Mountainfilm Names Cristina “Mitty” Mittermeier as Guest Director for Its 48th Annual Festival

Visionary conservationist, marine biologist and photographer Cristina “Mitty” Mittermeier will help shape Mountainfilm’s 48th annual festival in 2026.

Telluride, Colorado (December 1, 2025) – Mountainfilm proudly announces Cristina "Mitty" Mittermeier as guest director for its 48th annual festival, May 21-25, 2026.

Mittermeier is a Mexican-born fine art photographer, marine biologist and conservationist renowned for her evocative images that explore the intersection of nature, culture and human connection. A Sony Artisan of Imagery who aligns with Rolex’s Perpetual Planet Initiative, she is a two-time Emmy Award recipient for her photographic work on The Last Ice and Photographer, both on National Geographic/Disney+. Mittermeier is the founder of the International League of Conservation Photographers and co-founder of SeaLegacy. Her photographs have been exhibited at major art fairs and museums worldwide and are held in prominent private and institutional collections. She was named Artist of the Year by the Intersect Art and Design Fair in 2025.

With a lifelong commitment to making the world a better place for humanity, wildlife and the ecosystems we all share, Mittermeier is an inspired choice to lead Mountainfilm’s 48th edition, advancing the festival’s mission through the transformative power of film, art and ideas. As guest director, Mittermeier will bring her insight, creativity and energy to shape the 2026 festival’s programming and conversations.

“Being named guest director of the 2026 Mountainfilm Festival is one of the greatest honors of my career,” says Mittermeier. “Mountainfilm has always been a beacon for courageous storytelling and bold ideas, and to help shape its vision at this pivotal time is both humbling and deeply inspiring. As a photographer and conservationist, I believe in the power of stories to shift culture. This role gives me a chance to amplify voices from the frontlines of environmental and Indigenous resilience, where hope is not just an emotion but a powerful act of resistance.”

Mountainfilm has hosted Mittermeier previously and is excited to welcome her back to the San Juan mountains in May. Mountainfilm’s Festival Director Crystal Merrill says, “I’ve been a fan of Cristina’s work for years. She’s a remarkable force and not only an exceptional photographer, she's a tireless advocate, continually raising awareness about the urgent issues facing our planet. Our team is beyond excited to collaborate with her to bring her vision to life at the festival.”

Since 2018, the Guest Director Program has been a celebrated Mountainfilm tradition. Mittermeier will serve as the ninth guest director, joining the ranks of Sophia Bush, Wade Davis, Bill McKibben, Jeff Orlowski-Yang, Hilaree Nelson, Louie Psihoyos, Cheryl Strayed and Conrad Anker.  

For those joining us at Mountainfilm 2026, Mittermeier’s photography will be featured in an exhibition at Fringe Gallery. In addition, Mittermeier will be participating in presentations and panel discussions throughout the festival weekend. Festival passes go on sale in December. Stay tuned for more exciting program announcements to come.

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 mountainfilm.org. To join the conversation, please read Mountainfilm’s news and follow @mountainfilm on Instagram, Threads, Facebook and LinkedIn.