Cinema and celebration: Pueblo's StoryMode Films creates community through film
Film enthusiasts from Los Angeles, New Mexico, New York and even Las Condes, Chile have visited Pueblo, Colorado for a festival experience like no other.
Pueblo’s own StoryMode Films production company will host the 14th annual StoryMode Independent Short Film Awards (SISFA) Film Festival on March 21 and 22. Attendees will be treated to independent film screenings, interactive live performances, live music and red carpets.
“As people that submitted to film festivals, we knew how hard it was to get films seen by an audience,” StoryMode Films Co-Founder and Festival Director Brian Salay said. “We wanted to create a platform for people like us to get their work shown in the most unique way possible. That really became our mantra—to create this film festival that didn’t exist like other festivals."
FilmFreeway is an over two million user database for filmmakers to submit their work. SISFA has received a five-star rating on FilmFreeway from submitters and filmmakers that have attended past festivals.
This year’s SISFA festival will include screenings of films from Academy Award-nominated actress Abigail Breslin and “Courage the Cowardly Dog” creator John R. Dilworth. Another film stars actor Tom Skerritt of “Alien” and “Top Gun” fame.
“Then of course we have films made by people whose names you don’t know and that’s kind of the magic of it is you get to learn who they are,” Salay said.
The 2025 SISFA Film Festival begins with a 5:15 p.m. Red Carpet Reception at Fuel & Iron Food Hall, 400 S Union Ave., on March 21. “Fuel & Iron is the ‘Official Festival Hub,’ the go-to spot for filmmakers and film fans to visit and attend in between festival events. Pass holders of SISFA will also receive special discount pricing on food and drink throughout the festival weekend at the food hall,” Salay said.
Festivities continue at Pueblo Community College’s Hoag Theater, 900 W. Orman Ave., from 6:30 p.m. until 8:45 p.m. with two blocks of film screenings—one starting at 7 and the other starting at 8 p.m. A SISFA Kickoff Party will follow from 9 to 11 p.m., location TBA.
Festivities resume on March 22 at 11:00 a.m. with an industry panel featuring creatives speaking on their break into the Hollywood film industry. Another red carpet and film screening event, known as the Feature Film Showcase, will be held from 1:45 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. At 6 p.m., it will be time for the main event.
SISFA’s 2025 Main Event will feature screenings of headlining films, audience voting, an awards ceremony, live music and more at Colorado State University Pueblo’s Hoag Hall, 2200 Bonforte Blvd. A 9:45 p.m. after party will follow in downtown Pueblo. Other than the main event, locations of Day 2 festivities have yet to be announced.
Individuals can stay tuned to updates about the SISFA Film Festival by visiting the festival’s official website, sisfafest.com.
How much do tickets cost?
StoryMode Films offers three types of event passes. For $12, the Silver Pass purchases access to all Day 1 events, the industry panel and the feature film showcase. The Gold Pass is $15 and includes access to the main event at CSU Pueblo. With a $22 Platinum Pass, attendees get access to everything—including an opportunity to reserve a spot at the after party.
Individuals must be at least 21 years of age to attend the kickoff and after parties. To purchase tickets or learn more about event passes, those interested can visit sisfafest.com/passes.
What is StoryMode Films?
StoryMode Films has written, directed and produced 19 films—10 shorts and 9 feature-length. The company also provides professional script-reading consultations for aspiring short film, television and feature film writers.
Salay himself is a writer and director who founded StoryMode Films with Branden Sigg—a visual effects artist and producer known for the “Captain Eclipse” show on Twitch. Salay currently operates StoryMode Films with his brother David.
For more information about StoryMode Films and its services, visit storymodefilms.com.
