the low-down

Side Hustle Film Fest (SHFF) brings 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. Now in it's second year — a sequal, if you will.

apply now

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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 — voted on by the audience. See last year's winners.

prized pig

Awarded for best film

💰$500 cash prize!💰

poppin’ visuals

Awarded for best visuals

💰$100 cash prize!💰

slappin' sound

Awarded for best soundtrack

💰$100 cash prize!💰

nerdy stuff

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

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

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deadlines

12/15/2025

Applications due

12/31/2025

Applicants notified

4/1/2026

Rough draft due

6/28/2026

Final film due

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2025 filmmakers

Meet our selected filmers and their creations from Side Hustle Film Fest 2025.

From left to right: CJ Coccia (Co-founder), Adam Raiola (Co-founder), Trevor Schumacher, Scott Deines, Luke Trautwein, Pearl Trautwein, Gina Valvo, Andy Olson, Jennifer Udema, Kavon Zamanian

O' Tom Ware Art Thou by Andy Olson

The Money Tree by Gina Valvo

Larry by Luke Trautwein

Thousand Mile Journey by Scott Deines

One Morning by Jennifer Udema

Shred Poets Society by Trevor Schumacher

Gary's Good Boy by Kavon Zamanian

pig pen (Winner's circle)

2025 Side Hustle Film Fest Prized Pig winner Kavon Zamanian — holding the 3D printed coin pig award and two VHS tape covers filled with cash

Side Hustle Film Fest "Prized Pig" award

prized pig 2025

Gary's Good Boy by Kavon Zamanian

2025 Side Hustle Film Fest Poppin' Visuals winners Luke Trautwein with daughter Pearl and Gina Valvo — holding the 3D printed coin pig award

Side Hustle Film Fest "Poppin' Visuals" award

poppin’ visuals 2025

The Money Tree by Gina Valvo
Larry by Luke Trautwein

2025 Side Hustle Film Fest Slappin' Sound winner Andy Olson — holding the 3D printed coin pig award

Side Hustle Film Fest "Slappin' Sound" award

slappin' sound 2025