An inspired idea can blossom into something extraordinary when it’s nurtured by a passionate community. The upcoming Loveland Shorts Film Festival is proof, thanks to the community spirit rallying behind one resident’s vision.
Gary Giver, local and Loveland Stage Company board member, dreamed up the concept for the city’s inaugural film festival. “I was looking for opportunities for the Stage Company, which is unused for 130 days a year,” he explains. “I’ve always been interested in independent films, so I thought, ‘Why not try a film festival?’”
Why not indeed. After gaining enthusiastic support from the mayor and city manager, Gary partnered with Dan Peterson—another local and Loveland Legacy Foundation board member. They assembled a team, sought guidance from area filmmakers and festival organizers, and got the entire thing rolling. Gary’s idea now promises to be an exciting community event, one the organizers hope will become an annual tradition.
“Planning is going very well,” Gary offers, while Dan points out the project that began with zero budget encountered a few challenges. “We realized the live theater venue no longer had a screen or projector equipment, which are expensive, so that was one of our first huge hurdles.” The team was disheartened, but concern quickly faded.
“With sponsorships and generous donations from residents wanting to support the festival, we reached our fundraising goal for new equipment. People in the community have been so gracious.” Just one year later, the celebration of filmmaking is only two months away from its debut.
Organizers are thrilled about what the new event means for Loveland. “Culturally, it exposes residents to new voices and perspectives.” Gary smiles to include, “Plus it adds to the city’s reputation as a cool, creative town.”
Set for August 2–4, attendees can expect the film festival to be a riveting experience with something for everyone. In fact, Gary and Dan hope to attract attendees across all ages and interests. “At 20 minutes long, films you wouldn’t initially be drawn to become more digestible. Any film blocks that contain mature language or content will be flagged and separated for age-appropriate viewing.”
Gary is excited for audiences to discover what he’s already seen in the submitted films. “Many of the independent films and student submissions have far surpassed my expectations,” he says.
So far, more than 40 shorts have been submitted from as far away as Moscow. “Our goal is to receive 100 submissions,” Dan explains. “We plan to show around 40 shorts.”
Budding filmmakers can still submit their work until June 20th. Organizers are looking for shorts in categories including documentary, adventure, fantasy, horror, romance, high school, drama, and comedy. After the deadline, judges will finalize the films, categories, and curated groups of screenings—or blocks—to be included.
Expect to be surprised and delighted throughout the festival weekend, with coffee happy hours, 1.5–2-hour screening blocks, and three expert-led workshops: Filmmaking 101, Makeup for Horror Movies, and Using Drones in Filmmaking.
It’s lights, camera, action Loveland-style at the historic Loveland Stage Company. Additional schedule details, the latest updates, submission instructions, ticketing information and more are online now.
LovelandFilmFest.org | 111 S. Second St, Loveland
“We know family, friends and fans will come to town to support the filmmakers and the festival ... giving Loveland an economic boost.” - Gary