Lights, Camera, Action!
Next Wednesday, the house lights will go down and the red curtain wil rise on opening night of the 16th annual Rossland Mountain Film Festival.
Aerin Guy, media and public relations coordinator, is in the process of getting ready for five days of films, gatherings and workshops.
This year, there are a few films being featured by Rossland film makers, including Vince Boothe’s profile of Rossland trail man, Nate Lott.
“Nate runs a trail building company up in Rossland,” said Guy. “He works a lot with students up here, and the video is a kind of profile on him.”
There is even a short film showing the mountain biking prowess of 9-year-old Bodie Kuhn. The film five-minute short film was put together by his dad, Ryan and showcases the young boy’s rides in Whistler, the Huck N’ Berries Jump Jam and the Rossland Pay Dirt Trail.
The festival, according to Guy, is perfectly suited for Rossland, especially considering the festival’s theme of the outdoors.
“I think we’re the perfect location for people who want to make films about the outdoors,” she said, adding that the festival allows for filmmakers to explore the limits of a movie. “The area is really inspiring and as the Mountain Film Festival, we try to bring new films every year that really show the creative side of this medium.”
Part of this year’s five-day event is the Reel Youth Film Festival. On Nov. 22, organizers will be showcasing shorts made by young people from all over the globe.
“I think it has become a lot less expensive to make films,” said Guy. “Even kids with Go Pros are able to get out there and turn it into art. The festival gives kids a place to showcase those films and even gives people a chance to celebrate them.
“It gives them a leg up and exposes people to these budding filmmakers that are now able to put their films up on Vimeo and YouTube. It is exciting.”
The festival includes a Teck Mountain Gala, a family matinee showing, premiere night at The Flying Steamshovel, digital film making workshops for aspiring filmmakers and much more.
The festival is always looking for volunteers, as well. To volunteer, or to get more information on tickets, films and events, visit the website at www.rosslandmountainfilmfestival.com.