Mountainfilm on Tour in Hakuba

Held every Memorial Day weekend in Telluride, Colorado, Mountainfilm is a documentary film festival that showcases nonfiction stories about environmental, cultural, climbing, political and social justice issues that matter. Along with exceptional documentaries, the festival goes beyond the film medium by bringing together world-class athletes, change makers and visionary artists for a multi-dimensional celebration of indomitable spirit. 

Started in 1979, Mountainfilm is one of America’s longest-running film festivals. Through the years, in and out of trends and fads, the festival has always been best described by one unchanging word: inspiring. Far more than any other adjective, that’s how festival audiences describe their experience.

In September, Goryu Ski Resort and the Hakuba Taproom partnered to bring Mountainfilm on Tour to Japan for the first time. Goryu designed a beautiful open-air theater, utilizing their bunny hill to create a gently sloped seating area on perfect grass. The screen and sound were ideal for the viewing area and the food and beverage vendors were under a charming 30-ft. tent illuminated by candlelight. Local photographers displayed stunning art as you entered the venue. The local guides ran mountain bike clinics at the edge of the venue. Before the flims began, a local artist painted a live painting of a Japanese mountain goat leaping from a cliff and aptly named the painting “Adrenaline”! Over 300 people came to watch the show. 

All in all, the event captured what we desperately need more of in life: stunning natural environments, inspiring films, good people, great food and beer, and local culture! We look forward to seeing more people and more amazing films in Hakuba next year!