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Letter: Mountainfilm coming to Aspen

Mountainfilm coming to Aspen

Telluride Mountainfilm travels all over the world, but there is no place for us quite like Aspen and the stellar Wheeler Opera House. It was there that we first attempted a true multiday festival away from our home, and what we learned from this experience was that the magic that happens at the mother ship in Telluride over Memorial Day weekend can travel and thrive.

I remember that first show in 2009, as I was nervous if people were going to show up, but they did in droves. Aspen audiences were as hungry for high-quality films and compelling conversations as they were in Telluride. Of course, there were other worthy ways to see movies in Aspen, but I think what Mountainfilm has brought that resonates so much with audiences here is the nature of the programming. Of course, you all live in the mountains for a reason, so to watch adventure films (such as this year’s “Meru”) that take you to places unknown is enormously gratifying.



However, what I like about Mountainfilm and our programming here in Aspen is that it is much broader than just adventure documentaries. We have a strong slate of environmental films, as well, with a series of water shorts and then, on Aug. 30, “Unbranded,” which looks closely at what is happening to wild horses in America but is also the story of an epic journey made by four young men across America.

We have found that you also want to know about artists such as the quirky cartoonists of the New Yorker, whom you will meet in “Very Semi-Serious.” Or the musicians you will meet in “Austin to Boston” and “No Cameras Allowed,” not to mention the remarkably talented Ugandans from “Imba Means Sing.”




I also have found over the six years we have been doing this show that while Aspen may be a small town, it has a global perspective and wants to understand the world better, so I hope you all turn out for a film that I actually directed (I know, shameless plug) called “The Diplomat.” It’s about my father, Ambassador Richard Holbrooke, who ended the Bosnian War and died while working for President Barack Obama as he tried to bring peace to Afghanistan.

Please come to the Wheeler Opera House next weekend for one of these compelling films, or even get a pass for the whole festival. I am confident that whatever your interests, you will find something that not only will entertain you but maybe even will change your worldview.

David Holbrooke

Director, Mountainfilm