We thought we were starting a podcast about hidden gems and quirky local lore…
Turns out, the real treasure of Colorado Springs? The people.
In this episode, we sit down with Nicole Nicoletta — executive director of Rocky Mountain Women’s Film, former mayor of Manitou Springs, and one of those people who just makes the city better by being in it.
We talk about powerful storytelling, the kind of films that actually change the way you see the world, and the way RMWF builds community through conversation, popcorn, and sometimes tears.
If you’ve ever wanted to meet the heart behind one of the most impactful organizations in town — or if you just need a sign to finally go to Shorts Night — this is it.
Pop some coconut oil popcorn and press play. This one’s special.
Core Collective These pilates classes are designed to help you build strength and flexibility, improve your posture and mental health, and reduce stress. If you use the code SPRINGSANDTHINGS, you can get 3 classes for $30. Head to their website to get this offer!
Chapters
We thought we were starting a podcast about hidden gems and quirky local lore…
Turns out, the real treasure of Colorado Springs? The people.
In this episode, we sit down with Nicole Nicoletta — executive director of Rocky Mountain Women’s Film, former mayor of Manitou Springs, and one of those people who just makes the city better by being in it.
We talk about powerful storytelling, the kind of films that actually change the way you see the world, and the way RMWF builds community through conversation, popcorn, and sometimes tears.
If you’ve ever wanted to meet the heart behind one of the most impactful organizations in town — or if you just need a sign to finally go to Shorts Night — this is it.
Pop some coconut oil popcorn and press play. This one’s special.
Core Collective These pilates classes are designed to help you build strength and flexibility, improve your posture and mental health, and reduce stress. If you use the code SPRINGSANDTHINGS, you can get 3 classes for $30. Head to their website to get this offer!
What is Springs and Things?
Welcome to Springs and Things, the podcast where two close friends spill the tea on all things Colorado Springs! From culture and community to hidden gems and neighborhood lore, we’ve got it covered. Join us as we sip our coffee (or maybe something stronger) and dive into the stories and secrets that make this city so unique. Whether you're a local or just passing through, our fun, light-hearted, and always entertaining take on the quirks, hot topics, and insider tips will keep you coming back for more. Discover what’s really happening in the Springs—beyond the mountains and parks!
Speaker 1:
We thought we were just highlighting a cool local film festival, but what we didn't expect was to uncover one of the most powerful forces shaping the soul of Colorado Springs. In this episode, we sat down with Nicole Nicoletta, former mayor of Manitou Springs and the executive director of Rocky Mountain Women's Film. But this isn't just about the movies. It's about the way these films crack open conversations, spark unexpected friendships, and shift the way people see the world and each other. There's something happening here, something that's bringing people together in a time where that feels harder than ever.
Speaker 1:
So keep listening. This one's a little different. So, Lauren, when we originally started this show, it was to highlight neighborhood lore and hidden gems and all the cool things going on in Clotter Springs. And while I still want to absolutely do that, the biggest surprise and the biggest, the best gift I feel like we've gotten this whole time is really uncovering the people of Colorado Springs. We have people that are really trying to make a difference in the city and just make it the coolest, the greatest it can be.
Speaker 1:
And today's interview was no exception. That's actually when I started thinking about this because Nicole was talking and I kinda zoned out because I was like, I just love what you're doing so much. And there's so many people I feel that way about in this city.
Speaker 2:
Yeah. And and it makes me think of, Concrete Couch, the other organization I'm obsessed with that we had an episode about a few weeks ago. I mean, yeah, the people behind that organization are like the heart and soul of it. I'm so they're so wonderful, so loving, just obsessed with what they do. And I feel the same way about the organization we're talking about today.
Speaker 2:
The the people behind Rocky Mountain Women's Film, they've just created this a couple years ago, we were like, oh, it you know, it's the best kept secret in Colorado Springs. And now it doesn't feel like a secret. Like, most of my friends have come with me to these films, and it's just I think it's one of the coolest things about living here.
Speaker 1:
Yeah. Well, I mean, let's get to the interview because if if you'll react if you react the way I did, there's no way you won't want to go to a film or one of their events coming up. So enjoy.
Speaker 2:
I am so very excited about this conversation because Rocky Mountain Women's Films is one of my favorite organizations in town. So super excited to be joined by Nicole Nicoletta, the executive director for Rocky Mountain Women's Film, also a former professor, former mayor of Manitou Springs, busy gal. Thank you for being here.
Speaker 3:
Oh, it's my pleasure. Thank you for having me.
Speaker 2:
So my first question for you. So what lights you up about what you do? Number one, the people.
Speaker 1:
Mhmm.
Speaker 3:
Sure. The staff, the volunteers, and the attendees, the audience. To sit with people and watch a documentary or a short film that has thought provoking content that speaks to everybody in the crowd and not necessarily because they agree with the content, but because there's some element of that film that they can relate to or that is opening their eyes to a new way of seeing things. So really it's the people and their response to the films.
Speaker 1:
Well, and I want to take a step back for a second because you and I are so into this. And for people that aren't familiar with what you do, can you explain the organization and all the events that you run?
Speaker 2:
And how it began. I think the origin story of Rocky Mount Womensselve is pretty cool too.
Speaker 3:
You bet. So it started with Donna Guthrie and Jerry Martin, two awesome women in 1986, '80 '7 timeframe.
Speaker 1:
So ten years ago. Exactly, exactly.
Speaker 3:
They were driving home from Telluride Film Festival and they said, you know what, we should be bringing something like this to Colorado Springs. And specifically bringing forward the unique perspective of a woman filmmaker. So the films aren't always about women, though often they are. But the important piece to us specifically for the film festival is that it is a woman behind the lens, right? It is a woman's unique ability and skill set to tell a story, right?
Speaker 3:
So they started it at CC. We've been at CC for, we're going into our thirty eighth year. I think there was one year, of course the pandemic year, it was all virtual. Then one year we were at the Pikes Peak Center. Other than that, we've been at CC.
Speaker 3:
So our festival's three days. This year it's October 17 through the nineteenth. And there's an awesome Friday night opening night, films all day Saturday, films all day Sunday. Filmmaker Forum's a really important opportunity and valuable opportunity to do a Q and A with the filmmakers who are in attendance. But other than that, we have, in addition to that I should say, we have our film club which is here at our office in the Lincoln School every once a month on the second Tuesday of the month and those are all films that we've had at previous festivals.
Speaker 3:
So if you ever missed a film back in 02/2002 or February whatever it is, good chance you'll be able to see it here. We also of course show ones that are a bit more recent than that. But there's a lot of oldies but goodies. And our film in the community is when we take films that we've had at previous festivals and we go into the community at our partners venue and we take a film that relates to the work that they do and the audience who they provide services for. So there's zero barrier for anyone to be able to experience our awesome independent films.
Speaker 2:
And one of the first events I went to oh, it was so beautiful. It was, I think, COVID or shortly thereafter, but it was an outdoor movie, and it was mama bears. Have you seen mama bears? Do you remember that one? I have not,
Speaker 3:
but I heard about it.
Speaker 2:
It's one of those films that I'm always like I always I think about a lot, and it's about conservative Christian women whose kids end up being gay or trans and their journey in accepting their kid. And, like, you have so much grace for them, but, like, watching them choose their kids was such a special thing. Anyway, it, like I I thought it was just one of the most powerful films I've ever seen. And and and and I can say that about so many films at Rocky Mountain Women's Film. Like, I'll just be like, oh, you know, a topic will come back.
Speaker 2:
And I'm like, you know what? Watch this film, and then let's talk about it. So it just creates so many great conversations.
Speaker 1:
Well, and I'm gonna piggyback off of that because people think like, oh, I'm gonna go watch a movie or I'm gonna you know what I mean? We I have yet to leave one of your films unchanged. I mean, truly, even if it's something that I totally agree with, and I'm like, Oh, like, yeah, I'm totally on board with this message. I'm like, on board even deeper into that message, or I learned things that it kind of makes you reflect and be like, Oh, I didn't know. I thought that way until this maybe I need to reframe how I look at things.
Speaker 1:
It just it's so thought provoking. And it connects people.
Speaker 2:
And so much like nuance too. Like, I come from local news. That's what I did for most of my career. And, you know, there's the story of the day, not a whole and you have to tell it in a minute and thirty seconds or a newspaper article. It's just so but this, like, you dive I mean, a two hour conversation, really, about a topic allows for so much I don't know so much deeper understanding, I think.
Speaker 2:
So what was the film? What film captured your heart here?
Speaker 3:
Oh, man. So many, like you said. And I really appreciate that comment, Carly, that you have never left unchanged. And it's almost like if you really wanted to and you really leaned into it at the festival, you could come out of there feeling like you just took a course, right, on a variety of topics and really be able to analyze them and pull them apart and maybe some self reflection or certainly, I don't want to make it sound like they're all these super intense documentaries because our artistic director, Linda Broker is brilliant at balancing, right? The heavy and the not so heavy and the But one of the first films I ever saw was 1982 and it was called The Lunch Date.
Speaker 3:
It's a quick film. It's black and white. It is so good. But last year, the one that sticks in my mind and definitely I am changed by was last year at the twenty twenty four festival and it was called I Am Ready Warden. And it is about many things, but the preface of course is a gentleman is on death row and so it talks about his experience, really basically what got him to commit the crime and then his experience within the four walls of the prison.
Speaker 3:
And then also the experience of the crime and what had happened from the victims of the family. And it just, I mean I have chills right now thinking about it because like you said, either you could be reaffirmed in how you feel about the death penalty or you could leave there thinking I never would have thought of it this way. I'm a staunch believer of this way or that way and suddenly I don't totally know how I feel about it. Suddenly I have this empathy and sympathy and concern that I never had. And so if you have the chance to watch I Am Ready Warden, I highly, highly recommend it.
Speaker 3:
What's great about it is the film is very well done but it's also only like thirty four minutes. So I've definitely grown over this past couple years in this role to really appreciate the short film.
Speaker 2:
Yes, well speaking of the short films, tell us about Shorts Night.
Speaker 3:
Oh yeah, super fired up. So April 11 at Stargazers Theater. Been doing this for many years now. It's our biggest fundraiser of the year and we show award winning short films. So it's just a blast of a night.
Speaker 3:
Typically just entertaining versus too much of the deep stuff, right? It's just more of an entertaining night. Lots of people are there on their dates and such. We have an awesome sponsor. Her name's Sally Sharp and she is the sponsor of all the treats.
Speaker 3:
So we have lots of yummy candy. And then we have Regal Cinema donates popcorn. So there's complimentary popcorn. Of course, there's the full bar there at Stargazers. And it's just a blast.
Speaker 3:
Come to Stargazers, like I said, Enjoy these short films. There's an intermission. We're gonna be raffling off a really awesome prize. I'm not gonna tell you about it right at this moment, but you should be there anyways. And, yeah, it's a good time.
Speaker 3:
Really good time.
Speaker 2:
The candy bar is pretty epic. I was there last year. And so my husband was like, okay. You're like a child. Like but it's just like, you just get a little baggie and you fill it with all kinds of candy.
Speaker 2:
And, yeah, it was it was pretty awesome.
Speaker 1:
Okay. On the topic of food, when you host them here at your office, do you what kind of popcorn do you get? Because it is the best popcorn ever and I have not been able to replicate it anywhere and I need you to peel back the curtain and tell me where I can find it.
Speaker 2:
Hard to get questions over here.
Speaker 3:
That's right. That's right.
Speaker 2:
It's what we do. That's right.
Speaker 3:
Now, when did you have this popcorn? Because that will tell me which popcorn I need to tell you about.
Speaker 1:
I think it's the coconut one.
Speaker 2:
Right? It's the giant, giant bag. Was it from Costco?
Speaker 3:
It was and they don't make it. You don't carry it anymore and you can't find it online Oh
Speaker 2:
my gosh. So,
Speaker 3:
so women's film put them out of business. So what we have tastes pretty darn similar, if not possibly better. We use coconut oil and kernels, whatever kernels we purchase, doesn't really matter, but we use what's called a whirlipop and you put it over a gas stove and it almost looks like you're churning butter. Then it's, I don't know why the kernels come out so fluffy and delicious, but that's what we use for here in our office. So you should come on April 8.
Speaker 3:
We'll be showing a really awesome film in here in honor of Deaf History Month, actually. It's called Here and Now. Oh, what is that about? It's about a couple who, a husband and wife, and they have a grown child. And the husband and wife have been deaf their whole lives.
Speaker 3:
And they decide in their 70s to have the cochlear implant. Wow. It's powerful. It's powerful. Goosebumps again.
Speaker 3:
I know, me too. And I got to say, I've been really trying to figure out how I can create like a consistent happy hour in here to watch a film and talk and just it be a bit more of a party ish. Well, lo and behold, at the last film club where we watched T Rex about Clarissa Shields, the first ever gold medal woman boxer in the Olympics. She was 17 when she won her first gold medal. Anyway, people are showing up with beer and wine and food.
Speaker 3:
I was like, it's just happening. So Film Club does a really, if you've never been to any of our events, that'd be a great way to start. It's free or a $5 suggested donation. But just come and dip your toes into the vibe and the culture and the films.
Speaker 1:
Well, we were telling you earlier, we created an unofficial film club for film club. And we've, we've told our audience that that that Lauren and I have been friends, we met at preschool drop offs and, and have been like, acquaintance friends, I would say. But what really made us become friends was we would get together with some other girlfriends and us. And we would come see the films and then we would talk about it after and we would come with friends that had different political views, different religious views. And it's so hard to get converse like, real conversations these days, I think just with everything that's going on, and your films got it like, we were still friends after we still loved each other after and, and we just came with different perspectives.
Speaker 1:
And you really brought you bring people together in a unique way that I don't think many organizations can. So yeah, so we had happy hour. And then we'd go watch your films, and then we'd talk about it when sometimes we'd cry.
Speaker 2:
So one thing I wanted to talk about is the the support you give female filmmakers. Tell tell us about the retreat. I think that's really neat, and a lot of people don't. Even people that come to Rocky Mountain, you know, the film festival and your nights might not know the support that you put behind these women.
Speaker 3:
I appreciate you bringing that up, Lauren. It is it's one of the most important pieces for me personally because, a, that was the foundation, right? How can we support these independent women filmmakers and bring this important material to Colorado Springs and of course the surrounding area? Like any artist, right, it is a big deal for them to fundraise, for them to spend their time creating these films. Sometimes these films take seven years if you're following a family or following a community, right?
Speaker 3:
It takes a long time to put some of these films together. Even if it doesn't, right? It takes a significant amount of time and energy and resources. So one of the things that we offer is a filmmakers retreat in June. We've been doing that for about eleven years.
Speaker 3:
We have an incredible family that allows us to use their cabin up in Teller County and we fly out or we pay a stipend to have these filmmakers, about eight or nine of them, come for the weekend. We do yoga, we eat a bunch of yummy food and they each have time to share their works in progress with one another. So they are getting this like colleague peer feedback on their works in progress which is just incredibly important for them, right? Oftentimes they don't know each other so it's this very new objective clear feedback. And then they get some R and R, right?
Speaker 3:
We take a long hike and just sort of talk about the industry and maybe the challenges and balances that they have with people in their lives or the subject that they're working on. It is really, really important. And that is not a revenue generating event, as you can So any individual donations that we get from folks, that is helpful for that. So if you're on the fence of whether you should sponsor or join our Circle of Support membership, which by the way, if you do that right now, you get a free Shorts Night ticket. But just know that there's a lot that happens behind the scenes with these filmmakers that the support is really, really very valuable to us from the community.
Speaker 2:
And correct me if I'm wrong, but most film festivals, the filmmaker pays to be part of the film festival, right, or to enter their film. You guys pay the filmmakers for your festival, right?
Speaker 3:
We do. Now I can't speak to other festivals in terms of what their arrangement is with bringing in filmmakers, but correct. So we have a budget where we pay for their travel, we pay for their lodging while they're here. We're working with the mining exchange we did last year and we're gonna work with them again this year. They were great partners and the filmmakers loved it.
Speaker 3:
And then we pay for their food. We have a green room at the festival for them to enjoy food and drink over the weekend. So yeah, it's important to us that we support the filmmakers in that way. It's a circuit for them, right? And they can choose what festival they want to go to and we want them to choose us and we want them to feel really good about being here.
Speaker 3:
And last year, the filmmakers who came and stayed at the Mining Exchange, they bonded so deeply that they still to this day, every week for one hour jump on a Zoom call, same time. Oh, Yep, and connect and support each other. So really the value of what we do when we support these women who have come to the festival is there's a ripple effect and it's significant.
Speaker 2:
Well, Nicole, I love what you do. I love Rocky Mountain Women's Film, all your events. Yeah. I'm just so grateful this is part of our community. So thank you for doing what you do.
Speaker 3:
Thank you.
Speaker 1:
Appreciate
Speaker 3:
Yeah.
Speaker 1:
I appreciate Anytime. We could literally talk to you for days.
Speaker 2:
Yeah. We'll have you back on ahead of the film festival. So, yeah, shorts night is April 11 at the Stargazers. You can get tickets on their website, RockyMountainWomen'sFilm.org. And then, yeah, mark your calendar for October.
Speaker 3:
Remind me. Seventeenth through the nineteenth at Colorado College. And check out the website for all the other free stuff we have going on and our pop up cinema at Ivy Wilde once a month. Yep. I mean, there's something you could really find a film and a and a way to engage with us almost every week.
Speaker 3:
So thank you for having us. You for caring about women's film.
Speaker 2:
Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. So long story short, if you haven't been to one of their you absolutely should. And now we're, like, reminiscing about films, and all these films that I've seen over the last couple months and years are popping back in my mind.
Speaker 2:
But it was one of our first dates, Carly.
Speaker 1:
It really was. I mean, I know we talked about that that in the interview, but I don't remember why how it came up where we're like, oh, I like documentaries. Oh, I like documentaries. Let's be friends. But it was something some sort of conversation, but it really did I will say it really did skyrocket our friendship because so long I mean, I liken it to dating.
Speaker 1:
You you go on a few dates and you're kinda warming up and and it takes a minute. But if you just get into the deep conversations immediately, you're like, this is gonna work or this isn't gonna work. And these movies and like Nicole was saying, there are certainly some light hearted fun But we started talking about stuff that like, I talked with my friends from childhood about. Like it's like really good conversations. And I feel like it was just, like, speed dating, but speed friend shipping.
Speaker 1:
Yes. And you just there's so much to get out of it, and there really is something for everybody.
Speaker 2:
And I love like, you know, it's a great place where sometimes I just show up by myself to film club, and there's, like, six or seven people that I know that are there too. So it's, a nice little date with yourself sometimes, but still kinda like silent book club, which she also did an episode about where you're among other people, but you can just also not talk and enjoy. And, yeah, I just I love them.
Speaker 1:
Or just everybody said no, you do you, so you had
Speaker 2:
to show it by yourself. Yes. It happens all the time, and I'm totally okay with it.
Speaker 1:
Lauren, another place that I've started going by myself intentionally is CORE Collective. But like you said, I now know people.
Speaker 2:
Yes.
Speaker 1:
It's a community. I walk in, I have friends. Don't like being on the last reformer. Because when I have to face the opposite way, everybody can see me and I can't see anybody. You know what I mean?
Speaker 1:
Yes. You're like
Speaker 2:
the line leader.
Speaker 1:
And now that I have friends there, I get more self conscious. Yes. So I always put myself in the middle. But I told you down in pants size. I I love Pork Collective.
Speaker 2:
Yes. And they have so it is the premier Pilates reformer studio in Colorado Springs right downtown in the same building that houses the BBB, and they have an awesome deal for our listeners. You can get three classes for $30. Reformer Pilates classes are so expensive, and that is like a heck of a deal. So go to corecollectivec0s.com and put in springs and things.
Speaker 1:
Okay. Pick of the week. I am gonna steal the mic because I have two. But I have to say this one even though it is happening tonight. So if you're listening to this on the release day, go to it.
Speaker 1:
But since we've been talking about Rocky Mountain women's film, they are putting on Blink, which is a show they're gonna they're gonna be showing this one at Ivy Wilde. But Blink is this documentary about a Canadian family who travel the world before their children lose their sight to a rare genetic disorder. And it just the previews are are unbelievable. I mean, I was taken aback by the preview. So I was like, well, guess I should probably go to this thing.
Speaker 1:
So April 1, Wild. Be sure to check out that pop up. But I'm gonna be on an Ivy Wilds kick for my kids. So, like, I have to do one more because if you have not been to Bristol's Prohibition Party
Speaker 2:
have you been? No. And I've seen it. I just haven't been, but I it's like, I've had it on my calendar before because I'm like, that sounds awesome.
Speaker 1:
It it is just such a fun night. You get dressed to the nines in, prohibition attire. Everybody and people go all out for this. It's not one of those, oh, well, maybe I'll just put a feather in my cap. It's like, no.
Speaker 1:
No. You dress up.
Speaker 2:
Go big. Go home.
Speaker 1:
Yeah. Exactly. There'll be a costume contest with pretty awesome prizes. So dress to impress. All guests must know the secret password to gain entrance to the Speakeasy.
Speaker 1:
Do you know it? No, but I should keep your eyes peeled because it's going be on Facebook, Instagram, or all the hints will be on Facebook and Instagram. And it really is the party of the year. I know that if you're promoting an event, supposed to say, oh, it's the party of the year. But this is really the party of the year.
Speaker 1:
It is so much fun. So that is Saturday, April 5 from seven to 10PM in the Ivy Wild Gym.
Speaker 2:
Oh, that sounds super fun. And I've been binging 1923. Is that the Yellowstone or is it '22? The Yellowstone prequel. Whichever one it is.
Speaker 2:
Twenty three. Nineteen '20 '3. So I am like fully into their their clothes and oh, that's a good show. Man. So my pick of the week is Spring Fling wine tasting and bouquet bar.
Speaker 2:
It's over at Eve's Revolution on April 5 from four to seven. They'll have wine. They'll have, their new spring collection, and then you can top off your day with a uniquely yours flower arrangement from Curvy Petals mobile flower bar. So that sounds super fun, and it is 21 and up. And tickets are required, so make sure you get your ticket.
Speaker 1:
It's a great great little store. And if people haven't been, I mean, go check it out for the close, but, obviously, this event is incredible.
Speaker 2:
Yep. Sounds awesome. Well, thank you for listening in. If you like this episode, share it with a friend and write us this five star review. Have a great week.