About the Festival

The Flagstaff Mountain Film Festival highlights a collection of the most inspiring and thought-provoking social, environmental, and adventure-related outdoor films from around the world.  The 2010 festival will take place October 7th-10th.

In 2009, we had four days of programming including guest speakers, an ‘extreme’ late-night program featuring high energy sport films, a local fillmmaker/themed session, numerous student film submissions and a hugely successful student program.

This year we introduced two wonderful new programs made possible by a grant from the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA).

One of those programs was a three day filmmaking seminar on the Hopi Reservation.  The first day was a general presentation on the art of filmmaking, along with a presentation of a “Best of FMFF Films.”  Six students were chosen to participate in the hands on filmmaking component of the seminar, based on an essay contest with over 50 entries.  The students completed training in story structure as well as camera skills and are currently in production on a short documentary about the springs in the village of Hotevilla on the Hopi Reservation and what they mean to community.

The program was extremely successful and we hope to  provide this type of support again this coming year.

In a similar light, 2009 began our new Student Filmmakers program.  This program allowed students to learn about the process of filmmaking. Through a series of tutorials and access to film equipment and filmmaker mentors, the students created films, one of which will be showcased at our 2010 festival.  For more information on this program, please check our Student Filmmaker Program tab.

As a volunteer-run effort, any profits from the event are reinvested into future festivals or donated to a local advocacy group. In 2009, we donated to F.I.R.E- Flagstaff International Relief Effort, a non-profit organization that provides warm clothing, medical suppplies, and training to the poorest of the poor in Mongolia.

Situated just one hour south of the Grand Canyon, Flagstaff’s high altitude desert setting makes a spectacular base for outdoor and film enthusiasts to get together and enjoy this unique environment along with high quality film entertainment.

Our seventh annual event was an overwhelming success with 2,500 film-goers despite unseasonably warm spring-like weather drawing people to the beautiful outdoors. Thanks to all those who attended and supported the  festival.