2023 FILMS

Elemental: Reimagine Wildfire

Documentary

Elemental: Reimagine Wildfire takes viewers on a journey with the top experts in the nation to better understand fire. We follow the harrowing escape from Paradise as the town ignited from wind-driven embers and burned within a few hours of the fire’s start. We visit fire labs where researchers torch entire houses to learn why some homes burn and others survive. We learn from Native Americans as they employ fire to benefit nature and increase community safety as they have for thousands of years. We follow researchers who work to understand the effects of climate on forests and the crucial role that natural forests play in storing vast amounts of carbon. Along the way we listen to people who have survived the deadliest fires to underscore the importance of this quest.

Take Me Home

Narrative Short

Anna is an adult with a Cognitive Disability living with her mother in Midland Florida. When her mother is unresponsive, she calls her sister for help, but without the language to be believed, Anna is brushed aside. Emily returns home and is immediately engulfed in a futile struggle for medical information, while Anna’s world is deconstructed. In this sadness, Anna sees the bigger picture and with a straightforward strength, Anna holds her own. The uncertainty for the sisters’ future independence remains but they are now a team against all odds.

Dreama Team

Documentary Short

Dreama Team is a film about a mom and amateur runner named Dreama Walton, as she competes in America's biggest ultra-marathon: The Western States 100. As she pushes to finish the historic race in under 24 hours, she draws inspiration from painful experiences in her youth, and the positive influence of others in the present. Dreama is determined to prove to her daughter the value of doing hard things.

The Last Gunners

Documentary Short

The silent hours of deep, snowy mornings at Alta Ski Area are ruptured by the reverberation of heavy artillery echoing off the surrounding granite crags. Since 1949, World War II era weapons have been an invaluable tool in combating the ever-looming threat of deadly avalanches that descend upon the town and around the ski area’s steep slopes.

Amid Alta’s record-breaking 903-inch season in 2023, the gunners of Alta’s Ski Patrol fired their 105mm Howitzer for the final time. It’s the end of a 75-year era where weapons of war have reliably protected Alta from destructive avalanches. Dip into the story of Alta’s avalanche artillery program from infancy to its end. These massive artillery pieces, recruited for a peaceful purpose, now face retirement as Alta presses ahead into the forefront of the latest technological advancements in avalanche mitigation.

Why do I hike 2: Hardships of a Thru Hike

Documentary Short

A hiker on a 4500 km hike encounters hardships along with other hikers: heat, cold, discomfort....even death. As the hiking progresses, the protagonist becomes more and more tired. His life priorities are changing. The target fades. Will he be able to finish the trail?

Vultures

Student Films

The film takes place in a post-apocalyptic world where nocturnal bird-like creatures called Vultures dominate the night and have brought humanity to the brink of extinction. Among the few survivors is The Hunter, who has lived in isolation after enduring a personal tragedy. He longs to regain some form of companionship, however thieving bandits, voracious creatures of the night, and the inherent hostility of his environment may hinder his efforts.

Dinner For Six

Disability Films

An overprotective family spies on their disabled daughter’s first date in absurd ways. Reimagined as the rom-coms and Disney Channel sitcoms she grew up with, actress Emily Kranking tells an exaggerated version of her first date.

Someone Like Me

Student Films

Our story focuses on a young and ambitious artist named August. Nerves are high as she needs any form of offers or inquiries to continue the rocky path of her art career as she embarks on what could be her very last art exhibition. And if the pressure wasn't enough, she is simultaneously dealing with the unrequited love she has for her long-time friend, Aaron, and seeing him at the exhibition. Focusing in on the overwhelmingly critical scope of the art world and navigating one's belief in creativity, love, and in themselves, August will find her courage in all three.

The Pink Lagoon

Disability Films

Arturo (30s) is a superficial and vain young man, and Mariana (20s) is a talented, creative girl with Down Syndrome. They are siblings who live their own lives, separated from each other. Mariana lives in a home for people with special needs, has a job and dances Ballet. Her teacher Camila (30s) has managed to get Mariana to dance at a prestigious event in Mérida, thus finally fulfilling her dream of dancing before an audience. Mariana seeks Arturo's help and support since he has been assigned her tutor. This will set them off in a journey of reconnection and re-discovery. Arturo will question various conventions and decisions he has made in his life; while Mariana will defend her individuality through dance, breaking with stigmas associated to her disability. Can Arturo regain the relationship with his sister or is too late?

PANO

Documentary Short

Film photographer, Tanner Pletzke, captures the essence of his surroundings, weaving a deeply personal narrative through mesmerizing panoramic collages that blur the line between art and photographic memory. Pushing the boundaries even further, he brings his collages to life as awe-inspiring physical installations, inviting viewers to step into a captivating world where complex emotions and hidden stories await

Prepared

Narrative Short

The polar icecaps have melted. Tidal waves and tornadoes have destroyed all of humankind as we know it...well, all except Troop 4337. Set in the not so distant future, the only survivors of the apocalypse are a single troop of boy scouts led by an eccentric Scoutmaster. But in their quest for survival, have they lost their humanity? As they battle a vengeful mother nature, Troop 4337 must confront their biggest challenge: the consequences of outliving the rest of the world.

Lake Effect

Action Sports

Lake Effect is a ski film highlighting the joys of backyard adventure, and the shifting perspective of Mike King who for a decade has only sought adventure from the peaks of mountain tops in the far reaches of the west. In 2020 when Covid encouraged lockdowns & travel restrictions, Mike's life on the road came to a screeching halt. This abrupt change inspired Mike to take the hurdle as an opportunity to reconnect with the unique, untapped terrain, ski culture, and the people that were thriving right here in his home state of Michigan. Over the course of filming Lake Effect, Mike realized you don’t need to travel far to have an epic adventure, just some creativity, curiosity, and the willingness to walk out the door to the abundance that starts right in our backyards.

Bloom

Documentary Short

Bloom follows the life of Sierra Schlag as she navigates the world after losing her father on 9/11. As Sierra matures, she explores her grief and identity as a Japanese-American and finds herself under the cloak of depression. While she navigates these complexities, Sierra finds a way to connect with her dad and heal through skiing.

That Time of the Month

Student Film

News reporter Shelly Western arrives in a quiet neighborhood with her cameraman Donald Shipley to report on a recent murder. Working from an anonymous tip, Shelly interviews three women roommates (Amanda, Monica, and Jade), whose stories don’t quite add up. As the roommates pressure Shelly to leave, they accidentally step into moonlight and reveal themselves as werewolves. Now outed, the roommates agree to seated interviews. Monica and Shelly, who have partially transformed into their harrier selves, describe life as modern, medicated werewolves and what it’s like living with Amanda, who has been diagnosed with “clinical lycanthropy,” i.e. she believes she is a werewolf but does not actually transform. During Amanda’s interviews, she reveals that she’s the one who called in the tip and that she believes she’s in danger. Eager to talk in private, Amanda brings Shelly and Donald back to her room, where she shares her theory that Jade is responsible for the murder. But as Shelly questions Amanda,h er story falls apart. Finally, Amanda admits that she called them because she was hungry. She attacks Shelly and Donald, enjoying a hard-won meal.

Sol Supernova

Youth Films

After finding her best friend overdosed, punk rock musician V sets out to avenge her death. After convincing the rest of the band to help her find those responsible for distributing the drugs in their community, V must decide between revenge and forgiveness.

To Him

Student Films

A young woman is confronted with her past repressed love when her housemate discovers a personal letter during a move-out day.

Culicidae

Disability Films

A late night intrusion leads to a life and death struggle

TWO DOLLARS 

Narrative Short

When Olivia moves to a new country, not only does she have to learn to adapt and overcome the barriers of a new culture, but also the sly tactics of a school bully. In the process, Olivia rises to the challenge and learns what it takes to become her own hero.

NO NO GIRL

Narrative

In the middle of the night, before they are to be sent to a Japanese American Concentration Camp, one family buries a secret in their backyard garden. 80 years later, a clue is discovered and what begins as a mystery soon turns criminal as a family of different minds try to come together to discover the truth of their past.

No No Girl is a generational, Japanese American story that intersects ideas of identity, family, duty and the traumas of war and relocation. Almost a century removed from World War II and the incarceration of her ancestors, one young daughter will take it upon herself to shine a light on their past and uncover the mysteries that have been haunting their family.

Room and Board

Documentary short

'Room and Board' is a documentary about the housing crisis in North Lake Tahoe and the impact on the local ski and snowboard community. 

Ski towns are notoriously popular vacation destinations, but the severe weather, fire risk, and geography can all lead to a complex housing crunch. 'Room and Board' digs into the causes and data surrounding the issue and presents solutions local towns are pursuing, all while highlighting why residents love living and playing in the beautiful Tahoe region.

Apayauq

Documentary Short

"Apayauq" is a documentary following the story of a young Alaskan woman named Apayauq Reitan, who in 2022 became the first openly transgender musher to compete in the Iditarod, a grueling dog sled race that covers more than 1,000 miles through the Alaskan wilderness.

The film explores Apayauq’s journey as a transgender person in a state where discrimination and prejudice against LGBTQ+ individuals are still prevalent. It also showcases the strength, perseverance, and dedication it takes to compete in the Iditarod, a challenging race that tests both the musher and the dogs.

Throughout the film, viewers get a glimpse into Anna's life as a musher, the bond she shares with her sled dogs, and the obstacles she faces on and off the trail while highlighting the supportive community that rallies behind her and the impact of her story on others. "Apayauq" is a powerful film that sheds light on the struggles and triumphs of the LGBTQ+ community in Alaska and celebrates the courage of individuals who defy societal norms to pursue their dreams.

Down River Jordan

Documentary

The Jordan River has played a major role in shaping human society as we know it, providing freshwater and fertile soil for some of the earliest civilizations and witnessing the rise and fall of empires. For centuries, the lower Jordan Valley has served as one of the largest bird migration sites in the world, as well as the biologically diverse sanctuary where the flora and fauna of the East African and West Asian continents come together.

Today, the river tells a different story from the life-giving tale it has told for a millennium revealing the devastating impact of human political conflict as Syria, Jordan, and Israel take from the Jordan River without international regulation or waste-management infrastructure. The tension between the riparian nations and the lack of a trilateral water management agreement has allowed for excessive extraction, harmful waste practices, and a tendency to assign blame to others rather than take responsibility for the river’s well-being. As a result, the Jordan River has seen its water flow reduced by 96% over the last sixty years.

The journey begins as five friends attempt to navigate the river from its source in the mountains of the Golan to its endpoint in the Dead Sea. As the group travels south on the water, weaving between Israel, Jordan, and Palestine, they meet the people most affected by the river’s demise, and those fighting fiercely to protect it. Climate change and human conflicts around the world continue to exacerbate water-stress, which can eventually lead to gross mismanagement, water scarcity, and wars. DOWN RIVER JORDAN is a documentary about hope in the face of environmental destruction, one river’s potential to inspire cooperation, and the source of life that unites us all: water.

Left Right - A Film About Turning

Action Sports

A snowboard film where no one leaves the ground. Whether it's riding into a jump, navigating exposed faces, floating through forests or your first snowboard lesson, turning is at the heart of snowboarding.

Filmmaker Samuel McMahon brings a decade of experience behind the lens to this deep dive into snowboarding culture that examines resort riding, high mountain freeriding, Japanese flatland and - of course - powder. Lots of powder.

Left Right is in part a search for the perfect turn, but along the way it unearths dream locations and incredible characters. It shows a little of the secret sauce that goes into filming beautiful turns, and tries to get to the heart of why such a simple act keeps us coming back for more and more every winter.

Featuring Sebastien Konijnenberg, John Mhyre, Lewis Sonvico, Kaori Terabyashi, Emilien Badoux, Tiphanie Perrotin, Liam Rivera, Dave Crozier, Mathieu Crepel, Shuta Takamatsu, Shun Yamamoto & Clemmens Bergmann.

Nightcap

Narrative Short

After meeting on a dating app, Jeffrey and Kira end their first date by going to his place for one last drink. Jeffrey claims that he has to keep his aggressive dog locked up in his office. But as the night goes on, Kira begins to wonder what exactly is on the other side of the door...

Savage

Documentary

An inspiring and intimate portal into the world’s most dangerous sport, through the journey of one man's grit and rugged willpower to achieve the elusive dream of becoming a world champion, in a game that is often life... or death.

Diagonal

Documeantry Short

Feeling stuck in life, 54-year-old India Wood bucks the traditional way of recreating and strikes a novel path across the state of Colorado. Taking a uniquely in-depth look at the world around her, India's walk is a celebration of the originality that makes us human and delights in doing things a little bit differently.

Willing

Action Sports Avid BASE jumper Joseph Williams sets out to follow the uncharted journey into Hawaii BASE and the challenges that come with it. Being one of the only active BASE jumpers on the island, Joseph continuously pushes the sport opening new jumps and covering undiscovered grounds.

The Oldest Trail

Documentary Short

The Long Trail, a symbol of Vermont's enduring wilderness, unfurls as the oldest continuous footpath in the United States. Stretching from the southern border with Massachusetts to the northern frontier with Canada, this historic trail traces the spine of the Green Mountains, offering unparalleled views of pristine landscapes, serene forests, and panoramic vistas. A true testament to nature's grandeur, the Long Trail was built between 1910 and 1930 and served as the blueprint for the iconic Appalachian Trail, captivating the hearts of outdoor enthusiasts and conservationists alike.

In the immersive documentary "The Oldest Trail," the staff of Outdoor Gear Exchange, a Burlington, VT-based gear shop, embark on an ambitious realy-thru-hike along Vermont's revered Long Trail, a 272-mile odyssey. This extraordinary adventure invites viewers to delve into the heart of an odyssey that blends the rugged challenge of the trail with the poignant stories of those devoted to its preservation. Through heartfelt interviews and awe-inspiring landscapes, the film illuminates the remarkable commitment required to protect natural sanctuaries while revealing the personal metamorphoses that unfold upon the trail.

Through the lens of OGE's relay-thru-hike, viewers are invited to join a diverse ensemble of hikers as they navigate the physical and emotional challenges of the trail. Meanwhile, insightful interviews with trail enthusiasts, the Green Mountain Club, and stakeholders from OGE explain the complex tapestry of preservation efforts required to maintain the Long Trail, especially as trail use increases year to year.  This engaging juxtaposition serves to deepen the viewer's understanding of the delicate dance between recreation and conservation.

Prepare to be transported by "The Oldest Trail," a documentary that artfully melds the thrill of adventure with the profound significance of preservation. From the never-before-attempted relay thru-hike to the behind-the-scenes dedication of trail stewards, the film offers an immersive journey into the heart of the Long Trail's legacy.

Resilient

Disability Films

Life flourishes when you can learn to push down barriers and challenges that can be thrown at you out of nowhere. Jerad Fischer, Lindsey Runkel, and Dan Soller are the living proof of how you can keep riding and attacking life with a positive and tenacious attitude after a life-changing injury sustained from doing a sport they each love very much.

Captive

Narrative Short

An elderly trapper revisits his dark past as a serial killer when he's taken hostage by two fugitives in the wilderness of Montana.

KAFFKADSCHA

Narrative Short

Rusty ski lifts and abandoned hotels. Climate change has led to the extinction of Austrian ski resorts. But suddenly a small village, Kaffberg in the Seiltal, is causing a big stir across the country. Miraculously the slopes there are covered with snow again - and no one knows how. While a young journalist tries to find out the truth behind the "miracle", the mayor Aloys Hörl, in his megalomania, is already presenting Kaffberg's next innovation at a gathering with the other villagers: he presents the DX-3000, the largest snow cannon in the world, which in the future will not only cover the slopes but the entire village with snow.

The Descensionists

Documentary Short

Speedflying, still in its infancy, is a fringe discipline of paragliding
reserved for the few thrill-seekers favoring high speeds and proximity to the terrain over prolonged and sustained flight. Hitting speeds of up to 100mph whilst flying within a few feet of the terrain; it is a newly developed sport for the unconventional adventurer where a simple mistake would likely be fatal.

The Dog Musher

Documentary Short

The last dog musher of a Yup'ik Alaskan village meditates on what drives him to continue his passion.

Freeze // Thaw: Ice Climbing in a Changing Climate

Action Sports

Climbers are out there—we climb the highest peaks, roam deserts, and explore the woods for the most inspiring boulders. And the climbing community has been increasingly seeing anecdotal evidence of climate change impacting our climbing landscapes. But stories are one thing–scientific evidence, on the other hand, can be our topo for advocating for change.

In a first-of-its-kind study currently a finalist for the International Climbing and Mountaineering Federation (UIAA) Mountain Protection Award, a team from the American Alpine Club joined up with climate researchers from the University of New Hampshire to take a close look at the historical data on seasonal temperatures and ice season length in the Mount Washington Valley of New Hampshire, one of the premiere ice climbing destinations in the United States. With the context of this historical data, the team ultimately created a climate model to predict the length of ice climbing seasons in the future, under moderate and high emission scenarios. The AAC team also interviewed dozens of guides in the region to gather qualitative data about how tumultuous climate impacts are impacting the guiding economy that is an integral part of these NH mountain communities. Ultimately—climate change is impacting climbing, and the economies built around it. But we're ready to do something about it.

The Blackcountry Journal

Action Sports

A skier contemplates his connection to skiing and the mountains. As he hurries through the streets of LA, his path takes a turn after bumping into a jazz musician who helps him discover the correlation between jazz and skiing—an expression of art, skiing, and black culture.

BHAVACHAKRA

Action Sports

Bhavachakra follows four free ride mountain bike athletes (Reed Boggs, Dillon Lamar, Logan Shreck and Kahlil Kem) through two days in the iconic Virgin Utah landscape.

The filmmaker Adam Asdel created the film from a combination of his passion for mountain biking and his spiritual practice and studies in Buddhism. The title name "Bhavachakra" translates to "The wheel of life" in Buddhism and plays a theme through out the film as it carries you through three acts: Creation, Existence and Reminisce

How Did We Get Here? : The Blondes x CK9 Studios

Action Sports

Three strange animals, The Blondes. Who are they? What are they thinking? Are they naturally Blonde?
A film highlighting the ski crew the Blondes, their friendship and adventures through skiing and life.

Voluntariosa

Disability Films

Voluntariosa is the Spanish word for ‘willful’ which is exactly the word that Sara’s family uses to describe her. Follow Sara’s journey through chronic injury, amputation of her leg, and into the mountains, all while fighting for her own mobility every step of the way. Sara now volunteers for the Range of Motion Project (ROMP) in their Quito clinic helping other Ecuadorian amputees get access to prosthetic care and changing their vision of what’s possible post-amputation.