Right to Play, Learn and Inspire at Mountainfilm in Telluride

Mountainfilm Telluride

Here it is Friday afternoon and plus it’s almost summer. Many people in the United States are gearing up for the weekend, starting it full-on actually. This is the time when most of us exercise our God-given right to play. Recreation, sport, play—have you ever contemplated how important this is in our lives? Most of us first learned to play when we were little kids. Play teaches us so much—how to get along, how to compete, how to follow rules and more. It’s not just about fun although fun is a key component to any game.

Right to Play

So imagine being a child in a war-torn country where play of any kind is nonexistent. Frank Marshall, part-time Telluride resident, renowned Hollywood producer and director of the ESPN movie “Right to Play,” talked about his film and the necessity of play last weekend at a coffee talk at Mountainfilm Festival here in T-ride. Mr. Marshall told the story about how one kid in a far flung, ruined country became popular because he had a long sleeve shirt that could be rolled up into a ball and used for play. Contemplate that when you’re out on your boat this weekend.

Thank goodness there are heros like Johann Olav Koss, an Olympic speed-skating champion from Norway that used his drive and influence to create the global organization Right to Play. Now over 700,000 children in about two dozen countries are benefiting from the joy and discovery of play made possible by Johann Koss, a score of other Olympic athletes and teams of workers from around the world. Frank Marshall captures the indomitable spirit of this Olympic champion and the hope and love he brings to the children touched by Right to Play. Best of all:  You can watch the forty-two minute “Right to Play” film tomorrow afternoon, Saturday June 2nd, on ABC. Check your local listings for the correct time in your zone. It’s such a wonderful film that I’d guess it will be played again on other outlets at other times.

Tim DeChristopher: A Hero for Environmentalism

A Peaceful Uprising

Tim DeChristopher, a hero of another kind, is an activist whose story is admirably told by Telluride filmmakers Beth and George Gage in “Bidder 70.” Yes, he’s the guy that had the guts to interrupt an oil and gas land auction in Utah, a bold move that spared some of our country’s most pristine landscapes from ruin. Tim is currently serving a two-year sentence in prison for civil disobedience, an act that is eloquently portrayed in this moving film. We all have a lot to learn about climate change and taking a stand from Tim. Peaceful Uprising, the movement that has supported Tim’s charge is also featured in “Bidder 70,” so contact them to get involved. Keep your eyes out for this inspiring film that hopefully will soon be distributed nationwide.

Mountainfilm, one of my favorite Telluride festivals filled with films (mostly documentaries), symposiums, talks, art exhibitions and other random events, always makes you think. This is a must-see gathering that I encourage everyone to attend at least once. (Good news is that most people who come for their first time then decide to come every year thereafter. That’s what you call making an impact.)

So back to the films. I was in awe of “The Dust Bowl,” another fantastic Ken Burns documentary that made its world premiere at Mountainfilm last weekend. It’s coming to PBS in November. The interviews and footage that tell the story of this tragic man-made disaster will blow you away. (Sorry, I couldn’t help the pun.)

Tom Shadyac, another part-time Tellurider and film director of blockbuster hits such as “The Nutty Professor,” also happens to be a huge fan of Mountainfilm. This year he introduced us to “Life’s Operating Manual,” his inspiring and provocative first book, written as a series of essays and dialogues. To me this sounds like the perfect accompaniment to “I AM,” his moving documentary that encourages us to look at the world in a different manner.

Blue Obsession: One of Many Adventure Films

It wouldn’t be Mountainfilm without a good hit of adventure movies that take you to the far corners of the earth on skis, in a kayak, with a rod and reel in your hands, you name it. “The Freedom Chair,” the story of an extraordinary free-skier that doesn’t let a terrible accident keep him from following his passion, won my vote for the most inspiring adventure of them all.

Keep your eyes and ears open for these films and more, many of which are brought to you by mini Mountainfilm festivals across the country and on Outside Television.

And remember, never forget the importance of play.

Check out Welcoming Summer and Contemplating Climate Change, Brand New Me, Bag It and Green Travel, Ken Burns on America’s National Parks and Telluride and America the Beautiful to read more of my stories on Mountainfilm.

Thank you to Mountainfilm, Gage & Gage Productions and Melissa Plantz Photography for the use of the above images.

Me at Mountainfilm Last Weekend