This weekend the Telluride MountainFilm Tour will blow into town for a two-night run at the Tower Theatre. Each night of the festival will feature a different lineup of films, all meant to promote and inspire sustainability.

Lauren Williams, membership and communications manager of The Environmental Center, has been organizing the festival’s 13th year in Bend. The Telluride MountainFilm Festival takes place in Telluride, Colorado, in May every year, and then travels year-round and worldwide, usually assisting nonprofits with fundraising events. The films shown are a hand-picked selection from the current year or prior year’s favorite films.

When it came to selecting films that locals would appreciate, Williams wanted works that would inspire. “A lot of films that we chose speak to protecting the places that we love,” said Williams. “(They) make you want to go play outside and protect the outdoors.”

Local ties

Some have a local connection, like “Vasu Sojitra: Out on a Limb” which was edited by Tyler Wilkinson-Ray, of T-Bar Films, while was he was living in Bend.

Another short, “Denali,” is about a man, Ben Moon, and his dog and includes some beautiful scenes shot at Smith Rock. “The guy (Moon) featured in it lives in Portland now, but when he was diagnosed with cancer, he was living here (in Bend) at the time,” said Williams. The film is narrated from the perspective of Denali, the dog.

“The Coast,” also being shown on Saturday night, was shot on the Oregon Coast. The film addresses the struggles that we all go through in life, and how we have certain places where we feel at peace. For Hayden Peters, the man featured in the film, “that was the Oregon coast,” Williams said. “I’m sure a lot of people in Central Oregon can relate to that part of the state.”

Raising funds

The proceeds of the tour will benefit the Environmental Center and assist them in promoting sustainability in Central Oregon. “I think there’s a really good connect between stories in the films and the programs and our mission,” said Williams. “It has great entertainment value, but it opens minds to these conversations.”

The Environmental Center is currently in its second and last year of the Georgetown University Energy Prize, known locally as the Bend Energy Challenge. Programs are offered locally with incentives for people to reduce energy use. Bend is competing with 49 other communities nation-wide to see who can reduce energy use the most. Funds from the film festival will also go toward the local nonprofits’ other programs including gardening, water education in schools and more.

Head to the Tower Theatre to be energized and awed. “They’re super inspiring (films) telling unique stories. I can’t wait for everyone to see them,” said Williams. “I can’t wait to watch them myself.”

— Reporter: 541-383-0351; swilkins@bendbulletin.com