COMMITTED TO THE POWER OF FILM
Our Programs
REEL LEARNING

Film is a powerful tool in communicating ideas. Through film, students learn to formulate their own opinions about global, socio-economic, and environmental issues. This free program has been an integral part of our organization since its inception. The 202 Reel Learning School Program reached 1,799 students and teachers in La Plata County public school districts and in alternative schools. By screening compelling films and offering Q&A sessions with filmmakers, students are introduced to a new level of media experience and art appreciation. Our goal for the 2023 program is to, once again, reach students in all La Plata County school districts.
FOUR CORNERS FILM OFFICE
In 2019, the Durango Film Institute brought the Four Corners Film Office into the organization as a program. We are committed to promoting film production in the Four Corners and in serving as a liaison between the production crew and the community, thereby creating positive socio-economic impact.
MANHATTAN SHORTS

We’re thrilled to be the annual presenter and partner with the global Manhattan Short Film Festival. We screen these shorts each Fall in Durango, Bayfield, and Cortez. In 2020, due to the pandemic, we were only able to share the films in person in Durango and plan to be back, in person, in the fall of 2023. As an Oscar-qualifying film festival, each of the selected short films are in consideration for Academy Award Nominations.
PROFILES OF INDEPENDENT FILM

In 2021 we introduced “Profiles of Independent Film”, where we feature an individual filmmaker and highlight their accomplishments. We spotlighted Gavin Michael Booth, and in 2022 Durango Film did a retrospective of David Dibble’s work.