One of North America’s oldest film festivals, Mountainfilm in Telluride, has announced the full lineup for its 44th edition May 26-30.
It is the first full in-person festival since 2019.
Attendees can look forward to 128 films, including 31 features and 97 shorts with themes around the environment, social justice and outdoor adventure.
“We’re thrilled to be showcasing over 80 international, U.S. and Colorado premieres, including a strong lineup of films featuring underrepresented voices,” said Mountainfilm Festival Director Suzan Beraza.
This year’s lineup will also highlight local Colorado stories, including the world premiere of “Sheri,” featuring Sheri Tingy, an adventurer and designer who revolutionized the outdoor industry with the founding of Colorado’s Alpacka rafts in Mancos.
“The Holly” examines gentrification and violence in downtown Denver’s Holly neighborhood. “Anonymous Sister,” is an intimate portrayal of the opioid epidemic from within a tight-knit Denver family. The world premiere of “Fight or Flight” chronicles the journey of the only female pilot employed by Colorado Parks and Wildlife. And “Jacket” transports viewers to a sheep ranch in Moffat County, revealing age-old traditions during lambing season.
Of the films there are 23 world premieres, including feature film “Surf Nation.” The film takes a deep dive into the world of competitive Chinese sport as the country trains and grooms up-and-coming surfers to make their bid for the first Olympic surf competition.
“Chasing” chronicles the epic adventure of a rowing team’s race across the Atlantic. “The Neighborhood Storyteller” relates the touching story of an impromptu classroom for girls in a Syrian refugee camp.
In addition to the festival’s film programming, Mountainfilm’s Coffee Talks will be returning, plus the newly designed Minds Moving Mountains Speaker Series and DocTalks. The speaker series kicks off Friday morning at High Camp and features adventurers Rick Ridgeway in conversation with climber Conrad Anker.
“Audiences can expect to be stirred by this remarkable slate of filmmakers telling stories full of adventure, activism and the strength of the human spirit,” said Executive Director Sage Martin. “As Mountainfilm aims to do each year, attendees will walk away inspired to take action.”
Passholders may cast their votes for their favorite feature films throughout the weekend to award a filmmaker with the $5,000 Audience Choice – awarded at the Closing Picnic on Monday afternoon at Town Park.
Other jury-selected awards include Best Documentary Feature ($5,000), Best Short Film ($1,000), Charlie Fowler Best Adventure Film ($2,500), Moving Mountains ($2,500), Women in Film ($2,500) and the Student Choice Award ($1,000).
