Arts Council to host 4th annual ‘Mountainfilm in Big Sky’ event
The Arts Council of Big Sky is bringing a little bit of Telluride to Big Sky in September when it presents its fourth annual Mountainfilm in Big Sky event, featuring a selection of documentary films from the world-renowned Telluride Mountainfilm Festival that will be screening at various Big Sky venues.
The event will be held Friday through Sunday, September 13th–15th and includes the kick-off feature film, The Weight of Water, at the Warren Miller Performing Arts Center on Friday night. A free “Moutainfilm for Families” event and ticketed evening gathering featuring documentary shorts will both take place Saturday at Lone Peak Cinema. And following the “Town to Trails Run” on Sunday, a complimentary outdoor screening of various films takes over Town Center Park. Further details, advance tickets for the paid events, and race registration information can be found at www.bigskyarts.org.
The Weight of Water showcases the grand kayaking adventure of Erik Weihenmayer. After becoming the first blind climber to summit Mt. Everest, Weihenmayer turned his focus to an entirely different kind of challenge: He learned to kayak, and decided to attempt to paddle the length of the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon. It was the next chapter in Weihenmayer’s quest for presence, independence and self-agency – things hard to achieve without sight. As Water chronicles, the trip was much more than an adventure athlete notching another accomplishment in his belt. Weihenmayer joins a team of guides and new friends – including fellow blind kayaker Lonnie Bedwell, an absolute inspiration in his own right – on an emotionally weighted journey down one of America’s most iconic canyons. As they paddle, they confront loss, fear and anxiety. They exemplify what people can achieve – and overcome – through selflessness, teamwork and courage. And they let the river unlock its priceless lessons. The result is a triumph.
Each year, Mountainfilm on Tour brings a selection of culturally rich, adventure-packed and incredibly inspiring documentary films curated from the Mountainfilm festival held every Memorial Day weekend in Telluride, Colorado. The films explore the themes connected to Mountainfilm’s mission: using the power of film, art and ideas to inspire audiences to create a better world. Mountainfilm began in 1979 and is one of America’s longest-running film festivals, and this is the fourth year the Arts Council has brought the tour event to Big Sky.
For more information about the Mountainfilm events, contact the Arts Council at (406) 995-2742 or visit www.bigskyarts.org for further details. •
