Founded in 2015 by Don Andrews and Brian Boyd, CIFF built a filmmaker community from the ground up. Over its first five years, it showcased 600+ films from 36 countries, transforming historic Uptown Butte venues into spaces for unforgettable storytelling.
After a dormant period for the Festival and the Covellite Theatre, Covellite Presents came under new ownership and direction by Demetrius Fassas in 2023. Don Andrews returned as Programming Director to begin the CIFF reboot in 2024 with new CIFF Director Ainsley Sevier.
Now, in 2025, the Covellite International Film Festival is following the vein back to its lode—honesty, resilience, and the everyman experience. This isn’t just a film festival—it’s a multi-faceted gathering place where filmmakers and film lovers connect year after year, film lovers have a voice, and buyers discover candid, uncompromising work.
Forged in fire, built on solidarity—The Covellite International Film Festival is a place to come as you are and leave a little changed. No gatekeepers, just grit, goodwill, and A Vein of Truth.
Read more about the kinds of films and awards you’ll see at CIFF 2025: CLICK HERE.
Questions? Email Ainsley@CovellitePresents.org
CIFF 2025 also thanks Bill & Monica Blizek
