Boulder Environmental Nature Outdoors Film Festival 2026: Nature and Outdoors Short Films Program
July 18 @ 4:00 pm
$17.25
Finalists of short films Program curated from over 100 submissions to the festival in 2026 – An eclectic mix of environmental Advocacy, Wildlife conservation, and artistic expressions of nature and what it all means to us.
2026 SELECTIONS:
TALKING TO THE SUN
TALKING TO THE SUN is a short documentary of astronomical proportions joining Farmer Frank as he takes care of his small spot on Earth, making his own path from seed to harvest.
As he mentors people in his community who want to learn from his great experience and love for nature, Frank grows organic food and is an important part of our community!
Directed by Megan Sweeney | Runtime: 20 mins.
WILDERNESS
There is something about the wilderness that is both intangible and universally appreciated by the people who visit it, and this bond is what has inspired a group of dedicated volunteers to come together to help preserve the Indian Peaks Wilderness. From trail maintenance to outreach, discover the bountiful labour that is needed to preserve the magic of these spaces. Uncover the individual stories that have led each member to the wilderness, and why they are dedicated to protecting it. And through all of this, witness the love, passion, and community that the wilderness imparts.
Directed by Andy Ichiro Sameshima, Cade Birgfeld | Runtime: 14:06 mins.
PEST
The ways in which humans live alongside urban wildlife is explored through the eyes of those who work to save them and those whose job it is to eradicate them. Experts discuss wildlife management and the ways in which we can better coexist with the natural world.
Alexandra Faust is an independent filmmaker, with a background in environmental studies. She recently graduated from Colorado Film School
Directed by Alexandra S Faust | Runtime: 13:33 mins.
RIVER STORIES
Set along Colorado’s South St. Vrain Creek, River Stories explores the deep connections between rivers, restoration, and community resilience. Through the voices of scientists, land stewards, and local residents, the film follows a collaborative effort to restore a river shaped by wildfire, flooding, and climate change—revealing how healing waterways can also strengthen the relationships people have with the landscapes they call home.Set along Colorado’s South St. Vrain Creek, River Stories explores the deep connections between rivers, restoration, and community resilience. Through the voices of scientists, land stewards, and local residents, the film follows a collaborative effort to restore a river shaped by wildfire, flooding, and climate change—revealing how healing waterways can also strengthen the relationships people have with the landscapes they call home.
Directed by David Diaz | Runtime: 14 mins.
SPEAKING EEP!
SPEAKING EEP! highlights women-led science and calls attention to the importance of the American pika as an indicator species. Ultimately, the message of the film is one of hope that focuses on the potential for these beloved critters to adapt to an increasingly fragile environment.
Featuring great characters, fascinating science, and cinematic footage of stunning mountain vistas and adorable pikas, (and lots of “eeps”!), this film transports viewers high up into Colorado’s Rocky Mountains for an experience that is sure to delight and inspire.
Directed by Jim Jayson, JinYoung, Kim Jayson | Runtime: 18:46 mins.
OLD LADIES AGAINST UNDERWATER GARBAGE
Old Ladies Against Underwater Garbage follows Susan Baur, the 85-year-old leader, and her crew of fearless women as they defy limits, protect the environment, and rediscover wonder and joy through water and community. A reminder that adventure and activism know no age.
Directed by Liz McGregor | Runtime: 14:59 mins.
FOREVER IN THE MOUNTAINS
When her best “pow day” friend is diagnosed with breast cancer at a young age, Stephanie turns her grief into purpose. Set deep in the Colorado Rockies, Forever in the Mountains tells the powerful origin story of the nonprofit Tits Deep for Breast Cancer. Join Stephanie as she navigates grief, finds sisterhood, and works to save young lives in the mountains.
Tits Deep for Breast Cancer is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that focuses on advocacy, education, outreach, and supporting young women seeking breast cancer treatment. Our mission is to help younger women catch cancer early enough to save their lives. www.titsdeepforbreastcancer.
Directed by Grace Eggleston | Runtime: 14 mins.
DAWN CHORUS
Dawn Chorus is a meditative and thought-provoking short documentary following interspecies musician and philosopher David Rothenberg as he ventures into the natural world with an unusual mission: to make music with birds. Blending art and science, the film explores the relationships between observer and participant, musician and animal, human and nature.
In a time of growing ecological alienation and environmental urgency, Dawn Chorus doesn’t propose technological fixes or policy solutions, but something more fundamental: a shift in mindset. It asks us to slow down, to listen and to recognize that we, too, are part of nature’s song.
Directed by Lewis Rapkin | Runtime: 11:33 mins.