On today’s agenda:
📺 Our recap of SeriesFest 2026
🎓 CEC Early College’s 50th Anniversary Student Film Festival at MCA Denver
🏔️ Mountainfilm 2026 is almost here—start making your Telluride plans
🤝🏼 Boulder County Film Commission’s massive upcoming Spring Schmoozer
We just wrapped up an incredible run at SeriesFest this week, and it was fantastic to see the city come alive with so much creative energy. We attended a few of the screenings ourselves—Seasoned, from the independent comedy pilot block, was absolutely fabulous.
If you got a chance to attend, watch some screenings, and network this past weekend, let us know what your favorites were in the comments below!
We also had the chance to sit in on some of the Innovation Talks, including a massive keynote conversation with Liz Jenkins (Chief Business Officer of NBCUniversal). It was a fascinating look at the future of the industry from an executive who oversees both television acquisitions and film strategy.
When addressing the massive shifts in the media landscape, she urged the audience not to view the current industry disruption as doom and gloom, but rather as a "once in a generation" opportunity to pitch bold, unconventional concepts. Because legacy models are breaking down, executives are finally willing to take a chance on "crazy" ideas they might have ignored just five years ago.
And while major studios remain heavily focused on building out massive IP ecosystems (what she calls the corporate "flywheel"), she stressed that algorithmic safety is an illusion. "Data is never going to predict a hit," she noted, because true hits, by definition, completely defy expectations. Even when addressing the looming anxieties around AI, Jenkins drew a firm line, assuring the crowd that human beings will always be at the center of the creative process and emphasizing the industry's need to rigorously defend creators' copyrights.
When asked for her advice for emerging filmmakers, Jenkins highlighted the incredible democratization of modern content. You no longer have to spend years in a mailroom to get your foot in the door. With the rise of TikTok, YouTube shorts, and accessible tech, creators should stop chasing what they think studios want and focus purely on their own authentic voice. “Just go do it,” she urged. “Surround yourself with people who believe in you, who want to do the same thing, and just do it together.”
Speaking of surrounding yourself with believers, it was incredible meeting so many of you at the Industry Expo this weekend. Hearing about the scripts you’re writing and the pilots you’re shooting is exactly why we started Peak Cinema in the first place. Our ultimate goal is to bridge the gap between creators, crew members, and audiences across Colorado, and we want to be a megaphone for your work.
If you are currently casting a project, running a crowdfunding campaign, or gearing up for a local premiere, let us know! We want to help build this network by spotlighting your work in our upcoming editions. You can pitch your updates directly to our team right here:
With the SeriesFest rush behind us, it's going to be a relatively quiet week in Colorado. So, we’re going to set our sights on the future and get everyone ready for the massive networking event and film festival hitting the calendar later this month! 🥂
🗓️ When: Tue, May 12 · 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM
We always love to see the community supporting the next generation of Colorado filmmakers. This year marks the massive 50th anniversary of Denver’s CEC Early College, and they are celebrating the legacy of their Digital Film and Audio Engineering programs with a special student film festival.
Head down to MCA Denver’s beautiful Holiday Theater to witness some incredible emerging talent on the big screen. It is an awesome, completely free opportunity to support local student storytellers as they showcase their latest projects, hone their craft, and prepare to step into the industry.
📍 Where: MCA Denver at the Holiday Theater (Denver)
Get more info and reserve your tickets here.
Memorial Day weekend is officially right around the corner, which means it is almost time to pack your bags and head to the box canyon. The legendary Mountainfilm festival is returning to Telluride from May 21–25, and this would be the time to start making your travel plans.
If you aren’t familiar, Mountainfilm is the country’s premier documentary film festival dedicated strictly to non-fiction storytelling, environmental activism, and jaw-dropping outdoor adventure. It is an incredible, exhausting, and inspiring weekend where the screenings are just as important as the hikes and street parties happening in between them.
Keep an eye out for our full, comprehensive festival guide and lineup breakdown in next week’s edition of Peak Cinema. Until then, check out the festival site, secure your passes, and lock down your lodging before the town completely books up!
🗓️ When: Thursday, May 21 – Monday, May 25
📍Where: Various venues across Telluride, CO
Get more details about the festival and tickets here.
It is time to get your business cards ready and block off your calendar. The Boulder County Film Commission’s massive Spring Schmoozer is officially set for Wednesday, May 27th, and this is one networking event you absolutely cannot miss.
These free, seasonal meetups are designed from the ground up to build community within our region’s creative industry. Hundreds of local filmmakers, editors, and producers come out to grab a drink, find new collaborators, and crew up for the summer.
In addition to the usual mingling, this edition will feature the Commission’s first-ever Creative Expo! If you are a freelancer or a local business working in the creative space, this is your chance to get your work front and center.
Want to attend? Registration is completely free, but the venue always hits capacity. RSVP right now to guarantee your spot.
Want to exhibit? If you want to set up a booth and physically showcase your services to hundreds of local creatives, secure your table ASAP!
🗓️ When: Wednesday, May 27 · 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM
📍Where: Boulder JCC
Find more details about the event here.
A sneak peek at what’s on the calendar this week...
🏥 Late Shift | Wed, May 13 – Sun, May 17 · Boedecker Theater
Switzerland’s official Oscar submission and one of the year’s most talked-about international films arrives at the Boe this week. Starring Leonie Benesch — who you may know from The Teacher’s Lounge — Late Shift is an immersive, fly-on-the-wall drama that follows a dedicated nurse through a single, grueling overnight shift at a severely understaffed Swiss hospital. It holds a 96% on Rotten Tomatoes, with critics calling it “equal parts harrowing and unsentimental.” Think The Bear, but in a hospital, and even more tense.
🇵🇸 Palestine 36 | Wed, May 13 – Sun, May 17 · Boedecker Theater
Set in 1936 during the height of British colonial rule in Palestine, this Arabic-language war drama stars Jeremy Irons and Liam Cunningham in a story navigating occupation, resistance, and the impossible choices made under imperial power. A challenging and timely watch.
🔪 Friday Night Weird: Buffet Infinity | Fri, May 15 · 8:30 PM · Boedecker Theater
The Boe’s cult late-night series is back with a horror-comedy that sounds as unhinged as the title suggests. Details are scarce — which, honestly, is exactly how Friday Night Weird works best. Show up, buckle in, and expect the unexpected.
👄 The Cockeyed World of Russ Meyer with Joe Bob Briggs & Darcy — IN PERSON | Sat, May 16 · 6:30 PM · Sie FilmCenter
The cult film world’s most beloved host, Joe Bob Briggs, is coming to Denver in person alongside his co-host Darcy for a night dedicated to the outrageous, campy, and unapologetically over-the-top cinema of Russ Meyer. If you know, you know. If you don’t — this is exactly the right introduction.
For a list of all screenings this week, check out our calendar.
We want to hear from you! Did you make it out to SeriesFest this past weekend? What was the best thing you saw?
Let us know in the comments below.
As always, if you have a project, premiere, or event you'd like us to spotlight—you know where to find us.
May your hours always be golden and your cinema always be peak ⛰️
Until next week,
Clayton & Aaryaman 🍿
In partnership with,
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📣 Share Your Work: Have an upcoming premiere, festival run, project, or mixer to share? Submit your event here to be featured in our next newsletter.
🤝🏼 Join the Peak Cinema team: Interested in being a part of the team that makes this happen? Fill out this interest form and we will get in touch with you!
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