mountainfilm in telluride

Our mission as a festival is not simply to entertain, but to educate and inspire. We are happy to report that Mountainfilm, both directly and indirectly, changes the lives of audience members, special guests, featured artists, and many of the people whose challenges and triumphs are depicted in its films. We call it The Domino Effect of Mountainfilm.

It seems like every year we hear about at least one very tangible domino effect story springing directly from the events that took place during the festival. A group of explorers are inspired to “explore the most remote region ever experienced.” A local homeowner is empowered by energy discussions so much that he challenges the incredibly strict Telluride planning and zoning committee to allow solar panels, and wins. An appeal for funds for a Cambodian Landmine Museum is answered with a check to cover the entire project.

From the film Aki Ra. After the film screened at Mountainfilm 2005, an audience member stood up and donated $85,000 on the spot toward the creation of a Landmine Museum in Cambodia, which is now up and running.

And these are only the known stories. Who knows what adventures and actions have been inspired by former guests such as Sir Edmund Hillary, Norman Vaughan, Julia Butterfly Hill, Dr. Robert Thurman, Captain Paul Watson, Yvon Chouinard, Lynn Hill, Richard Holbrooke & more?

Click on the Domino Effect category from to the right for detailed domino effect stories—stoies of positive change effected in the world and inspired by Mountainfilm in Telluride.