Happy Holidays from Mountainfilm

FREE films at the Opera HouseDecember 23, 2008With tight budgets and endangered paychecks on the minds of so many going into the holidays, Mountainfilm hopes to provide a short escape from the worries of the world with a free family-friendly show on December 26. The program will comprise a selection of fun and funny short films culled from Mountainfilm festivals past, present and future. There will also be a free raffle for prizes from Mountainfilm sponsors and an all-access Wilson Pass for the 2009 festival in May.

From White Out by Jeff Scher, one of the films thatwill screen at the Opera House December 26thFor the past two years, Mountainfilm has hosted a fundraiser on the day after Christmas at the Historical Sheridan Opera House. This year, in order not to conflict with a fundraiser being held by The Michael D. Palm Theater, and to ease the considerable load shouldered by Telluride’s generous non-profit supporters, the event has been converted to an earlier, more family-oriented show with an emphasis on raising spirits rather than money.“That’s not to say we won’t happily accept donations,” said Mountainfilm Executive Director Peter Kenworthy. “While there will be a box to collect contributions, the emphasis is not at all on revenue. We want local and visiting families to just have a relaxed happy time together, enjoy some great short films and, for a lucky few, win some cool swag or a free festival pass.”Mountainfilm Festival Director David Holbrooke said he is especially excited about programming a family-centric show. “As a father, myself, I’m always on the lookout for fun ways to spend time with my children. Sometimes, in Telluride, that’s challenging as so much local entertainment is oriented toward adults. On the 26th we’ll be able to show the side of Mountainfilm that is all about playful quirkiness, lightheartedness and artistic creativity.”The holiday show will begin at 5:30 P.M. on the 26th, with doors opening at 5:00. There will be refreshments available. The program will last no longer than an hour and a half, allowing lots of time to make it to the Palm fundraiser at 8:00.