Native Lens Symposium | Durango

A Celebration of Native Filmmaking

The Native Lens Symposium returns June 13-14, 2026, welcoming filmmakers and creatives from the Four Corners region and throughout Indian Country for a two-day gathering dedicated to the celebration of Native film and community building within the industry. Held in Durango, Colorado, the Symposium features film screenings, master classes and industry-centric discussions led by filmmakers, representatives from film festivals, legal professionals, and other industry voices.

Meals are provided and there is no cost to attend.

The goal of the Symposium is to enhance a supportive community of Indigenous filmmakers within Colorado and beyond, provide information and resources for aspiring and active industry professionals, and establish relationships to set aspiring filmmakers up for success within the film industry.

We hope you can join us on the homelands of the Núu-agha-tʉvʉ-pʉ̱ (Ute) people. We also acknowledge that this land is connected to the communal and ceremonial spaces of the Jicarilla Apache (Apache), Pueblos of New Mexico, Hopi Sinom (Hopi), and Diné (Navajo) Nations.

The Native Lens Symposium is made possible with funding from the Colorado Office of Film, Television, and Media. 

About Native Lens

Native Lens works with Indigenous storytellers and filmmakers around the continent to connect and amplify Native voices. Born during the pandemic as a platform for Indigenous folks to stay connected and share stories, Native Lens has grown into a training center, fellowship program, community hub and video platform that celebrates Indigenous stories and media production. Stewarded by Indigenous creatives, Native Lens now hosts hundreds of Indigenous and Native American films by Indigenous storytellers across North America.

Supported by the KSUT Tribal Media Center on the Southern Ute Reservation in Ignacio, Colorado and Rocky Mountain PBS, the project has since grown to include filmmaking training initiatives. The Native Lens Media Fellowship launched in 2023 in partnership with Vision Maker Media and Durango Independent Film Festival to teach Indigenous-centric approaches to documentary filmmaking. During the month-long fellowship, emerging Indigenous storytellers conceive, direct, and produce original short non-fiction films and premiere them in a special showcase at the Durango Independent Film Festival. Learn more about the fellowship and apply here.

Native Lens is generously supported by the Colorado Health Foundation, Fort Lewis College and the Colorado Office of Film, Television and Media.