Boulder City was originally founded by the Bureau of Reclamation as housing for workers who were building Boulder Dam. Construction on the dam began in 1931 and was completed in 1935, over two years ahead of schedule. In 1947, the dam's name was changed to the Hoover Dam, thus honoring President Herbert Hoover. The Bureau did not relinquish control of the city until 1958. Boulder City was officially incorporated on January 4, 1960.

Vintage postcard of Boulder City, circa 1932
(The Boulder Theatre is the white building in the center)

Boulder City lies Southeast of Las Vegas - 30 miles from the Las Vegas Strip and a mere two miles from the Hoover Dam. The city has a total area of 200 square miles, yet a population of just over 15,000. Boulder city maintains strict controls on growth and only issues 120 building permits per year.

The 400-seat Boulder Theatre was once Boulder City's movie house. Built in 1931, for years it was the only air-conditioned building in the area. In 1999, actor/musician Desi Arnaz Jr. and his wife Amy purchased the facility. The historic structure has since been restored and serves as the home of the Boulder City Ballet Company.

The Boulder Dam Hotel was built in 1933 to accommodate visiting government and corporate project managers supervising the building of Hoover Dam. The hotel quickly gained a worldwide reputation as a steady flow of dignitaries and celebrities checked in. Famous guests have included Bette Davis, Will Rogers, Boris Karloff, James Cagney, Henry Fonda, and Howard Hughes. It was named to the National Register of Historic Places on 1982.

The Dam Short Film Festival was founded in 2003 by Lee and Anita Lanier. They both developed a love of short films while traveling to numerous film festivals in the U.S., Canada, and Europe. Lee worked in film production and computer animation since 1989 and directed a half-dozen short films. Founding board members also included Nicky Collins, a Boulder City videographer, and Kae Pohe, owner of the Hoover Dam Store.

To visit the festival press archive, please click here.