Elevating Perspective

Mountainfilm on Tour returned to Southampton Arts Center on Friday, September 6 and Saturday, September 7 for the fifth year in a row. The annual festival originated in Telluride, CO in 1979, held every Memorial Day weekend, and it brought its inspiring documentaries based on adventures to the East End.

The films ranged in time from three to 29 minutes. Each showcased non-fiction stories revolving around current events — ranging from political climate to adventurous climbing — and included professional athletes, philanthropists, artists, and beyond for a celebration to lift the spirits and elevate experiences.

“Life of Pie” follows two pizza chefs who transform the town of Fruita, CO from a desert location to a mountain biking destination with their Hot Tomato Café. “(People) of Water” dives deep into the limits of the U.S. Men’s Raft Team as they try to break the Grand Canyon speed record, only to discover an ancient form of aquatic travel.

“Grizzly Country” showcases the grizzly bears that were one Vietnam War veteran’s companions for years in the Montana and Wyoming wilderness. “Detroit Hives” is about one couple’s apiary community movement in the city of Detroit. “Tenaya Creek Kayak Run” proves that Yosemite is a world-class kayaking destination. “Sacred Strides” travels to Utah’s canyons that still mark the homes of several Native American tribes and how, amid the Trump administration slashing the area, these tribes reconnected to the area.

“Safe Haven” sets its sights on Memphis Rox, the nation’s only nonprofit gym, exploring the benefits of such a strong hobby. “R.A.W. Tuba” interviews a homeless man in Baltimore who became a world-class symphony musician. “All In” concludes with a tutorial on Alaska heli-skiing.

Presented by Brown Harris Stevens of the Hamptons and Elyn and Jeff Kronemeyer with added support by Dr. Paula Angelone and Jerry Rosengarten, it’s filmmaking on a mission, taking artistic ideas and placing them on a screen in hopes to insight change within individuals for a better world. The group even awards $30,000 in grants annually to project makers who are creating forward-thinking initiatives intended on bringing call to action.

“These films are important because they create understanding of different cultures and people, making people more open to one another,” said Elyn Kronemeyer.

Mountainfilm goes a step further by providing a list of organizations for those who want to take action on its website. Additionally, there is Mountainfilm For Students, a no-cost program offered for kids in kindergarten through 12 grade, with a customized playlist for appropriate grade level, and content and materials aligned with Common Core Anchor Standards. There’s even a Festival Camp option, in collaboration with Telluride Academy.

You can watch previously shown films at www.mountainfilm.org. Visit www.southamptonartscenter.org to learn more.

nicole@indyeastend.com