The Royal Gorge Film Festival was born out of a shared passion for storytelling, community, and a deep respect for the cinematic history of Fremont County. In 2021, Benjamin Black, Sage Goodwin, and John Kinsner—three visionaries from different backgrounds—came together with a simple idea: to revitalize the film presence in the Royal Gorge Region. Benjamin, a lifelong resident of Canon City, spotted an Instagram account promoting the region’s film heritage and reached out to Sage, who had been brainstorming with John, a film and events expert from California. What started as a casual collaboration quickly evolved into a mission-driven project, rooted in a love for film and the region’s history. Through monthly meetings, creative brainstorming sessions, and a shared dedication, the Royal Gorge Film Festival took shape as a 501c3 nonprofit. Their goal was clear: to honor the cinematic legacy of the region while building a festival that would inspire generations to come. The Royal Gorge Film Festival is more than an event—it’s a movement to keep storytelling alive, to preserve history, and to celebrate the community where it all began.
