PUEBLO - This weekend, Lt. Governor Dianne Primavera joined filmmakers, artists, and local leaders at the 2025 Pueblo Film Festival to celebrate Colorado’s vibrant creative community and recognize outstanding achievements in independent film.

“It was an incredible night celebrating the talent, heart, and hard work of Colorado’s creative community,” said Lt. Governor Primavera. “Nothing Safer represents the kind of fearless, purpose-driven storytelling that makes our state proud. It shines a light on second chances, healing, and the quiet strength of women and animals lifting each other up. Films like this remind us that art isn’t just entertainment - it’s a powerful tool for empathy, education, and change.”

During the Steely Awards ceremony, the Lt. Governor joined director Cynthia Cazañas Garin of Nothing Safer on stage as they accepted the award for Best Heritage Short. The film was also nominated for Best Women in Film Short.

The Lt. Governor also presented the Colorado Film Advocate of the Year Award to high school senior Sunny Wiggins for planning and executing a five-day film festival in March of this year.

Nothing Safer is a documentary exploring Colorado's Prison Trained K-9 Companion Program, where incarcerated women train rescue dogs.

The film was produced by Colorado Lt. Governor Dianne Primavera, in collaboration with the Colorado Office of Film, Television, and Media, and the Colorado Department of Corrections.

The film highlights how the program provides women with skills, self-esteem, and income, while also offering trained companion dogs to children with medical needs.

It showcases the transformative impact of the program on both the inmates and the dogs they train.

The film was screened during the festival, followed by a panel discussion in which Lt. Governor Primavera participated, offering remarks on the importance of second chances, rehabilitation, and Colorado’s commitment to inclusive opportunities across communities.

“Nothing Safer is a story of redemption and empathy,” said Cynthia Cazanas Garin, the film’s director. “Creating pathways for incarcerated individuals to find meaning and purpose in their lives through service to others. I want to thank the Pueblo Film Fest for this recognition and Colorado Film Commissioner Donald Zuckerman for the opportunity to tell this extraordinary story. And a special acknowledgement for Colorado’s Lt. Governor Dianne Primavera, who had the creative idea and vision to make this film.”

“Nothing Safer is a reflection of the transformative power of second chances,” said André Stancil, Executive Director of the Colorado Department of Corrections. “We are proud to support programs like the Prison Trained K-9 Companion Program because they not only change the lives of the participants and the animals they care for, but they also reflect the heart of our mission: rehabilitation, growth, and community connection. Nothing Safer helps to recognize the staff and program participants who make that vision real every day.”

“By supporting films like Nothing Safer, we have the opportunity to elevate important Colorado stories, support our state’s filmmakers, and showcase our vibrant film industry,” said Donald Zuckerman, Colorado Film Commissioner. “We’re thrilled to see Director Cynthia Cazañas Garin recognized for bringing this incredible story to life.”

In its second year, the Pueblo Film Festival continues to uplift local voices and foster connections among filmmakers, audiences, and advocates for the arts across Southern Colorado.