Castle Rock Film Festival facts for kids

The Castle Rock Film Festival (CRFF) was an exciting event for movies held every year in Castle Rock, Colorado, USA. It started in 2009. The festival usually happened in late September or early October. It showed off movies and movie scripts from the Rocky Mountain states. These states included Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, New Mexico, Nevada, Utah, and Wyoming.

Filmmakers could enter different types of movies, like long films, short films, and student films. They could also submit full-length movie scripts. What made this festival special was that every movie or script submitted was watched or read completely. Also, the people who submitted their work received helpful, private feedback from the judges.

History of the Festival

The Castle Rock Film Festival officially began in April 2009. Its very first movie showings were from September 11 to 13, 2009. This first festival featured movies and scripts from five Rocky Mountain states. These states were Colorado, Montana, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming.

What Was Shown?

The festival accepted many kinds of films. These included short films, student films, and full-length movies. They also welcomed full-length movie scripts, movie trailers, and actor reels. The first night was even called "Trailer Park." It was a fun evening where movie trailers and actor reels were played. The 501st Legion, a group known for their movie costumes, also made an appearance.

First Awards Ceremony

Awards were given out by important people from Castle Rock and the Colorado film industry. The Mayor of Castle Rock, Randy Reed, and Laura Grey from Colorado Film, TV, and Media, presented the awards. Prizes were given for the best full-length movie, best short film, best student film, and best movie script.

Festival Growth in 2010

In 2010, the festival grew even bigger! It started accepting movies and scripts from more Rocky Mountain states. These new states included Arizona, Nevada, and Idaho. The festival also offered special classes for actors and filmmakers.

Acting and Studio Classes

Two professional acting coaches, Paul Neal Rohr and Patrick Sheridan, taught acting classes. A Colorado film producer, Teresa Garcia, and Laffrey Witbrod from the Colorado Film School, led a studio class. This class helped filmmakers learn more about making movies. Extra equipment for the festival was provided by Light Services Inc.

Script Readings and Special Guests

There was also a special session where local actors read parts of the winning movie scripts. This session was hosted by Mark Mook, a Colorado actor. A former Disney executive named Bob Garner was a special guest on Saturday night. Awards were presented by Kevin Shand from the Colorado Office of Television, Film and Media, and by Ryan Reilly, who was the Mayor of Castle Rock.

Further Expansion in 2011

In 2011, the festival expanded its reach even more. It began accepting entries from additional states. These included Kansas, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Dakota, and Texas.

As of 2018, the festival's website is no longer active. This means the Castle Rock Film Festival might not be held anymore.