opportunities for UCCS student and Colorado filmmakers to showcase their talent, creativity, and unique perspectives

Please note: films with gratuitous / graphic violence or sexual content will not be accepted.