films

This past weekend’s Mountain Film Festival has sadly come to a close. For everyone who got to attend, I think you can agree that it was a blast. For those who couldn’t, here’s a little recap. It all began on Friday Morning with the opening Symposium at the Conference Center in Mountain Village. A crowd of both curious young people and veterans on the topic gathered outside, happily waiting in the sunshine until the doors opened and the festival could kick off.

This year’s Mountain Film theme was population, an issue that is often over looked but really deserves some thought. It started off with speaker Paul Ehrlich, professor at Stamford and author of the 1968 book “Population Bomb.” He was able to talk about some serious issues with population growth and the environment while managing to sneak in some humor. Ehlrich and other speakers that followed made some really interesting points about problems outside of just climate change, being the rise of diseases, toxic chemicals, and consumption patterns. Even if the issues on hand are a bit discouraging by nature, the whole discussion turned out to be really motivating and inspirational. As Ehrlich said, we need to change the type of discussion around this type of global issue!  

Later that day, Main Street was buzzing and the crowds were coming in. People from all over were out chatting about the cool films to come. My first screening was Friday night, and was probably the most fun of all; climbing and slack lining shorts followed by presentations from world famous athletes Chris Sharma and Dean Potter. If you haven’t already, you need to check out the short clip called Moonwalk, a really amazing example of Dean’s skills in balance and focus.

Some of the other films that got me psyched to get outside and play were shown at the Adrenaline Series, a free series of shorts held at the outdoor Base Camp Theater. It was cold, but that didn’t stop people from showing up. Town Park was packed with people with sleeping bags, blankets, and lawn chairs to hang out in under the stars. Everyone stared in awe as films like Code Red (surfing), Race for the Nose (climbing El Capitan) and other ski and mountain bike segments played on the big screen.

Another short adventure film that I got to catch was called Treeverse. I would say that this was one of the more unique films I saw. It documents a feat by two arborists who used ropes and harnesses to traverse from branch to branch, eventually traveling a kilometer without touching the ground. There really are no limits to what a little creativity and determination can achieve!

Some of my other favorites from the rest of the weekend were not as wild and full of excitement, but still really moving. The film that sticks with me the most is titled Fambul Tok, a longer documentary set in Sierra Leone that won the 2012 Norman Vaughan Indomitable Spirit Award. It sends a pretty striking message about the power of forgiveness and peacemaking.

Another that I got to catch was the film Right to Play, winner of the 2012 Audience Award. It documented an organization spearheaded by Olympic speed racer that brings sports equipment and games to children in a number of African countries. Other winners of this year’s festival include Chasing Ice, Bidder 70, Ai Weiwei: Never Sorry, and J.P. Auclair’s segment in All. I. Can.

All in all, the Mountain Film Fest was another huge success. The kickoff to summer, it got me excited for what’s to come. The weather was a bit windy at times (those who went to the ice cream social got to experience a small dust storm) but people in Telluride are always prepared. The films were great, the people were great, and I’m sure what comes out next year will be even better.  

Hope everyone has enjoyed the freshies this week! We sure do love those weather forecasts that call for 3-6" and we end up getting 14"+!!! With the Gold Hill Chutes, Palmyra Peak, Bald Mountain and more now open... the skiing has truly been "Unmatched". Congrats to the Giants for winning the Super Bowl, thanks to National Geographic for naming Telluride one of the 'World's 25 Best Ski Towns', Ullr for hooking up the snow... and we look forward to a fun-packed weekend! Here's your Top 5 Best Things to do in town this Weekend: 

Wednesday, February 8^th – Friday, February 10^th – Alice Underground – Don’t expect Wonderland! The Telluride Theatre presents an original play that follows Charles Dodgeson down the rabbit hole into wonderland and tracks his transformation into famed writer, Lewis Carroll. The show is FREE! Seating is limited… so, get there early! Each night the show takes place at the Palm Theatre (Telluride High School) and starts at 8:00pm. Donations greatly accepted! Come cheer on Telluride.com’s very own & writer of the original music, Sam Burgess.

Thursday, February 9^th – Super Cut: 39 Years of Telluride in Ski Movies – To celebrate all the snow we’ve received lately… The Sheridan Opera House, Telluride Historical Museum and Travis Julia Presents will host a compilation of ski film footage and commercials featuring our beautiful town over the past 39 years. Then on Friday, February 10^th, the national premiere of Legend of Aahhhs! Individual night tickets are $15 a piece, plus $2 per ticket fee. Shows start at 8:00pm at the Sheridan Opera House. Two great nights of what we love the most… deep, deep powder. Come out to these fun local screenings and as always, THINK SNOW!!

Thursday, February 9^th – Eliot Lipp and Mike Dillon Band- Lipp's signature sound, a crossbreed of 90's Hip Hop and House, 70's Funk fusion as well as classic Electro, has and will continue to break down barriers and transpose trendy scenes. Mike Dillon is a percussionist, vibraphonist, bandleader and jam artist who’s played with Critters Buggin, Les Claypool’s Fancy Band, Garage A Trois and many more. If you’re looking to party down to some great electronic, Hip-Hop and House music… Head up to The Llama on Thirsty Thursday! Show starts at 10:30pm and tickets are $15.

Saturday, February 11^th – Chocolate Lovers’ Fling – One of our favorite winter events is finally here! The 17^th Chocolate Lovers’ Fling is an annual fundraiser for the San Miguel Resource Center featuring chocolate desserts from premiere regional chefs, live music by DJ Harry and a HUGE dance party. This year’s theme “TV Land” will inspire some great costumes – dress as your favorite old TV show character, cartoon, game show, reality TV and more. The Fling will go down at the Telluride Conference Center from 7:30-11:30pm. Don’t be late… early bird gets all the delicious chocolate. Eat treats, bid at the silent auction & cash raffle and dance your butt off… all for a good cause. Tickets are available at Two Skirts on Main Street or at www.sanmiguelresourcecenter.org. Tickets are $40 in advance, $50 at the door. One of the best parties of the year!!! See you at the Fling!

Sunday, February 12^th – Emmitt-Nershi Band – We’re excited to have a couple bluegrass legends, Colorado locals and Telluride regulars back to town… Emmitt-Nershi Band will rock out The Llama this Sunday night! Drew Emmitt from Leftover Salmon and Bill Nershi from the String Cheese Incident always know how to bring a good party to town. You know how we Tellurider’s love our Bluegrass music... time to get the party started and warm-up for the Summer Solstice! Doors open at 9:00pm and tickets are $15 advance, $17 at the door. For more info, visit www.emmittnershiband.com

Now that the 2011 Telluride Film Festival has concluded – this year’s eclectic mix of films continues to prove why the Telluride Film Festival is different from so many other film festivals.

Having George Clooney and Tilda Swinton in attendance as silver medallion tributes didn’t hurt the celebrity “wattage”.  However, not having to attend red carpet events, being able to mix with the locals and attendees without worrying about “who they were wearing” and basically enjoying the low key vibe that is Telluride was refreshing.  Add Glenn Close and Jennifer Garner to the list of celebrities also in town and it made for another enthusiastic event.

Telluride Film Festival has always been and remains – simply about the love of films.  With that as a narrative, Telluride has always selected films that may not necessarily appeal to those people looking for the next box office blockbuster.  The goal being – find those films that embody the core essence of what films are meant to do - provoke, entertain, disturb, amuse, etc.  Some of the films premiered in Telluride have been commercial successes and probably many more have not been – but those less commercial films are no less embraced and enjoyed by the festival crowd.  In fact, standing in line listening to what people enjoyed most are often small, mindful films that you need to seek out afterwards from art house rental companies or art house movie theaters. 

This year’s menu of films was no exception.  Some examples include “The Descendants”, starring George Clooney and directed by Alexander Payne - a film more inclined to be commercially successful.  Then there’s “The Artist” – a silent film shot in black and white…beautifully acted and highly entertaining but certainly a commercial crap shoot given it’s format.  Glenn Close delivered another brilliant performance in “Albert Nobbs” – a period piece both comic and heartbreaking but again, how will it do commercially?  Those films are a small slice of what was offered this year – many more films  delivering the kind of experience the Telluride Film Festival devotees have come to respect and rely on…all the while, comfortably in their jeans!