Side Hustle Film Fest

animated GIF of light from a projector

July 12, 6–9pm

River North Brewery
3400 Blake Street
Denver, CO

the low-down

Side Hustle Film Fest (SHFF) is a new experience bringing together independent filmmakers and movie buffs for an entertaining evening of tasty brews and cinematic views. SHFF provides an opportunity for anyone to make a film of their choice and share it with the Denver community.

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filmmakers

Meet our selected filmers for Side Hustle Film Fest 2025.

Headshot of Side Hustle Film Fest filmmaker Andy Olson

Andy olson

Evergreen, CO

Arron Sherry

Poughquag, NY

Headshot of Side Hustle Film Fest filmmaker Curtis DeVore

Curtis DeVore

Dillon, CO

Headshot of Side Hustle Film Fest filmmaker Gina Valvo

Gina Valvo

Denver, CO

Headshot of Side Hustle Film Fest filmmaker Jennifer Udema

Jennifer Udema

Aurora, CO

Headshot of Side Hustle Film Fest filmmaker Kavon Zamanian

Kavon Zamanian

Colorado Springs, CO

Headshot of Side Hustle Film Fest filmmaker Luke Trautwein

Luke Trautwein

Erie, CO

Headshot of Side Hustle Film Fest filmmaker Scott Deines

Scott Deines

Broomfield, CO

Headshot of Side Hustle Film Fest filmmaker Trevor Schumacher

Trevor Schumacher

Bozeman, MT

nerdy stuff

General
Format
Codec
Duration

Submissions must abide by the following:

  • An original film of your own creation (get creative, go wild!)
  • All genres and styles welcome (live action or animated)
  • Rated G–R (no NC17, extreme violence, pornographic scenes, or hate speech)
  • Captured with any recording device (digital or analog)
  • Color or B&W
  • Shot and produced between September 2024 and June 2025
  • Not be publicly premiered prior to SHFF
  • Applicant is responsible for getting all proper licensing permission(s)
  • Applicant resides in the US and is 18+ years old

SHFF reserves the right to deny any film submission for any reason.

All formats are allowed if produced in landscape orientation. Some common examples:

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16:9
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4:3
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Other
  • 1920x1080 (Standard HD)
  • 2704x1520 (2.7K)
  • 3840x2160 (4K Ultra HD)
  • 640x480 (480p - VX1000 Footage)
  • 1440x1080 (4:3 HD)
  • 2880x2160 (4:3 Ultra HD)
  • 2.39:1
  • 1.85:1
  • etc.
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H264 or H265

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Between 3 min 03 sec and 9 min 69 sec (aka 10:09)

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awards

What's a film fest without some friendly competition? We created three rad awards to bestow on the chosen few.

an illustrated trophy case with the three Side Hustle Film Fest awards on display
the Side Hustle Film Fest "Prized Pig" award illustrated to look like a gold coin with a piggy bank icon

prized pig

Awarded for best film — voted on by the community.

💰Includes a $500 cash prize!💰

the Side Hustle Film Fest "Poppin' Visuals" award illustrated to look like a gold coin with an eye icon

poppin’ visuals

Awarded for best visuals — voted on by the community

the Side Hustle Film Fest "Slappin' sound" award illustrated to look like a gold coin with a speaker icon

slappin' sound

Awarded for best soundtrack — voted on by the community

deadlines

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11/1/2024

Applications due

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12/1/2024

Applicants notified

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4/1/2025

Rough draft due

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summer 2025

Final film due

an illustration of a film strip with a hand planting a seed and then the seed growing into a flower

behind the scenes

Like many B-rated films, SHFF was started by two goobers from the suburbs — Adam Raiola & CJ Coccia.

With little money, an unhealthy optimistic ignorance, and 3 Side Hustle Art Shows under their belt, they thought a film festival would be the next logical step toward world domination cultivating a stronger art community.

Watch it all unfold IRL.

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An illustration of a VHS tape and paper case. On the cover is a picture of CJ Coccia and Adam Raiola
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