Announcing the 2026 Feature Film Premieres and a Preview of What’s Ahead

Film Still: Captured

Telluride, Colorado (April 23, 2026) – From electrifying adventures and soaring high-peak ascents to gripping investigative stories and urgent environmental issues, audiences attending Mountainfilm’s 48th annual festival will be the first audiences in the world to watch a standout selection of documentary films making their world premiere this Memorial Day Weekend, May 21–25.

Mountainfilm, while known for its intimacy and powerful programming set in the majestic box canyon of Telluride, Colorado, is also recognized as a world-class Academy Award® Qualifying Festival (Documentary Short Film category). It offers a wide breadth of films featuring extraordinary stories that span genres, giving audiences a potent dose of inspiration.

"This year's lineup of premieres is phenomenal,” said Crystal Merrill, Mountainfilm's festival director. “With such wide-ranging topics and films chock full of indomitable spirit, there is something for everyone. The only disappointment would be missing out on this outstanding weekend.”

In homage to Mountainfilm's roots as a festival dedicated to climbing and mountaineering films when it first began in 1979, this year's lineup will include the premiere of three features that capture the spirit of its early years. Frost: The Story of a Lifetime, directed by Tom Seawell and a recipient of Mountainfilm's Commitment Grant program, transports viewers to the golden age of Yosemite big wall climbing and the life of legendary climber Tom Frost, who spearheaded the clean climbing movement. The Lost Cache, directed by Todd Jones and Steve Jones, ventures alongside a team of skiers and scientists on a mission to recover a cache of photography gear abandoned on the Walsh Glacier in 1937 by mountaineer and photographer Bradford Washburn. In Strength to Weight, directed by Jon Glassberg, elite climber Ethan Pringle is pushed to explore new depths of love and loss when his father suffers a stroke and Pringle must pivot from climbing to caregiving.
 

Mountainfilm will also premiere three profound documentaries set at the crossroads of humans, nature and community. burn, scar, directed by Hillary Bachelder, exposes the aftermath of a devastating wildfire in the West, weaving together the complex process of locals rebuilding and the U.S. Forest Service's efforts to resume stewardship after tragedy. Captured, directed by Katie Schuler and Nick Rogacki, highlights the unlikely alliance between two women as they expose the hidden industry behind staged wildlife photography, and the animals it impacts. Papertown, directed by Jeremy Seifert and Benjamin James Roberts, is also a recipient of Mountainfilm's Commitment Grant, and a raw look at a town blindsided by the closure of its paper mill, the largest employer in the region. 

In traditional Mountainfilm style, Q&As with filmmakers and film participants will follow screenings. In addition, audiences can look forward to a remarkable selection of more than 20 short films having their debut at Mountainfilm. 

In the adventure and climbing category: Bravo Les Filles (Well Done Ladies), directed by Chelsea Jackson, follows two world-class women climbers as they attempt a climb in Madagascar following in the footsteps of their idols. Good Luck, Kid, directed by Mountainfilm alumni filmmaker Renan Ozturk, goes on a journey with Taylor Shaffer, an emerging photographer and filmmaker, who joins Alex Honnold and Tommy Caldwell on a 2,500-mile Alaskan expedition to traverse the Devils Thumb in a single day. Rock Faced It All, directed by Clare Bennett and Isabela Zawistowska, shares the story of Teresa Bennett who, after being diagnosed with Parkinson's at age 64, takes up rock climbing, redefining her life with the disease. Gladice, directed by David Garrett Byars, a sentient glacier fittingly named “Gladice” develops a parasocial relationship with an arctic wildlife photographer as she grapples with the suspicion that she might be dying.

In honor and demonstration of true indomitable spirit: Run In Beauty, directed by Devin Whetstone, follows Alexandria Staten, a Diné woman raised disconnected from her culture, who turns to running to reconnect with her roots, transforming each step into an act of identity, remembrance and belonging. InVINCEble, directed by longtime Telluride residents Beth Gage and George Gage, features Vince Iwuchukwu, a 7'1" Nigerian American USC basketball player dreaming of an NBA career who, after a life-altering event, is forced to change course and forge a new path. Rainbow Rider, directed by Georgia Krause, highlights Shelle Lichti, an outspoken lesbian truck driver hauling freight across the country in her iconic rainbow semi-truck. American River, directed by Dara Horenblas, journeys down a river with three formerly incarcerated men as they search for freedom, peace and themselves. 

"We are so proud and grateful to have the opportunity to debut these incredible films this year at Mountainfilm,” said Lauren Howie, Mountainfilm's program manager. “Each one is a powerful, intimate story from filmmakers who poured everything into their work, and we truly cannot wait for our community to experience them." 

More world premiere feature films will be announced along with the full lineup in early May. Passes for the 2026 Mountainfilm Festival are on sale now. More information on this year’s festival can be found at mountainfilm.org.
 

About Mountainfilm: Established in 1979, Mountainfilm is one of North America’s longest-running documentary film festivals, held annually over Memorial Day weekend in Telluride, Colorado. Mountainfilm is dedicated to using the power of film, art and ideas to inspire audiences to create a better world. The festival offers an immersive experience featuring a wide range of filmmakers, speakers, adventurers and activists in addition to screening cutting-edge, award-winning documentary films from around the world. Mountainfilm is an Academy Award® Qualifying Festival in the Documentary Short Film category. Mountainfilm on Tour also reaches audiences year-round through its global film program, and through Mountainfilm for Students, an educational outreach initiative for youth. Simply put, Mountainfilm has the power to change lives. To learn more, visit www.mountainfilm.org. To join the conversation, please read Mountainfilm’s news and follow @mountainfilm on Instagram, Threads, Facebook and LinkedIn.