5POINT FILM FESTIVAL: Showcasing Outdoor Adventure and Beauty

As the snowy sheen of the 12,965-foot Mount Sopris bathed in the May sun above Carbondale, Colorado, eager outdoor-types soaked in the countless adventures awaiting them nearby. Skiers skinned up Sopris and other nearby peaks; kayakers took advantage of the record snowfall in the Roaring Fork Valley playing on waves and running rapids; mountain bikers left the skis in the car and rode tacky singletrack (in the case of a few ambitious die-hards, after they finished skiing in the morning); and climbers dusted off their shoes and forearm muscles and fooled around on old and new routes. For these reasons and about five others, Carbondale local Julie Kennedy conceived the idea of hosting the inaugural 5Point Film Festival in the agro-outdoor town.

A celebration and recognition of the physical and psychological benefits and elements of the outdoors, the 5Point Film Festival premiered this last weekend at the new Carbondale Rec Center. Kennedy, an avid climber and former publisher of Climbing magazine, titled the first annual event after five guiding principles in conjunction with the five-point climbing rating: respect, commitment, humility, purpose and balance.

To emphasize these principles, the event featured several films, including the first public screening of Chris Davenport’s Ski the 14ers, which has yet to be officially released due to filming legalities in wilderness-designated areas; Flying Downhill: Seven Years With Bode directed by Bill Rogers with a brief on-stage interview with Bode’s 2007-08 Team America coach, John McBride; The Collective’s new mountain biking epic titled Seasons; and the impressive kayaking skills of Brooks Baldwin and Rush Sturges in Young Guns Productions new release Source in addition to several other climbing and outdoor-related films.

The three-day event also included two panel discussions and one book signing. The first discussion, Inspiring Passion and Lifestyle With Your Children, featured parent-child tandems, such as Louie and Lou Dawson talking about skiing, Tommy and Mike Caldwell discussing climbing, and Kate and Mark Rutherford conversing about fly fishing. Patagonia founder Yvon Chouinard signed his new book Let My People Go Surfing alongside renowned surfer Gerry Lopez (Surf Is Where You Find It) and outdoor adventure writer Dick Dorworth with his book Night Driving. The other discussion, Living Passionately Through Adversity, showcased Erik Weihenmayer, the first blind person to climb Everest, legendary climber and arm amputee Aron Ralston, and snowboarder Chris Klug, an Olympic medalist and recipient of a liver transplant.

Davenport's film, directed by Ben Galland, follows Dav and crew across Colorado in 2006 chronicling a handful of the more memorable 14ers out of the 54. The 40-minute feature provides an in-depth look at all the requisite logistics and elements involved in such a massive mission. The viewer certainly gains an appreciation for Dav's intense motivation and his visceral passion for ski mountaineering.

As for Bode's film, Rogers followed the recent World Cup Overall champ the last seven years. Although much of the documentary seems to be filmed with a home-video camera, it produces a raw effect with candid, never seen before interviews with Bode and his friends and family that are now unattainable. If your preferences lie more on content and less on High-Def production, then Rogers' movie answers the call.

The Rec Center and small town of Carbondale remained full of outdoor enthusiasts and eminent outdoor athletes throughout the three days giving credence to Kennedy and the entire 5Point staff and event in only its first year. And possibly even more noteworthy, several kids were in attendance seated next to their parents and heroes undoubtedly affecting their outdoor pursuits and focus. Ultimately, the 5Point Festival educated and excited all generations and skill levels in attendance to get out and play and have fun in the woods while remaining cognizant of the five principles: respect, humility, commitment, balance and purpose. For more 5Point Film Festival information, check out 5pointfilm.org

Two out of the three 14er Club members: Ted Mahon and Lou Dawson