Former Colorado Film Commissioner Files Claim Over Firing

Donald Zuckerman alleges wrongful termination and age discrimination in his dismissal from the state film office.

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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Donald Zuckerman, the former Colorado film commissioner, has filed a formal notice of potential claims against the state, alleging wrongful termination, age discrimination, and other violations related to his abrupt dismissal in September 2025. Zuckerman claims his firing was orchestrated by Eve Lieberman, the executive director of the state's Office of Economic Development and International Trade, in order to take credit for Zuckerman's role in bringing the Sundance Film Festival to Colorado.

Why it matters

Zuckerman's high-profile firing and subsequent legal action raise questions about transparency and accountability in state government, as well as the politics surrounding major economic development wins like securing the Sundance festival. The case also highlights concerns about age discrimination and the treatment of veteran state employees.

The details

According to the notice of claim, Zuckerman was told by Lieberman that he could either resign or be fired, and when he refused to resign, Lieberman sent an email blast announcing his termination effective immediately. Lieberman cited a verbal confrontation between Zuckerman and a subordinate, deputy film commissioner Arielle Brachfeld, as the reason for the firing. However, Zuckerman denies yelling at Brachfeld and claims the real reason was Lieberman's desire to take credit for bringing Sundance to Colorado, which Zuckerman had been working on for two years. Zuckerman also alleges Lieberman held a personal animus against him dating back to a budget issue in 2022-2023.

  • Zuckerman served as Colorado's film commissioner since 2011.
  • In September 2025, Zuckerman was abruptly fired from his position.
  • On February 9, 2026, Zuckerman's attorneys filed a formal notice of potential claims against the state.

The players

Donald Zuckerman

The former Colorado film commissioner who was fired in September 2025 and is now pursuing legal action against the state.

Eve Lieberman

The executive director of Colorado's Office of Economic Development and International Trade, who Zuckerman alleges orchestrated his firing in order to take credit for bringing the Sundance Film Festival to the state.

Arielle Brachfeld

The deputy film commissioner with whom Zuckerman allegedly had a verbal confrontation, which was cited as the reason for his termination.

Lauren Grimshaw Sloan

The new Colorado film commissioner, who Zuckerman recruited and trained when he was in the role.

Phil Weiser

The Colorado Attorney General, to whose office Zuckerman's notice of claim was sent.

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What they’re saying

“Eve said I could resign or be fired. And when I refused to resign, she sent out an email blast to everyone in my address book saying I was no longer an employee of OEDIT. That led them to believe I did something really bad — something like sexual harassment or stealing money.”

— Donald Zuckerman, Former Colorado Film Commissioner (Westword)

“OEDIT is committed to fostering a safe and healthy workplace for all while upholding workplace policies and the law. As a general practice, we do not discuss specific personnel issues in order to protect all parties. A demand letter reflects one party's claims, not findings of fact or wrongdoing. OEDIT disputes the allegations in this demand letter.”

— Department Spokesperson (Westword)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Donald Zuckerman's claims to proceed against the state.

The takeaway

This case highlights concerns about transparency, accountability, and potential age discrimination in state government, as well as the political dynamics around high-profile economic development wins like securing the Sundance Film Festival. It also raises questions about how veteran state employees are treated when they run afoul of powerful agency heads.