Winter Park Film Festival is dedicated to celebrating the art of filmmaking in the unique and picturesque setting of Winter Park. Our mission is to spotlight filmmakers and their experiences, fostering a platform for creative expression. Our festival aims to bring a high-end cinema experience directly to the local community, enriching cultural engagement and appreciation for the cinematic arts.

Connor Nelson grew up in Winter Park, Colorado, and spent nearly 10 years as a professional freeskier sponsored by Atomic Skis, Giro, and Winter Park Resort. While carrying his family’s camera onto the ski hill, filming his friends, Connor found his love for cinema. After graduating from Columbia College Chicago with a specialty in cinematography, Connor moved to Los Angeles, where he is a full-time commercial and documentary filmmaker and director of photography, working with brands like United Airlines, Jockey USA, Bloomberg, and Uber Eats. Besides being a cinematographer, Connor is the Festival Director of Winter Park Film Festival.

Through the lens of creativity and compassion, Alive is an opportunity for filmmakers and creators to confront the complexities of mental health and addiction head on. There are countless stories that need to be told - from personal struggles and the journey to overcoming them, friends or family members that have been impacted by these topics, to community efforts that are truly making a difference. This challenge is open to individuals and creative groups around the globe. Although we love amazing cinematography, and it’s highly encouraged - don’t let your equipment be a barrier. Tell the best story whether it’s on an Arri or an iPhone.

Alive was created to showcase these powerful narratives in a groundbreaking film challenge, it might just be your story that saves the next life.