The magic of the big screen is celebrated in Telluride with another film festival destined to reignite your passion for learning, as this festival is all about documentaries. Lasting five days and taking place on Memorial Day Weekend, Mountainfilm in Telluride has been an integral part of the kickoff to summer in Telluride for almost 50 years. The only thing better than attending all the films is attending all the films and returning home to Accommodations in Telluride every night of your stay. This guide to Mountainfilm and the beauty of summer will have you feeling thankful for your upcoming Colorado vacation in the mountains!
One of Our Nation’s Oldest Film Festivals
The 70s were a turbulent time, but they were also a time of beauty, innovation, and discovery, and as Telluride rebranded itself as a ski vacation destination town (as opposed to a hardscrabble, not very successful mining town), someone somewhere was dreaming about starting a film festival in the mountains. 1979 was the first occurrence of Mountainfilm, taking place just seven years after Telluride Ski Resort opened its slopes, bringing the magic of movies and knowledge to our mountain town. That first festival offered just 12 films, films that celebrated the mountains, making our town a natural fit for the topics, the workshops also discussed the importance of wild adventures and natural habitats. Today, Mountainfilm has branched out, offering at least 100 films that celebrate not just nature, but activism, social justice, the environment, and the spirit of filmmakers of all genres.
So Many Adventures
Mountainfilm has evolved into more than just a documentary film festival. It offers workshops, speakers, galleries, coffee talks, and so much more, including street parties that celebrate life, the movies, and the mountains we call home. And although this festival is billed as a festival of documentaries, it won’t take long for visitors to discover it is about passion, ideas, and the joy both can bring. Shining the spotlight on change, the movies being shown will ignite a passion in you for the ideals they represent, and unlike the larger film festivals, they show the closeness of the Hollywood community, making viewers feel as if they are a part of the change being displayed.
The Venues
Now that you know the story behind the movies, it is time to discuss the details that make Mountainfilm one of our favorite events every year. There are over 100 films shown in six different venues, including the Palm Theater, the historic Sheridan Opera House, High Camp, the Bill, and as a gift and surprise to visitors and attendees, Base Camp in Town Park, located at 500 E Colorado Avenue and costing visitors absolutely nothing. Mason’s Hall, located at 200 E Colorado Avenue is the last of the venues, offering magic and mystery to all who attend.
This Is a Competition
Although we think every movie should be a winner, Mountainfilm is a very serious competition, with its winners going on to bigger and better things. The panel of judges will cast their votes, picking the films they feel best represent the spirit of this film festival, but you, as an audience member, will get to make your thoughts known as well, as the Audience Choice Award for a Feature and a Short will be chosen by attendees only.
Tickets Go on Sale in December
There are a variety of passes you can purchase to ensure that you don’t miss the movie of your dreams, including a six-pack of tickets that will give you admission to six different movies, and passes that vary in amenities and size. The grand poohbah of passes, the Patron Pass, offers access to all films and special programs, including the Invitation Only Filmmakers Dinner, closing picnic, and Awards Ceremony. When you want a great deal, all you need to do is volunteer for Mountainfilm, and then sit back, watch the movies, and lose yourself in the magic of filmmaking for an extremely low price! Students can enjoy the films being shown at a lower price as well. Also offering the Palmyra Pass, which provides access to all films and programs, as well as the Closing Picnic & Awards Ceremony, and the Wasatch Pass, which grants admittance to six different film showings and does not include access to the Closing Picnic & Awards Ceremony, there are plenty of ways to customize your experience!
The Magic of More
For the true film buffs, even if you have purchased an all-access pass to every movie and event offered at Mountainfilm, coming home to Accommodations in Telluride offers the magic of more, providing state-of-the-art televisions with screens so large, you will feel as if you are a part of the magic on the screen. Reserve your favorite Telluride vacation rental today!
