From the iconic line uttered in The Wizard of Oz, by Dorothy to her little dog, “Toto, I’ve a feeling we’re not in Kansas anymore,” to Estelle Reiner’s (director Rob Reiner’s mother) classic line in When Harry Met Sally, “I’ll have what she’s having,” women have been a force to be reckoned with throughout the history of movies. In 1987, Jere E. Martin and Donna Guthrie had a bold idea on the long drive home from attending the Telluride Film Festival to expose Colorado Springs to films by women or about women. Thus, the idea for the Rocky Mountain Women’s Film Festival was born. Almost four decades later, the film festival has elevated the stories of women and others who are often unheard or unseen, cultivating a more empathetic and connected community.
For almost twenty-five years, Executive Director Nicole Nicoletta and Artistic Director Linda Broker have been at the helm of the festival, which is centered on women’s stories, whether it is a film about a woman or a film by a woman with a great passion for an important subject. This year the festival’s focus is “Film for Everyone,” says Nicoletta. “While no single film speaks to everyone, our festival as a whole offers stories that reflect diverse voices and experiences, creating a space where all feel welcome.” The festival kicks off Friday night with Diana Warren: Relentless, a compelling documentary about a prolific songwriter, and force to be reckoned with, who has an unparalleled track record of writing mega-hits for industry giants.
THE PEOPLE BEHIND THE FESTIVAL
Broker’s passion for film as a catalyst for community began when she started volunteering for the festival in 1994. During the following seven years, she served the festival in various capacities, including programming chair and operations chair, before being hired as the first executive director of the organization in 2001. “This was the year that we realized that as the festival expanded and grew, volunteers alone could no longer carry the heavy load,” Brokers explains. “So, 1was hired as the first executive director, although I’d been serving in that position in a volunteer capacity for a number of years.
“It was a recognition by the board that we had become a ‘thing”, and it was time to level up. Having a full-time paid employee, gave the organization the ability to expand from a two-day, two venue festival to adding more venues, more films and more events, including a filmmakers retreat, and the now annual short-film evening that has served as a fund-raiser as well.” Now serving as artistic director, Broker has been able to spend more time doing what she loves most, setting the artistic vision and curatorial direction for all aspects of year-round programming.
Born and raised in Colorado Springs, and having attended the festival since the early 90’s, Nicoletta was elected executive director three years ago. Having a deep love for the Pikes Peak region, she brings an expansive professional and social network to the RMWF community, and still marvels at the power of film to connect, educate and inspire people. Nicolette thrives on teamwork, group discussion, and creating space for all voices to have a seat at the table. “More specifically I interact with the board, and work on community outreach and development,” says Nicolette. “I’m also in charge of the standing management of the organization, not just the festival. Linda and I also watch a lot of movies for possible inclusion into the festival. However, it all comes down to the selection committee, after they’ve watched, discussed and rated each film.”
THE FESTIVAL EXPERIENCE
This year the festival is featuring forty films, screening in four different venues during the day and evening on Saturday, and throughout the day on Sunday at three different locations, all at Colorado College. Both executives are extremely excited about the opener, Diane Warren: Relentless. Warren has written nine number one songs and 33 top 10 songs on the Billboard Hot 100, including “If I Could Turn Back Time” recorded by Cher, “Look Away” from the award-winning musical “Chicago” and “Because You Loved Me,” performed by Celine Dion. “However, most people say, ‘oh, who’s that?’ says Broker, “when you mention the name of the film, including all of the folks who screened it for possible inclusion. It is one of my favorite kinds of films to show, as most people will come the festival not knowing anything about this incredible woman, and leave realizing what a force of nature she is.”
A favorite film of Nicolette’s at this year’s festival is The Secret of Me, which has been touted as a powerful documentary about Jim Ambrose, who, as a college student in 1995, discovers a devastating truth hidden in his medical records: he was born intersex and subjected to a secret medical experiment involving identical twins. Thus ensues a look at harmful medical practices and lifelong deception. “Oh man, how do I talk about this,” says Nicolette. “The film sheds a light on people who are born androgenous and ambiguous. The filmmaker tells the story of a gentleman that is truly life-changing, and a story that everyone needs to know about.”
When asked about something unique and extra compelling about this year’s film lineup and other events, Broker had this to say. “We have managed to stay consistent and relevant for almost thirty years because of quality of the weekend but perhaps do continue to elevate with a more in-depth Film Maker’s Forum, unique live music, or even different food trucks. But truly attendees can expect incredible and thought-provoking programming year-after-year.”
THE 38TH ANNUAL ROCKY MOUNTAIN WOMEN’S FILM FESTIVAL
October 17–19, 2025
At select venues on the Colorado College campus
Over the festival weekend, all tickets and passes can be picked up in the main space of Cornerstone Arts Center. Tickets and passes purchased before October 8th can be picked up early at our office on Friday, October 10th between 3–6 p.m. or Saturday, October 11th between 9 a.m.–12 p.m.
RMWF Offices at Lincoln Center
2727 N. Cascade Ave, Suite 140, Colorado Springs, CO 80907
Attendees can expect three days of films, filmmaker Q & A’s, forums, food trucks, and live music.
ADDITIONAL FILMS
Her/Mine
At ten, Alexandra lost her mother to cancer – a diagnosis her mother hid from virtually everyone. Decades later, she embarks on a cinematic journey to explore a mother-daughter bond through its absence using a treasure trove of personal belongings. An intimate poetic meditation on memory, loss and motherhood.
Directed by Alexandra Shiva (alex@gidalyapictures.com)
Jimmy and the Demons
A magical journey into the artistic life and inner mind of celebrated sculptor, James Grashow, who, at age 79, devotes four years to creating his magnum opus.
Directed by Cindy Meehl (cindym@cedarcreekmedia.com)
Magic & Monsters
MAGIC & MONSTERS uncovers the long-buried story of widespread sexual abuse at America’s preeminent children’s theater. In the aftermath of litigation, four survivors attempt the unthinkable: working with the very institution that harmed them. The film examines the moral obligations of institutions when confronting historical abuse. It presents an intimate exploration of trauma’s ripple effects while demonstrating how organizational transparency—despite potential risks and short-term costs—represents the only path toward genuine healing. MAGIC & MONSTERS illuminates a path toward institutional courage, and offers hope for all survivors seeking justice and reconciliation.
Directed by Norah Shapiro (norah@flyingpiecesproductions.com)