By Jim Stanford on November 19, 2009
Tonight Winter Wildlands Alliance presents the Backcountry Film Festival at Snow King, a fund-raiser for Friends of Pathways and the Jackson Hole Ski Club.
The festival aims for less bro-bra stoke and more art, as films were selected by Wildlands Alliance board members with an eye on conservation. The lineup celebrates human-powered recreation in the backcountry.
Besides a short from the soulful Sweetgrass Productions and the all-telemark “Flakes” from Powderwhore, also screening is the premiere of Teton Gravity Research’s “Generations,” a call to action on climate change. From TGR:
Presented by The North Face in partnership with the nonprofit group Protect Our Winters, “Generations” discusses climate change through the perspectives of those for whom snowy winters have a deeper personal significance. Going beyond charts and numbers, “Generations” humanizes the debate on climate change by exploring the delicateness of winter and the intrinsic value of snow to people across generations and cultures. …
The film poignantly captures cultural and personal reactions from those to whom mountains and snow represent an irreplaceable way of life.
While the possible consequences of climate change go well beyond recreation — say, 150 million people displaced, and not just in New York, New Orleans and Venice — props to TGR and the outdoor industry for trying to get the attention of adrenaline junkies.
Go big vs. global warming.
TGR has gone a step further. Realizing that zooming around in helicopters while shooting and skiing sick lines inflicts an environmental toll, the company is purchasing carbon offsets for its films, beginning with last winter’s “Under the Influence.”
Working with Protect Our Winters, TGR paid to offset 150 tons of CO2 generated during production. The funds will be redirected toward renewable energy projects through the Bonneville Environmental Foundation in Portland, Ore.
TGR says it is the first action sports production company to take this step. Let’s hope it turns out better than the Coldplay tour!
•
From FoP, the top 10 reasons to attend the Backcountry Film Fest:
- Admission is only $5!
- A chance to check out 17 different booths, including both organizations and land management groups.
- 100% of proceeds benefit the Teton Pass Ambassador and the Ski Cabin, great causes that truly make a difference.
- Tasty beverages from Snake River Brewery and Grand Teton Brewing Co., only $3 apiece (cheaper then actually going to the pub).
- Six amazing videos to get you thinking about the upcoming ski season.
- Fantastic raffle prizes that include two avalanche courses, Cloudveil gear, Skinny Skis gift certificates, a season pass at Snow King, tasty Tram Bars, knives, backpacks and much more!
- It’s a Thursday in November; not much else is going on.
- A chance to immerse yourself in Tom Turiano’s slides of Teton skiing pre-movie watching.
- The chance to hear from Jay Pistono, the Teton Pass ambassador.
- To support two great organizations, Friends of Pathways and Jackson Hole Ski Club.
Now in its fifth year, the fest travels from Alaska to Santa Barbara.
Posted under Entertainment, Environment, Media, Politics, Sports
