Join us for Film Score Fest 2026 in Denver!
- Sunday, May 31
- 7pm
- Oriental Theater, 4335 W 44th Ave, Denver, CO 80212
- Tickets available here
Livestream:
What is Film Score Fest?
Film Score Fest pairs filmmakers and composers to create an original short film in four months or less.
The twist? They’re paired at random, with composers writing music in response to their partner’s film – that will be played by a live orchestra at each showing!
The result is a one-of-a-kind audience experience and a celebration of filmmakers, animators, and all types of music-makers of all styles and skill levels. Because there’s no fee for artists to participate, Film Score Fest is the only festival where audiences can experience the perspectives of some of the wildly creative, talented artists in our own communities. Whether you can’t stay away from a symphony or aren’t sure of the difference between a violin and a viola, this is the festival for you!
“Thrilling, boundary-pushing…Film Score Fest is a state treasure and a can’t-miss event.”
– Amy Donahue, Twin Cities Arts Reader (read the full review)
History of the Fest
Film Score Fest was co-founded in Minnesota by filmmaker Oanh Vu and composer Charlie McCarron. Over 200 short films have been created for the fest and screened at venues around Saint Paul: Landmark Center, the Science Museum of Minnesota, Mears Park, and History Theatre. In 2026, Film Score Fest is branching out to Denver, organized by composer and Quarkestra leader Christine Palmer.
Film Score Fest Denver 2026
We’re excited to premiere 16 new films created for our first screening in Denver! The theme of this year’s challenge was “Shift.”
- Passerby – Francesca Hiatt, John Altenbernd
- Revivification – Linnea Stutzman, Gene Pritsker
- -shift_ – Curtis Craven, Olly Manning
- Ome – Benji Salinas, Noah Bauer (Orchestration: Josie Just)
- Defining Shift – Cody Hollar, Cody Ullrich
- Goodnight, Tony – Thomas Slipsager, Julie McCarthy
- Swiss Key – Yadiel Jimenez, Brayden Bogdon
- Night Shift – Shun Matsuhashi, Joe Graves, Nick Salmon
- The Grind – Roe Moore, Lee Knight
- Night Bloom – Chris Lange, Isaac Fode
- Boblin and the Wheel of Goblin – Jack Mirfield, Chase Matthews
- Encore – Crystal Preston-Watson, Logan Dougherty
- Ripples – Marisa Lenardson, Shelly Strunk (Transcription: Josie Just)
- Phantasma – Ryan Kerwin, Benjamin Sunderland, Thomas Osborne
- The Zoo – David Koesters, John Kuntz
Film Score Fest Denver 2026: B-Sides Films – created for the fest but not selected for the main screening:
Where’s the rest of the Film Score Fest website?
Unfortunately, our site was hacked! We’re working on redoing it. In the meantime, make sure to grab your ticket for Film Score Fest Denver here.