Durango Independent Film Festival

10/06/2026

MANHATTAN SHORT AWARD WINNERS ANNOUNCED!

Life Goes On Wins Gold Medal for Best Film at the 29th Annual MANHATTAN SHORT Film Festival.

Georgian animation When the Sea Was Calm wins the Silver Medal and Never Give Up! from Mexico wins the Bronze Medal in Worldwide Audience Vote.

Life Goes On, written and directed by husband & wife team Kat Butterfield & Daniel Audritt (U.K.), is the Gold Medal Winner of the 29th Annual MANHATTAN SHORT Film Festival. Life Goes On, a drama/comedy about a man in a hospice waiting for the sweet release of death who is unfortunately stuck in a time loop which causes each day to restart the second his heart stops, resonated with viewers around the world. MANHATTAN SHORT medal winners are selected by voters attending the festival in theatrical venues around the world.

"We're beyond thrilled to be the Gold Medal winner at Manhattan Short 2026, but honestly, just being one of the 10 selected films has been phenomenal. Receiving messages from audience members around the world each day has been the biggest joy for us. Life Goes On is a self-funded labour of love - a life-affirming dark comedy about death and the preciousness of time, that we put so much of ourselves into. Being part of Manhattan Short has allowed us to discover that our film resonates across many different countries and cultures - it's been so eye opening and has made us incredibly proud. Film has such a power to connect people, and Manhattan Short nurtures both filmmakers and film-lovers and brings them together in such a wonderful way. Huge thanks to Nick Mason for championing our film and to all the hard-working and passionate teams at venues across the world for creating such a lovely, supportive and joyous event." — Daniel Audritt

When the Sea Was Calm (Georgia), animated by Mamuka Tkeshelashvili and produced by Vladimer Katcharava, won the Silver Medal. A silent, hand-crafted animated short that transforms memories of pre-war Sokhumi into a poetic story of childhood, first love, exile, and the dream of return.

"Being part of MANHATTAN SHORT has been a very special experience for us. We knew the film would reach audiences in many cities, but the number and warmth of reactions we received was a wonderful surprise. One of the main reasons we made this film was to share this painful story of loss, memory and nostalgia, and to help audiences see themselves in this child and in this city." — Vladimer Katcharava

The Bronze Medal winner is Never Give Up, written and directed by Tamás Yvan Topolánszky (Hungary & Mexico), a story of a young boy's attempts to cross the U.S.–Mexico border guided only by his mother's final words: "never give up." An unexpected source of hope leads him toward a twist that redefines survival.

The Best Actor Award goes to David Bradley for his sensational performance as Bill in Life Goes On. After reading the script, Bradley stated that "the script hit him right between the eyes" and that he "had to do it." The Global Audience has voted. Congratulations to all the winners!

Join us in February 2027 for the 7th MANHATTAN SHORT Online Festival @ ManhattanShortOnline.com

10/02/2026

2026 Best of the Fest is coming soon!

One evening featuring the best shorts from 2026’s DIFF!
Thursday, November 5, 2026
6:30 PM — 8:30 PM
The Durango Arts Center

Purchase your tickets in advance for a discounted price of $15. Please use the discount code BEST2026 at checkout to receive the discounted price. https://durangofilm.org/bestoffest

Featured Films:
Beast of the Seine – Juror Award Best Animated Short Film & Audience Award Best Animated Short

SAVERIO – Audience Award Best Narrative Short

What the River Knows – Audience Award Best Documentary Short Film

Forevergreen – Audience Award Best Family Film & Oscar Nominated 2026 Animated Narrative Short Film

Stankface Standing Soldier: The Rise of Mato Wayuhi – Audience Favorite Native Cinema

Yer Smackin – Staff Favorite Narrative Short

Best of Fest 2026 DURANGO INDEPENDENT FILM FESTIVAL Best of Fest 2026 One evening featuring the best shorts from 2026’s DIFF! Thursday, November 5, 20266:00 PM — 8:00 PMThe Durango Arts Center Best of Fest 2026 tickets now on sale! Purchase your tickets in advance for a discounted price of $...

09/25/2026

In case you missed the film Mistura at the Durango Independent Film Festival:

We’re very happy to share that, following its theatrical release across the U.S. and Canada, Mistura is now available digitally in both territories on Apple/iTunes, Amazon Prime Video, Fandango at Home and Google Play.

We also want to thank you again for being part of Mistura’s journey. The exposure and support the film received throughout its festival run played an important role in building awareness and helping us reach audiences along the way.

09/22/2026

Manhattan Short Film Festival coming to Durango Arts Center this Thursday, 9/24
4 PM and 7 PM screenings

One World. One Week. One Festival. Join a worldwide audience – watching and voting on the same ten shorts!

Presented by the Durango Independent Film Festival, the Manhattan Short Film Festival is once again coming to the Durango Arts Center – one of 500 global venues screening the same 10 short films in the same week. On September 24, 2026, you will be the judge of which film and actor wins this prestigious cinema contest.

Durango audiences will be joining over 100,000 film lovers across six continents who gather during the same week for one reason: to view and vote on the Finalists and Films in the 27th Annual MANHATTAN SHORT Film Festival. You’re the juror at this festival. Every film that We the People screen will be eligible to enter the 2027 Oscar competition!

For advanced tickets, visit our website https://www.durangofilm.org/manhattan-shorts

09/22/2026

Come work with DIFF!

Durango Independent Film Festival is seeking a new Executive Director to lead the organization in delivering its mission. To learn more about the job description, required qualifications, how to apply and more, visit our website

We're hiring at Durango Independent Film Festival! Work with a passionate team at an exciting Durango, Colorado film festival.

09/21/2026

THIS THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 24 at 4:00pm & 7:00pm
MANHATTAN SHORT 2026!
Ten Short Films from Ten Countries.
A Filmic Olympiad
Global Audience to Decide the Winner.
You Be the Judge!
Durango Arts Center
September 24, 2026
4:00pm & 7:00pm
Film lovers world-wide will unite in over 500 locations between September 24 — October 4, for one reason...to view and vote on the ten Finalists Films in the 29th Annual MANHATTAN SHORT Film Festival.
The Finalists will screen simultaneously across the world during a one-week period, with the Best Film and Best Actor awards determined by ballots cast by the audiences in each participating venue. By virtue of their selection by MANHATTAN SHORT, each short film is automatically Oscar-qualified.

09/13/2026

The Durango Independent Film Festival has started a search for a new Executive Director. Come work with an incredible organization and a great group of people! Aplications for the ED position are now open - see the link below.

Thank you, Carol Fleisher
Carol Fleisher will be stepping down from her role as Executive Director of the Durango Independent Film Festival (DIFF) due to health concerns. Carol has served DIFF with dedication, compassion, and a deep commitment to our mission. Her vision has strengthened our work and helped ensure that we continue to serve our community with purpose and integrity. While this transition is difficult, our first priority is honoring Carol’s privacy and supporting her well-being. We are deeply grateful for all she has given to DIFF and to the people and communities touched by her work. The Board has begun implementing a thoughtful transition plan to ensure continuity in our programs, services, partnerships, and daily operations. The Board has appointed DIFF Board Member, Kim Estes McCarty as Interim Managing Director and DIFF Hospitality Team Lead, Greg Weiss as Interim Creative Director.

We're hiring at Durango Independent Film Festival! Work with a passionate team at an exciting Durango, Colorado film festival.

09/13/2026

09/13/2026

MANHATTAN SHORT 2026 - September 24, 2026 in Durango!
Ten Short Films from Ten Countries.
A Filmic Olympiad
Global Audience to Decide the Winner.

You Be the Judge!
Durango Arts Center
September 24, 2026
4:00pm & 7:00pm

Film lovers world-wide will unite in over 500 locations between September 24 — October 4, for one reason...to view and vote on the ten Finalists Films in the 29th Annual MANHATTAN SHORT Film Festival.

The Finalists will screen simultaneously across the world during a one-week period, with the Best Film and Best Actor awards determined by ballots cast by the audiences in each participating venue. By virtue of their selection by MANHATTAN SHORT, each short film is automatically Oscar-qualified.