For months, all movie lovers could focus on was which movies and stars would win Oscars. The statue was awarded, we rewatched our favorite performances (hurray for the joy of “I'm Just Ken”), and we got the chance to see multiple gorgeous and interesting wardrobe choices for the red carpet and awards show. I did. Party people, turn to some fun movies.
For movie lovers, it's a time when they can relax with some light entertainment instead of trying to watch every Oscar nominee. You can rewatch “Dune 2” at the Nugget Theater or head out of town to see the fun “Kung Fu Panda 4.” Oh, who am I kidding? It's time to buy your spring and fall film festival passes and start planning your trip.
Mountain Film is gearing up for a special Memorial Day weekend extravaganza from March 23rd to 27th. Passes are on sale now at Mountainfilm.com. The film festival recognizes the best outdoor adventure and environmental documentaries with a focus on social change. Opening night movies have been announced. It seems like a heartwarming and moving story.
Mountainfilm presents the world premiere of Between the Mountains and the Sky. This documentary features Maggie Doyne, a young woman from New Jersey. Like her other high school graduates, she took a gap year and traveled. Unlike her other youth, she traveled to India and found her calling.
Maggie Doyne was named the 2015 CNN Hero of the Year. She is a dedicated CEO, humanitarian, and guardian of over 50 Nepali children. Doyin began volunteering at the orphanage facility for two years with the executive director, Tope Mara, who is a Nepali orphan.
Doyin traveled through war-torn Nepal to Tope's rural village, where he met six-year-old Hima, who was barely surviving on a meager income from breaking stones and selling them as gravel. Doyin was moved by Hima's plight and paid for her education. Doyin and Tope put their money together with a purpose, using the $5,000 they saved from Maggie's babysitting fees to build an orphanage, a women's empowerment program, and a school in Nepal.
The film is sure to be a crowd pleaser and the programming is always great. If you don't want to buy a pass, there are always volunteer opportunities where you can watch a few movies for free after a few fun shifts with other great people.
The Telluride Film Festival is held over Labor Day weekend to conclude the summer. Passes are sold out, but there are still opportunities to volunteer at the festival. Unlike Mountainfilm, there are no announcements regarding the film program. It is announced only the day before the festival.
I'm also looking forward to Season 2 of “The Mares of Easttown,” which is scheduled to be filmed this summer. The HBO crime drama won four Emmy Awards last year, including one for star Kate Winslet and supporting actors Julianne Nicholson and Evan Peters. The new limited series is tentatively titled “Tusk” and may be related to the first show. This time, a new cast has been added, with Oscar-nominated Mark Ruffalo taking on the lead role.
The new Ghostbusters movie will be released next week.
“Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire” connects the young kids from the previous film with the remaining Ghostbusters from the original film. I always want to spend time with Bill Murray and Paul Rudd. We can start looking for the next Oscar-winning movie at a film festival or enjoy some light entertainment at a local cineplex.