Staff

Sage Martin has dedicated her professional career to working for outstanding nonprofits, including Sierra Club, Save the Redwoods, The Trust for Public Land and Telluride Mountain School. She has worked for environmental and education organizations as a nonprofit fundraiser for over twenty-five years and has a bachelor’s degree from University of Colorado, Boulder and a master’s degree in nonprofit administration from the University of San Francisco. In 2004, she moved from San Francisco to Telluride with her family. Sage's board service includes the Northern California Planned Giving Council, The Trust for Public Land Colorado Advisory Council, The Telluride Foundation, and The Telluride Lizard Head Hockey board.

Crystal has nearly two decades of experience in festival production, having worked with festivals in Los Angeles, Palm Springs, and Telluride. Since 2013, she has been with Mountainfilm, taking on various roles in operations, production, and programming. Crystal has a deep appreciation for documentary film and the creative arts. She has collaborated on several film and photography projects and holds a degree in digital illustration and photography and still prefers shooting on 120 film. Crystal loves being outdoors, sleeping under the stars, and spending time skiing, surfing, and river running. She is an active member of the mountain biking community on the Western Slope, contributing to local trail advocacy, and is dedicated to getting more women involved in trail stewardship.

Hope is thrilled to bring Mountainfilm’s programming to audiences near and far. A Maine native, she then graduated from Bates College with a B.A. in English and Biology. Hope moved to Telluride in 2019 to work as an AmeriCorps VISTA in public health across the Western Slope. During her first month in town, she volunteered for Mountainfilm and was inspired by the festival's spirit. She has continued to grow working in the nonprofit sector and recreating in formidable the San Juans. 

Stash Wislocki has been working in film and television for two decades. His filmmaking credits include HBO, PBS, Independent Lens, The New York Times, ESPN, ITVS, Spotify, Little Monster Films, National Geographic, Patagonia and Apple. He is a fellow at the Tribeca Film Institute, sits on the Woods Hole Research Center Presidents Counsel and is a visiting artist for Film Aid International. His recent works include cover stories for the New York Times on climate change in the Southern Ocean of Antarctica and permafrost in the Alaskan Arctic, the documentary No Man’s Land, which aired on PBS-Independent Lens and the short film Singlehanded (Mountainfilm 2020), which screened at film festivals around the world.

Robin Robinson is dedicated to independent film, specializing in documentaries and amplifying emerging voices. Currently the Senior Programmer at Mountainfilm, she has experience curating diverse genres at wide-ranging festivals, including True/False, Nashville Film Festival, and the Hot Springs Documentary Film Festival. When she isn’t screening films, she’s helping shape the next generation of filmmakers, teaching screenwriting and film at Indiana University.

Storyteller, adventurer and problem solver, Shae LaPlace is dedicated to creating a life and career that is truly unconventional. Born and raised in Pittsburgh, PA, she moved to Colorado to pursue her degree from the University of Colorado and to bask in the sweet nectar of the Rocky Mountains. It was her affinity for all things rustic and authentic connections that drew her to Telluride. Her love of this magical box canyon, and intrinsic need for purpose led her to Mountainfilm. She is passionate about our mission and finding creative ways to share Mountainfilm with the world.

Bella Hines grew up in Ridgway, Colorado where she spent a majority of her time embracing the small mountain town lifestyle. Along with her passion for skiing, rafting, and mountain biking she also developed an affinity for film in high school. Bella went on to study Journalism and Media Communications with a minor in film production at Colorado State University. After graduating, Bella worked for Mountainfilm as a Theater Manager and immediately felt drawn to the organization and its purpose. She firmly believes that the mountains are for everyone, and is excited to further Mountainfilm’s mission as the Tour Manager.

Activist and explorer, Laura's love for all things mountains brought her to Telluride and the Mountainfilm community. Laura grew up in the mountains of Colorado competing in skiing and mountain biking. She graduated from the University of Colorado Boulder with a bachelor’s degree in Anthropology and pursued a career supporting missions she cares deeply about through the nonprofit sector. When Laura’s not in Telluride, she can be found traveling the world, often with her skis and bike in tow.

Lauren Howie, originally from Denver, has harbored a deep appreciation for the breathtaking mountain landscapes of Colorado throughout her life. After earning her bachelor's degree from Colorado State University, she made the move to Telluride, where her love for the mountains, the vibrant community and the enriching experience of Mountainfilm has only grown stronger. Lauren initially became involved with Mountainfilm through various seasonal roles supporting the programming team and she's now excited to explore other facets of the organization. During moments of free time, Lauren enjoys basking in the sunshine and embarking on adventures in new places.

Originally from Russia, Victoria, "Vika", has been part of the Telluride community for over five years. She has volunteered for the Telluride AIDS Benefit for the last three years and is staying connected with the community through participating in various local events and activities. After volunteering for Mountainfilm in 2024, she joined the team as Operations Manager. With a background in Guest Services and a passion for documentaries and film, Victoria is dedicated to ensuring the festival runs smoothly, celebrating impactful storytelling from filmmakers around the world.

Luke split his childhood between San Diego, California and Telluride, Colorado establishing his love for the outdoors and adventure sports. He spent much of his time kayaking and ocean swimming in SoCal, and climbing and backpacking in the Colorado high desert. Luke found a way to inject this love of the outdoors into his documentary and music video production work at the Savannah College of Art and Design, where he earned a BFA in Film and Television. He then went on to work as a documentary film producer for directors such as James Sadwith and Kevin McCarey. During this time, he also focused on his own directing craft. Luke eventually found his way to Berlin, Germany where he received his master's degree in Documentary Directing through Metfilm School Berlin. After his many travels and experiences, Luke found that nowhere is as nice as home. Luke is thrilled to return to Telluride and join the Mountainfilm family as Festival Producer.