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WELCOME | SCHEDULE | GUESTS | FILMS | PROGRAMS | EVENTS | PASSES | PRESS | SPONSORS | CONTACT | MAP FEATURED FILMS THURSDAY OCTOBER 9
6:00 pm, THURSDAY the 9th, PLAZA THEATER When two British lads head into the Papua New Guinea hinterland to scale an unclimbed face they are confronted with mysterious challenges; not least of which is the prospect of encountering a tribe of cannibals. Filmed by the explorers in a delightfully laconic and unsophisticated style, it is a rare gem in the often slick modern world of adventure filmmaking. Winner Best of Mountainfilm in Kendal 2002. UK 52 mins. 2001 MOUNTAINS OF ICE 8:00 pm, THURSDAY the 9th, PLAZA THEATER Well known mountaineers Conrad Anker, Dave Hahn, and Jon Krakauer (author of Into Thin Air) attempt a new route in the Vinson Massif in Antarctica. Gorgeous footage and skillful filmmaking from veteran producer/director Liesl Clark add to the compelling story of a climber's dispute over the route. Who made the right decision and who made the summit? UK 57 mins. 2002. In person Liesl Clark, Conrad Anker, Dave Hahn. WINDS OF EVEREST 8:00 pm, THURSDAY the 9th, PLAZA THEATER In 1983 a strong American team attempted the North Face of Everest. Their ascent was plagued by galeforce winds. One by one the climbers succumbed to the ravages of the elements and high altitude. Finally only Phil Ershler remained in shape to attempt a summit bid. Fine cinematography from Steve Marts and clever compilation by award-winning producer Laszlo Pal make this a rarely seen gem of the Everest collection. USA 60 mins. 1984 FRIDAY OCTOBER 10
9:30 am, FRIDAY the 10th, PLAZA THEATER The high altitude sherpas are the royalty of the porter world, but who suffers at the other end of the spectrum? The boom in the trekking industry in the roadless tracts of Nepal means that huge loads of supplies for lodges and teahouses must be carried ahead of the tourists. This film exposes the hardships of those who stagger through the Himalaya to earn a pittance hauling loads that the hardest mountaineer would consider inconceivable. France 52 mins. 2000. Our thanks to Marjorie Lewis and Banff Mountain Film Festival for helping us acquire this film. SPIRIT OF SNOW 9:30 am, FRIDAY the 10th, PLAZA THEATER Amagnificently filmed story of the history and allure of backcountry skiing. For centuries nomads have used skis to travel for hunting; the method of travel was introduced to North America from Scandinavia in the 1800's. Told from the points of view of a famous racer, avalanche forecaster, military skier, and backcountry pioneer, the purity of the mountains and virgin snow are shown through incredible cinematography. Holding true to the ethic of backcountry skiing, no mechanized vehicles were used to assist the crew. Music by Dave Matthews, Widespread Panic, and the String Cheese Incident. USA 46 mins. 2003. In person: Dave O'Leske. MESSNER 11:30 am, FRIDAY the 10th, PLAZA THEATER The name epitomizes extreme mountaineering. His exploits on the world's great mountains have earned him a reputation as the undisputed master of his craft. But Messner has never shirked the issues and his climbs have often been dogged by controversy. This portrait of the climber and the man, directed by Outside TV Head of Production, Les Guthman, offers a keen perspective on the motives and demons that drive the world's greatest mountaineer. USA 47 mins. 2002. In person, Les Guthman. LOST TREASURES OF TIBET 11:30 am, FRIDAY the 10th, PLAZA THEATER In the 15th Century, Mustang, a kingdom between Tibet and Nepal, thrived. It was a Buddhist land untouched and ageless, with a rich artistic tradition. Over the centuries, nature and war have stripped the art away. Focusing on one elaborate monastery, this film shows the attempt of architect John Sanday to transform a dusty ruin into part of the beautiful kingdom it once was. USA 54 mins. 2003 THE OTHER FINAL 12:30 pm, FRIDAY the 10th, TAOS COMMUNITY AUDITORIUM On a summer Sunday in 2002 the world tuned in to watch Brazil play Germany for the World Cup, the most watched sporting event on the planet. At the exact time Bhutan and Montserrat, ranked respectively 201 and 202 in the 'football' world faced off in 'the other final'. This charming tale is told by a Dutch crew, who were so appalled by their countries failure to qualify, they turned their attention to this quirky match. A testament to why the world loves 'the beautiful game'. Holland/Bhutan 54 mins. 2003 PALE MALE 12:30 pm, FRIDAY the 10th, TAOS COMMUNITY AUDITORIUM Birdwatchers are fascinated by the royalty of the avian world: the raptors, the birds of prey. But where can one watch hawks in New York City? When a pair of red-tails is discovered nesting on an apartment building next to Central Park they attract a loyal following of watchers, whose devotion becomes fanatic as the chicks prepare to fledge. Frederic Lilien's film shows that even the sophisticated urbanites are intrigued by these symbols of the wild. USA 54 mins. 2002 BORDERLINE DROUGHT 1:30 pm, FRIDAY the 10th, PLAZA THEATER Taos local Yellowbird Zamora brings some spectacular whitewater footage from the desert rivers of the southwest to the chill waters of Canada. Many of the country's top paddlers demonstrate the new wave of free style kayaking. USA 20 mins. 2003. In person Yellowbird Zamora. GALAHAD OF EVEREST 3:45 pm, FRIDAY the 10th, PLAZA THEATER To remind us that the Quixotic gesture is not quite dead, English actor, Brian Blessed, tilts his 16 stone (226 pounds) at his personal windmill, Everest. Fascinated by the mystery of Mallory we follow Blessed through his 'rigorous' training schedule across the Tibetan steppe and finally on to the mountain. A fine portrait of a man hovering, self admittedly on the lunatic fringe; the adventure punctuated by his literate musings. UK 90 mins. 1991. In person: David Breashears. LIGHTHAWK 6:00 pm, FRIDAY the 10th, TAOS COMMUNITY AUDITORIUM For 25 years, the non-profit organization Lighthawk has championed environmental protection through the unique perspective of flight. These film cuts, shot earlier this year in Central America by Emmy award winning cinematographer Rick Rosenthal (Blue Planet), are a first look at a larger documentary project on Lighthawk's work in Central America. USA 10 mins. 2003. In person, pilot/producer David Smith. POROROCA 6:00 pm, FRIDAY the 10th, TAOS COMMUNITY AUDITORIUM A tidal bore is the surfer's ultimate dream. A fast and endless wave occurs as the result of a combination of lunar, tidal and river conditions. Ross Clarke-Jones and Carlos Burle, two of the world's leading surfers head a motley crew to the world's largest river to attempt to ride the huge Amazon bore. Apocalypse Now meets Endless Summer. Germany 26 mins. 2003 PILOT NOTES: The American South West 6:00 pm, FRIDAY the 10th, TAOS COMMUNITY AUDITORIUM Robert Fulton's stunning aerial photography has lifted the quality of many a Hollywood blockbuster. Daring and brilliant Fulton perfected the art of shooting from a plane. This is one of two films which serve as a tribute to the pilot whose dangerous profession finally took its toll last year. USA 28 mins. 2000 LAST HORIZON 6:00 pm, FRIDAY the 10th, TAOS COMMUNITY AUDITORIUM Seasoned photographer and alpinist Ace Kvale leads a team to an unclimbed peak in Tibet, Sepu. Their film reflects the trials and triumphs of a modern expedition to a remote mountain. USA 34 mins. 2002 BISCUIT 6:00 pm, FRIDAY the 10th, PLAZA THEATER "Put him on belay" seems to be the usual response from viewers watching Biscuit, the climbing canine, as he paws up a steep face. Not for the faint at heart or the ASPCA. USA 3 mins. 2003. In person: Peter Mortimer. EVEREST (IMAX) 6:00 pm, FRIDAY the 10th, PLAZA THEATER In 1996, as David Breashears and his team hauled the heavy IMAX camera up Everest, a cruel combination of events caused tragedy amongst other parties. Abandoning their project, the IMAX team helped to take survivors down the mountain. They resumed their task and produced a tour de force. The highest grossing IMAX film ever has brought the drama and beauty of a modern Everest expedition to the wide screen and millions of viewers. USA 55 mins. 1998. In person: David Breashears. BARAKA 8:00 pm, FRIDAY the 10th, TAOS COMMUNITY AUDITORIUM Often described as the spiritual Koyaanisqatsi, Baraka explores devotion throughout the globe. Ron Fricke, Godfrey Reggio's cinematographer, made his directorial debut on the film and justified the promise of his early work. A sumptuously photographed tribute to the beauty and sanctity of worship this film, that was produced by many New Mexican residents will be projected in anamorphic 35mm. USA 90 mins. 1992. In person: Alton Walpole. DISCOVERING MALLORY 8:00 pm, FRIDAY the 10th, PLAZA THEATER For the mountaineering historian the remarkable discovery of Mallory's body by Conrad Anker and his party, which included Dave Hahn, did not entirely close the chapter of the 1924 expedition. No camera was found and no conclusive proof of whether they summited or not. But the news riveted the climbing community. Through image and their personal recollection Dave Hahn and Conrad Anker will tell the story of the climb, the discovery and their view on whether Mallory and Irvine were the first to reach the top of Everest. USA 57 mins. 2000. In person: Conrad Anker, Dave Hahn. SATURDAY OCTOBER 11
9:30 am, SATURDAY the 11th, PLAZA THEATER In the northern fringes of the Sahara lies a canyon-riddled oasis that has been the haven for camel trains over the centuries. Superb footage, often using cameras rigged to kites, paints a gorgeous profile of the topography and wild life of this striking sanctuary set in one of the world's driest places. France 52 mins. 2000 LIQUID OFF THE THRONE OF SHIVA 9:30 am, SATURDAY the 11th, PLAZA THEATER Scott Lindgren's film Into the Tsangpo Gorge packed the house at last year's festival. This chronicle of the boat journey from the sacred mountain of Kailas in Western Tibet shows Lindgren's emerging talent. An homage to the mountain and the river its snows feed. USA 47 mins. 1999. In person, Les Guthman. INTO THE THUNDER DRAGON 11:45 am, SATURDAY the 11th, PLAZA THEATER The remote kingdom of Bhutan is the setting for this unicycle epic where Experts Kris Holm and Nathan Hoover criss-cross the country. Sean White directs a delightful blend of stunning scenery and amazing one-wheeled riding set amid a fascinating culture far removed from the 21st Century. USA 52 mins. 2002. In person, Les Guthman. LOST IN AMERICA 11:45 am, SATURDAY the 11th, PLAZA THEATER Delightful animation from Italian Andrea Salvà chronicles a climber's cryptic journey through the American ranges. Dedicated to American alpinist, Gary Hemming. Italy 10 mins. 2001 BIOGRAPHIE 11:45 am, SATURDAY the 11th, PLAZA THEATER Chris Sharma is acknowledged as a leading climber of his generation. Famous for pushing the limits of bouldering problems he turns his attention in this film to a cliff in Ceuse, Southern France. The connection of a 5.14c route topped by a bouldering move stymies him time and again but if he can send it the route may rank as the hardest in the world. USA 14 mins. 2002 SECOND STEP 1:30 pm, SATURDAY the 11th, PLAZA THEATER Federation Peak in Tasmania is a stern mountaineering challenge for any climber, but for Warren McDonald, a double amputee, it is a Himalayan giant. This beautiful and inspirational film by director and cinematographer Gary Caganoff has won numerous awards and shows that "Nothing is impossible when we dare to face our fears." Winner of 2002 Banff Mountainfilm Grand Prize, Kendal Mountainfilm (UK), Best Mountaineering Film, Jury Award at Vancouver International Mountainfilm Festival and Telluride Mountain film Human Spirit awards. Australia 25 mins. 2001. In person: Warren McDonald. A HIGHER CALLING 1:30 pm, SATURDAY the 11th, PLAZA THEATER A group of intrepid paragliders heads to the Himalaya to attempt a cross-country journey. The trials they have with their flights, capricious winds, rough landings, are more than offset by the charm and enthusiasm of the local reception. Adelightful story of a simple and unique adventure. USA 45 mins. 2000 FIRE ON THE MOUNTAIN 4:00 pm, SATURDAY the 11th, PLAZA THEATER The 10th Mountain Division was formed during the Second World War to produce an elite unit specifically trained and recruited to fight in the mountains. Their exploits in Italy have become the stuff of legend, as have their accomplishments after the war. Two veterans of the Italian campaign will answer questions after the screening. USA 72 mins. 1995. In Person: George and Beth Gage, Bob Parker & Phil Lundy. SMOKESTACK B.A.S.E. JUMP 6:00 pm, SATURDAY the 11th, PLAZA THEATER When a group of B.A.S.E. jumpers scales an abandoned smokestack to make a jump it's a toss-up which is the scariest part of the operation: climbing the rusty rungs of the tower or leaping from the lip. More wonderful foolishness from Peter Mortimer and his front range freaks. USA 7 mins 2003. In person: Peter Mortimer. PILOT NOTES: Patagonia 8:00 pm, SATURDAY the 11th, PLAZA THEATER Robert Fulton's stunning aerial photography has lifted the quality of many a Hollywood blockbuster. Daring and brilliant Fulton perfected the art of shooting from a plane. USA 28 mins. 2000 SUNDAY OCTOBER 12
10:00 am, SUNDAY the 12th, PLAZA THEATER Those characters from Teton Gravity Research deliver again with a stunning record of ski stunts. We used to be satisfied watching the antics of skiers on the snow now check out what the 'new wave' of skiers does when they leave the ground. USA 70 mins. 2003 A MAN CALLLED NOMAD 10:00 am, SUNDAY the 12th, PLAZA THEATER Director Alex Gabbay's account of the disappearing life of the nomad in the country of Manchu. "If the government wants to change nomads to farmers, where will you find nomads," says Choegatar, a young man with a large family whose traditional ways seem to clash with the changing times. A considered look at the way man has lived naturally with the land and what happens when a roving culture has to deal with borders, laws, and economical hardship. "Wherever they go, whatever they do, they'll always be nomads." Subtitled, Nepal 38 mins. 2002 THE NEXT GENERATION 10:00 am, SUNDAY the 12th, TAOS COMMUNITY AUDITORIUM A quick and thrilling ride into the daring world of extreme kayaking. Focusing on the junior paddlers with a solid look at the freestyle elements, this film brings you into the water with these enthusiasts as they pull helixes, space godzillas, air screws, and pan-ams. USA 27 mins. 2003 WEHYAKIN 10:00 am, SUNDAY the 12th, TAOS COMMUNITY AUDITORIUM The team at Teton Gravity Research, Trask McFarland and Arden Oksanen , brings us another episode of their stunning kayaking films. Shot in Norway, it features some of the world's leading kayakers risking life and limb on the roiling waters of the arctic streams. USA 51 mins. 2003 LA GRANDE CORDÉE 12:30 pm, SUNDAY the 12th, TAOS COMMUNITY AUDITORIUM Patrick Berhault, an accomplished French alpinist, came up with an unique concept: a coast-to-coast link, on foot, of all the alpine classic routes. With various companions and often solo, he completes the 'alpine journey' from Slovenia to Marseille and produces a very personal tribute to the spirit of adventure. France 50 mins. 2001 CINEMA VERTICAL 12:30 pm, SUNDAY the 12th, TAOS COMMUNITY AUDITORIUM The first motion picture camera was patented by Edison in 1891. Within twenty years, filmmakers brought skiing to the world. An historical and detailed look at the development of ski filmmaking from the premiere directors of Hannes Schneider, John Jay, Dick Durrance, and Warren Miller to the present styles. Beautifully edited with commentary by both professional skiers and directors, this film gives an introspective look at the power and fanaticism of the sport of skiing. USA 60 mins. 2003. In person: Dave O'Leske, Stash Wislocki. HERSEY 12:30 pm, SUNDAY the 12th - PLAZA THEATER Derek Hersey, a wild-haired Englishman, lived an unfettered life in Boulder where his free solos of extreme routes amazed the climbing community. Peter Mortimer's touching and dramatic film offers a keen retrospective into the life of a bold climber who went unroped once too often. USA 23 mins. 2003. In person: Peter Mortimer. ODWROT 12:30 pm, SUNDAY the 12th, PLAZA THEATER Disaster and retreat. After an accident in the mountain, a climber is forced to retreat alone. This exquisitely crafted film captures by far the best evocation of the experience of an epic solo retreat. Superb footage and subtle editing make this a classic of the mountainfilm genre. Poland 20 mins. Our thanks to Ellen Shelton and Telluride Mountainfilm for helping us acquire this film. B.A.S.E. MATTERHORN 12:30 pm, SUNDAY the 12th, PLAZA THEATER To B.A.S.E. jump from the most photogenic mountain in the world has become the obssession of Hannes Arch and Uli Gegenschatz, but the conditions must be perfect. They climb the mountain several times before everything is in sync and they can launch into the void. A philosophical look on bravado and respect within the art of the base-jump. Switzerland 23 mins. 2003 SURVIVING EVEREST 2:30 pm, SUNDAY the 12th, TAOS COMMUNITY AUDITORIUM "The successes of the fathers are visited on the sons." This might be an appropriate subtitle for this fascinating reflection on the climbing history of Everest. Tenzing Norgay, Ed Hillary and Barry Bishop all made it to the summit and are followed, a generation later by their boys. Intercutting archival footage with recent video Surviving Everest shows Liesl Clark's proven skill in this form and offers a tribute to the compulsion of Everest and the 'Tigers of the Snow'who, year in year out, risk their lives to make the ascents possible. USA 90 mins. 2003 THE CONQUEST OF EVEREST 3:00 pm, SUNDAY the 12th, PLAZA THEATER George Lowe's film reflects the enormity of the accomplishment of the 1953 expedition not only to the mountaineering community but also to the world at large. Although couched in terms that might offend our politically correct times, the furor that followed the film's release fuelled the enormous interest in mountaineering that persists today. A beautifully made piece to commemorate an epochal event. UK 76 mins. 1953. In person: David Breashears. MOUNTAIN MEN: THE MISFIT AND THE MATTERHORN 3:00 pm, SUNDAY the 12th, PLAZA THEATER English climber Stephen Venables, the first Brit to summit Everest without using supplemental oxygen, follows in the footsteps of Edward Whymper, who led seven men to the summit of the Matterhorn, the last unclimbed peak in the Alps. "But like a relentless enemy it took terrible vengeance," Whymper bemoaned when, on the descent four of the seven first ascensionists fell to their deaths. UK 55 mins. 2002. Our thanks to Marjorie Lewis and Banff Mountain Film Festival for helping us acquire this film. PROFESSIONAL CLIMBERS ASSOCIATION 6:00 pm, SUNDAY the 12th, PLAZA THEATER The PCA now meets regularly to test their skills on plastic holds. This superbly edited piece offers a quirky view into the world of the modern dedicated climber. Featuring Lisa Rands, Malcolm Smith Timmy Fairfield and Chris Sharma. USA 13 mins. 2003. In person: Timmy Fairfield. FARTHER THAN THE EYE CAN SEE 6:00 pm, SUNDAY the 12th, PLAZA THEATER Eric Weinemayer's blindness has never blunted his ambition. He leads hard rock climbs and ventures onto alpine routes. However, when he announced his plans to climb Everest the support of even his staunchest admirers wavered. Michael Brown's stunning hi-def photography is the perfect vehicle for this brilliant and inspiring story of perseverance against daunting odds. USA 76 mins. 2003. In person: Les Guthman, Michael Brown. STEP INTO LIQUID 8:00 pm, SUNDAY the 12th, TAOS COMMUNITY AUDITORIUM The third in the legendary surfing series that started off with Endless Summer, Step into Liquid focuses on the spiritual and cultural aspects of surfing. Gorgeous cinematography and the mad cap exploits of the world's top surfers highlight a stunning documentary. Catch the wave. Projected in 35mm. USA 87 mins. 2003 |
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 WELCOME | SCHEDULE | GUESTS | FILMS | PROGRAMS | EVENTS | PASSES | PRESS | SPONSORS | CONTACT | LINKS TAOS MOUNTAIN FILM FESTIVAL | 121 North Plaza | Taos, NM 87571 | Phone 505-751-3658 | Email info@mountainfilm.net |
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