*Designed by Design des Dunes
Founded in 2018 by the Aspen Indigenous Foundation, the Shining Mountains Film Festival is an essential platform for amplifying the voices of the Indigenous Peoples of America. Featured films and documentaries reveal our nation's untold history — the generational trauma and the struggles Native Americans continue to face today. Despite enduring genocide, racism, and exclusion, First Nations peoples have safeguarded and passed down their rich cultures, wisdom, traditional lifeways, beauty, and diversity. Each year, the Shining Mountains Film Festival celebrates that resilience, talent, and hope for future generations.
This annual festival is hosted at the iconic WHEELER OPERA HOUSE, downtown Aspen, Colorado. A special live performance by a Native artist will be included. Q&A with film directors, producers, and actors follows the screenings. Please join us for this very unique educational experience!
Official selection 2026
To be continued…
The Shining Mountains Film Festival includes three contest categories:
Feature films
Short films
Audience Choice
With the Support Of :
Thank you to all our filmmakers, audience, volunteers, and sponsors!
Aspen is a place where every day holds an opportunity for greatness.
Want to know what else to do when you’re in town for the film festival? Click here to learn about all that Aspen has to offer. There’s information on Aspen’s long history, arts and culture, tours and sightseeing, as well as a full list of lodging, restaurants, nightlife, and enough outdoor activities to keep your entire family happy.