Mountainfilm Mania

Festival season has arrived here in Telluride and it kicks off today with Mountainfilm. “It’s a weird mix of film fest, think tank and jamboree,” says Mountainfilm Director, David Holbrooke.  “It’s both low key and intense, loose, yet focused,” he continues.  Indeed Mountainfilm is where some of the best minds in the country come to share their ideas through art, film, presentations and books.  David discussed the essence of this Memorial Day weekend tradition in Telluride and its 2009 lineup during a recent Travel Fun interview.  This year’s theme is food, so, of course, there will be a lot to whet your appetite—for your body, mind and soul.

For me, one of the main attractions this year includes the premiere of “The National Parks:  America’s Best Idea,” by master documentarian Ken Burns.  “I think he’s taught more people about the history of America than anyone else,” David says about Ken Burns referring to his documentaries on the Civil War, World War II, jazz, baseball and more.  You can tune in to PBS this fall  to view this six-part series about the history of our national parks.

“The people that come to Mountainfilm are leaders of a paradigm we need to head to whether culturally or environmentally,” David emphasizes.  Such people include renowned chef Ming Tsai, mountain adventurer Conrad Anker, animal activist Paul Watson and reporter Nicholas Kristof, to name a few.  David’s dad, Ambassador Richard Holbrooke, will participate via a tele conference since world affairs prevent him from being at the festival in person.

Be sure to visit the MF Store to purchase DVDs highlights from the festival and definitely take in some of the events if you’re in Telluride this weekend.

Book Picks

“Deep Economy,” by Bill McKibben

“Edge of Never,” by Bill Kerig

Both authors and many others will be present at this year’s Mountainfilm.