Metronomic
When you sprinkle a handful of artists, singers and dancers into the high-flying world of French aerialists, the formula could easily go awry. Saxophones mixed with climbing ropes? But in the hands of Baraka Films, the result is this inventive short, which manages to be clever, self-deprecating and hilarious all at once. Slackliners, cliff dancers, BASE jumpers, giant rope swings into the abyss and one unforgettable flying band. You’ll never look at a drum kit the same way.
Das Fischer
Stylish flannel shirt? Check. Bottle of fine whiskey? Got it. Expensive flyrod? Purchased. Canvas tent complete with typewriter, fireplace, tiki torches and record player? Wait — this is getting ridiculous. Das Fischer is a short film by Ben Herndon that takes a wry look at the idealization of American masculinity and outdoor pursuits. It’ll make you think twice the next time you wear that flannel.
2017 Presentation: Mitch Mishky
Pinball wizard, bus driver and emcee extraordinaire, Mitch Mishky has been involved in odd jobs and weird adventures as long as he can remember. He is Telluride’s trivia host, stargazing guide and voice of The Ride Festival. He is lead singer and guitarist for the band Spacegunner, and he has appeared onstage in memorable performances, such as Dr. Frank N. Furter in Telluride Theatre’s performance of “Rocky Horror Picture Show.” In 2016, he left Telluride for a traveling gig with Weber, teaching people how to grill, and ended up on a whirlwind adventure.
The High Five
On October 2, 1977, Dusty Baker hit his 30th home run of the season for the Los Angeles Dodgers. As Baker rounded the bases, an excited rookie named Glenn Burke met him at home plate, raised his arm in the air and slapped Baker's hand. It was the first high five recorded in the history of sports. A year later, Burke was forced out of baseball amid rumours of his sexual orientation. This fast-moving short by Mike Jacobs uses the conception of the high five as a foundation to explore the larger issue of what it means — then and now — to be gay in professional sports.