Who we are
The Royal Gorge Film Festival is a unique blend of history and modern storytelling, where the cinematic past of the American West meets the creative voices of today. Held in the picturesque Royal Gorge Region, our festival offers an unforgettable experience that celebrates the legacy of Western film while showcasing fresh perspectives and fostering community connections.
Our mission
To build a community-driven film festival that celebrates the historical significance and creative potential of the Royal Gorge Region, while fostering collaboration and cultural appreciation through the art of storytelling.
Our vision
Our vision is to establish the Royal Gorge Film Festival as a beacon for creativity and cultural celebration, inspiring future generations of storytellers and placing the region at the heart of the film industry’s revival while celebrating the past.
Our values
We believe in the power of film to preserve history, inspire creativity, and bring people together. Our values include integrity, inclusivity, collaboration, and a dedication to supporting diverse voices in film.
From the dramatic cliffs of the Royal Gorge to the historic streets of Canon City, this region has been a cinematic treasure trove for decades. Westerns, adventure films, and indie projects have all found their perfect backdrop here. The Royal Gorge Film Festival continues this legacy, creating a space for storytelling that honors the past while embracing the future.
Why the Royal Gorge Region?
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Executive Director
Sage Goodwin is a passionate storyteller and digital marketing professional with a deep love for movies across all genres—especially Westerns—though Blade Runner remains his all-time favorite. He thrives on blending high-quality production with compelling narratives, always seeking to create impactful and engaging content.
Sage moved to the Royal Gorge Region in 2013, drawn by its outdoor recreation and later captivated by its rich film history. His career spans digital marketing across multiple industries, where he enjoys crafting stories that resonate.
Now based in Florence, Colorado, with his wife, daughter, and two cats, Sage can often be found at local coffee shops discussing film, storytelling, and the creative process.
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Founder Committee
Benjamin Black, a Cañon City native and seasoned filmmaker, began his journey in 2012 and honed his craft at The Art Institute of Colorado, earning an Associate of Arts in Digital Filmmaking in 2016.
He founded Ben Black Films, producing commercials, documentaries, and corporate projects, and has collaborated with Kevin Campbell Films, The Narrator Group, Sweetwater Audio, and more in roles ranging from cinematographer to editor. His experience includes work as an assistant editor on Flip or Flop Las Vegas and producing branded content for Royal Gorge Rafting and The Edge Ziplines. His film Freedom of the Arkansas was featured at the Arkansas Valley River Film Festival.
Committed to impactful storytelling, Benjamin continues to push creative boundaries in filmmaking.
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Chairman of the Board
John Kinsner is the CEO, co-owner, and visionary founder of Black Ink Presents, specializing in turn-key music performances and experiential entertainment, including “live-to-film” shows with orchestras and bands performing in sync with media.An entertainment industry veteran, John has developed and produced tours for Live Nation, AEG, Sony Masterworks, Fifth Season, WME, CAA, and Disney. With a background in arena operations and a passion for storytelling through music and media, he has spent over 20 years creating and managing major tours, premieres, media shoots, and award shows, collaborating with Disney Concerts, Sony, Paramount, NBCU, Danny Elfman, Elton John, and more.
