Mountainfilm = Community*

I went to my first Mountainfilm in 2009. It was during a time where I was uncertain where to go with filmmaking. I had just sold most of my belongings and was preparing to set out on the road to film my first documentary – 23 Feet. It was at a time where I was overwhelmed and discouraged, wondering if I could even make a film. I needed support, a community, and Mountainfilm gave me that — and so much more.

I hitched a ride from Santa Fe, New Mexico, slept on a friend’s floor and out of sheer luck by being in the right place at the right time, I was given a pass by a kind Mountainfilm staff member. I was elated, and I spent the entire festival not missing a beat. I listened and absorbed every moment I could.

I was so inspired by the films I saw and even more so by the discussions afterward. Being able to meet filmmakers who are still my mentors today was a life-changing experience. They helped me believe in myself and encouraged me to push forward with filmmaking.

After that festival, I knew exactly where I wanted to be every Memorial Day weekend to come. I made it my goal to some day screen a film in the festival. I thought maybe 10 years down the line that I could be a part of it. I had no idea that it would be the following year.

The week I spend in Telluride for Mountainfilm is the wind in my sails for the rest of the year. Living on the road, I am constantly moving and trying to keep connected to a borderless community through the virtual world of social media. But nothing compares to being face-to-face with the community that inspires me to live this life. The conversations at Mountainfilm inspire new projects, create wonderful collaborations and fuel the drive that it takes to make these films a reality. It’s such a gift, one I look forward to every spring, and I’m thankful for it.

Looking back, I think who I am and what I am striving to create would be entirely different if I hadn’t gone to Mountainfilm. That sounds cheesy – but it’s the truth.

Happy 35th Mountainfilm! Thank you for the inspiration and community you bring into my life.

—Alexandria Bombach

*This year will mark Mountainfilm's 35th festival, and we feel fortunate to still be going strong. We owe our longevity to many people: volunteers, staff, audiences and, of course, many filmmakers, artists and guests. Some people who have taken the stage have helped shape Mountainfilm in Telluride. To celebrate their longtime involvement, we asked a few of these creative types to write something about their relationship with Mountainfilm. This blog by filmmaker Alexandria Bombach (23 Feet 2010 and the “MoveShake” series 2012-2013) and is the fifth in a series of guest Mountainfilm in Telluride blogs.