CFVA Hosts Packed House at the State of the State Annual Event

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
02/24/2026 

The Colorado Film and Video Association (CFVA) packed the house with its annual State of the State event in February 2026 at the Sie FilmCenter in Denver. The event convenes professionals, organizations, educators, workforce leaders and partners across Colorado’s film, television and media ecosystem to share updates, highlight industry activity and strengthen statewide collaboration.

The event drew 191 registered attendees plus additional walk-ups, bringing total attendance to approximately 200. The theater reached capacity, with some attendees standing once seating was filled, reflecting strong engagement and interest from the community.

The program opened with a montage of current and upcoming projects from Colorado creators and production teams, highlighting active work across the state and reinforcing the depth and momentum of local production activity.

Throughout the evening, representatives joined the program on stage from a broad cross-section of industry partners and supporting organizations. It was also the first time newly minted Colorado Film Commissioner Lauren Grimshaw Sloan addressed the event in her new role. 

FAMCO Leadership Summit Recap: Shawna Schultz, CFVA Vice President, and Stacey D’Angelo, Dean of Academic Success, Cinematic Arts, Community College of Aurora 

  • Recapped the work of the Film And Media Community Coalition of Colorado with the FAMCO initiative of bringing together the entire state for a second annual Film and Media Community Town Hall, with 7 cities participating in a live simulcast of an interactive discussion. Over 350+ attendees joined in person.

  • And, the FAMCO Leadership Summit brought together 37 leaders from 25 different film and media organizations to a weekend summit that locked in the Flywheel framework that will take our state forward with 18 separate initiatives.

Colorado Office of Film, Television & Media, Arielle Brachfeld, Deputy Film Commissioner, and Colorado Film Commissioner Lauren Grimshaw Sloan

  • Highlighted statewide momentum in film, television, and media, including incentive-supported projects generating economic activity and jobs.

  • Shared updates on workforce programs, statewide engagement efforts, and continued coordination with industry partners to support growth and readiness.

  • Enjoyed a pre-recorded introduction to the state’s new Film Commissioner, Lauren Grimshaw Sloan 

Colorado Creative Industries (CCI), Josh Blanchard, Director, Colorado Creative Industries

  • Emphasized the economic impact of Colorado’s creative sector and its role in job creation, tourism, and community vitality.

  • Announced forward-looking initiatives including a statewide economic impact study, public data dashboard, workforce partnerships, and alignment with the Film Office.

Film Festival Coalition of Colorado, Cait McCluskie, Programming & Operations Director at Breck Film, Founder of Film Festival Coalition

  • Described the coalition’s role in connecting festivals statewide to share resources, address challenges, and strengthen the festival ecosystem.

  • Encouraged participation in festivals of all sizes and previewed a statewide directory, calendar, and map to improve access and visibility.

Denver Film, Kevin Smith, CEO, Denver Film

  • Reported strong audience engagement, expanded programming, and continued investment in exhibition infrastructure and community partnerships.

  • Highlighted filmmaker support initiatives, statewide screening projects, and upcoming festival opportunities for local creators.

Sundance Institute, Jeff Levine, Head of Audience Development & Experience, Sundance Institute; Paula DuPré Pesmen, Managing Director Sundance Film Festival Relocation, Sundance Institute

  • Emphasized Sundance’s commitment to collaboration with Colorado organizations and communities as the festival prepares to transition to the state.

  • Noted ongoing outreach programs designed to build understanding of the festival’s mission and expand audiences for independent film.

Rocky Mountain AVX, Rosalie Sheffield, Conference Manager, Rocky Mountain AVX

  • Highlighted its role in bringing national manufacturers, training, and networking opportunities to Colorado through its annual expo and events.

  • Invited industry professionals to participate as speakers, exhibitors, and attendees to strengthen regional technical expertise and connections.

Women in Film & Media Colorado (WIFMCO), Maureen Maloney, President, Women in Film and Media Colorado (WIFMCO)

  • Reinforced its mission to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion through educational programming, networking, and industry events.

  • Shared updates on its upcoming Industry Fair, grant opportunities, and board and sponsorship engagement opportunities.

Mountain Media Arts Collective (MMAC), Mike Shum, Founder, Mountain Media Arts Collective (MMAC)

  • Presented its work supporting filmmakers and media artists from marginalized and underrepresented communities through networking, screenings, and workshops.

  • Emphasized building a supportive local creative community so emerging artists can pursue careers in Colorado without needing to relocate.

SMPTE, Sally-Ann D'Amato, Executive Director, SMPTE

  • Highlighted ongoing work in media technology standards, interoperability, and professional education across the industry.

  • Noted continued initiatives related to AI, media authenticity, and technical training designed to support evolving production workflows.

SAG-AFTRA Colorado, Sonny G., Local Colorado President

  • Emphasized readiness to partner with producers, educators, and organizations to support projects at all budget levels.

  • Highlighted advocacy, training, and events aimed at strengthening the performer community and supporting industry growth in Colorado.

IATSE, IATSE Local 7, Bryant Preston, President 

  • Addressed current national production slowdowns while emphasizing workforce resilience through training and cross-sector skill development.

  • Stressed the opportunity to prepare Colorado crews for large-scale productions and live events, including those associated with Sundance.

Community College of Aurora, Stacey D’Angelo, Dean of Academic Success, Cinematic Arts, Community College of Aurora 

  • Highlighted its cinematic arts training programs and industry-aligned facilities preparing students for careers in Colorado’s media workforce.

  • Emphasized partnerships that connect students directly to work-based learning, apprenticeships, and employment pathways within the state.

Collectively, these organizations represented production, festivals, workforce development, education, labor, exhibition, and statewide industry coordination.

As the evening wrapped, the message was clear: Colorado’s film and media community is not waiting for opportunity — it is building it together.

With new incentives, growing partnerships, and the spotlight of Sundance on the horizon, the momentum in the room reflected more than a single event. It reflected years of collaboration, persistence, and shared commitment to strengthening the industry across the state. The progress happening today is the result of people showing up, supporting one another, and investing in the organizations and networks that make this work possible.

The call to action was simple but powerful: stay engaged. Join an organization. Support festivals and local businesses. Help train the next generation. Connect with someone new. Every step strengthens the ecosystem and ensures Colorado’s film and media industry continues to grow in sustainable, inclusive ways.

If the packed theater was any indication, the community is ready. The foundation has been laid, the energy is strong, and the next chapter for Colorado film and media is already underway.

Take advantage of State of the State: use code CFVA26 for 27% off your membership! https://www.cfva.com/memberships

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