FREE Colorado Christian
Short Film Festival
2026 Official Selection Films

The Amish and the Reformation traces the origins of the Old Order Amish of America and gives a uniquely personal view of Amish beliefs by former members of the group. Beginning with Luther's 95 theses, the program describes the advent of the Reformation, the establishment of a reformed state sponsored church in Switzerland and the formation of the breakaway Anabaptist Movement. From its Anabaptist origins the Amish developed as a unique sub-group under the leadership of Jakob Ammann. Host, Joseph Graber, a former member of the Amish Church traces his family origins back to the Reformation era and gives unique insights into how Amish beliefs have changed over the centuries.

Director Biography - Joseph is Lester and Rebecca’s son. He was fourteen years old when they were excommunicated from the Old Order Amish church. He is on a journey to discover where the Amish come from, to find out what his heritage means. What really is the faith of his fathers that his extended family has admonished him to keep? “Martin Luther’s German Bible opened the way for my ancestors to read the Scriptures in a language they understood during a time when the church was being shaken more severely than it had been for a thousand years. Some people call that turbulent time the Reformation, I call it my heritage. But, what does it mean? I deeply appreciate my childhood as the son of an Old Order Amish pastor. I love the body of Christ and am deeply grateful that God has allowed me to serve Him as a pastor of Living Water Fellowship in Golden Colorado. I am fascinated by Church history and desire to learn from the Scripture- and the past- as I seek to order my Christian walk. In Breaking the Silence I ask the question, “What is my Amish heritage?” I interview my parents, Lester & Rebecca Graber, as well as others who are either familiar with the Amish or with Church history. I travel to places that hold meaning to my family over the last five centuries. From the pages of Scripture I have discovered my identity in Christ. Through the process of making this film I hope to define an Amish legacy that has been hidden for centuries.”

Music Video Directed by Michael Bliss

A father, faced with the thought of losing his daughter, imagines a future of lost memories. Director Biography - Matthew BodenMatthew Boden is a film student currently studying at the Savannah College of Art and Design. He focuses on films deeply rooted in humanity, stories that move us to become better and resonate with. He strives to become a Director of Photography, beginning his film journey with a camera in hand. But loves every aspect of the cinematic process.

Director Biography - Matthew Boden is a film student currently studying at the Savannah College of Art and Design. He focuses on films deeply rooted in humanity, stories that move us to become better and resonate with. He strives to become a Director of Photography, beginning his film journey with a camera in hand. But loves every aspect of the cinematic process.

Joseph narrowly escapes a fatal crash, only to enter a church funeral and discover the man in the casket is himself. Given one last chance to return to the moments before impact, he must choose between destruction and redemption before the next three minutes change eternity

Directed by Jeanie King who is an executive producer for The Healing Garden and The King: A Christmas Story From a Heavenly Perspective. She is deeply involved with ShineWorks Film School, a creative training program dedicated to equipping the next generation of filmmakers to tell meaningful stories and shine the light of Jesus through film. With a heart for faith-based storytelling, mentorship, and independent filmmaking, Jeanie is passionate about helping emerging artists develop their gifts, grow in excellence, and use media as a powerful tool for hope, truth, and purpose.

James asks Mary to help him find a way to payoff his credit card debt. Mary agrees only to find that James has been irresponsible with his money. Mary scolds James for being irresponsible and reminds him that he gives financial advice to clients. As Mary reprimands James she comes to the realization that James is her financial advisor.

Directed by Michael Reyes

One woman’s love of music and craft brings people together and challenges assumptions about age, identity, and belonging. Through the story of Yvette Rippee, affectionately known as Pop Punk Grandma the film delves into themes of community, connection through art, and self-expression reminding us that creativity and passion are ageless and connection can form in the most unexpected ways. Grainne Dutter is a documentary filmmaker from Waco, Texas. She graduated from Colorado State University in May 2026 with a Bachelor's degree in Journalism and Media Communication. Grainne directed Pop Punk Grandma, a short documentary about a beloved Northern Colorado woman who handcrafts custom quilts for touring bands, becoming an unexpected icon in the region’s pop-punk scene. In addition to her directing work, Dutter worked with Barnfly Productions under John Barnhardt beginning in June 2024 and served as a camera operator on the film Above the Net. She continues to develop documentary projects that spotlight overlooked voices and the communities that shape them.

Director Biography - Grainne Dutter is a documentary filmmaker from Waco, Texas. She graduated from Colorado State University in May 2026 with a Bachelor's degree in Journalism and Media Communication. Grainne directed Pop Punk Grandma, a short documentary about a beloved Northern Colorado woman who handcrafts custom quilts for touring bands, becoming an unexpected icon in the region’s pop-punk scene. In addition to her directing work, Dutter worked with Barnfly Productions under John Barnhardt beginning in June 2024 and served as a camera operator on the film Above the Net. She continues to develop documentary projects that spotlight overlooked voices and the communities that shape them.

Based on a true story, a group of German students during WWII risk their lives to spread information that will bring an end to the Nazi regime, and many pay the ultimate price for their resistance.

Showing the human struggle of trauma and social stigmas and the resilient spirit within each of us.

Director - Christine Bowden

CONVICTED is a surreal allegory about the prison of unconfessed sin. ERNESTO is a prisoner on death row who has been convicted of an unspecified crime. Contemplating what awaits him after his impending execution, he listens to the opposing perspectives of the prisoners on either side of him. Where can he find hope in such a dark place.

Director Biography - Timothy Kernc is an award-winning screenwriter who is passionate about pointing people to Jesus through filmmaking & stories. He and his wife, Kirsten, founded a Christ-centered non-profit film ministry in 2024 called Beacon of Light & Hope (http://beaconlighthope.com). They have produced 6 inspiring short documentaries and 2 short narrative films: CONVICTED and RUNNING. They are currently developing their next short film, INTO THE VALLEY, and hope to produce a feature in the near future that boldly proclaims the hope of Christ.

A young family relocates into a new house only to be targeted by malicious paranormal forces. The parents must desperately find a way to protect their five-year-old daughter, Gaylen, as the supernatural entities begin altering her behavior.

Jimmy Drain Bio: Jimmy Drain is an award-winning independent actor, writer, and producer based out of Denver, Colorado. Grounded deeply by his Catholic-Christian faith, he creates thought-provoking action, horror, and adventure films designed to inspire audiences.

Career overview Drain kicked off his professional acting journey in Hollywood. Over his career, he has built a massive filmography, starring in over 55 short films and multiple full-length feature films.

ThunderKnight Entertainment In 2015, he stepped into executive territory by founding ThunderKnight Entertainment LTD. Through his production banner, he specializes in building gritty, genre-bending indie cinema distributed across international VOD platforms.

Tired of her dad setting her up, a pastor’s daughter pretends to date the last single guy at her church.

Director Biography - Tim Nolte Tim Nolte graduated from Colorado Film School, one of Hollywood Reporters top 25 film schools, where his debut short film, Dichotomy, won top honors. He founded Maskil Productions Ltd in 2012, and is known for his work multi-award-winning work on Disconnected, Fearless, Fulfillment, and other short Films. The Church Thinks We’re Dating is his feature directorial debut. Tim has worked in various roles on several other feature films, and as a freelance director and cinematographer in television and commercial work. A Colorado native, he lives in Fort Collins, Colorado.

Director Statement All too often in today’s world, we see two opposite representations of love and marriage. On one extreme, it’s a fairy tale: the best thing ever and the solution to all of life’s problems. On the other extreme, it’s a battlefield, with spouses locked in endless conflict and full of resentment. Everyone Thinks We’re Dating lampoons both extremes, presenting love as it actually is: imperfect, challenging, fulfilling, and vital.