5Point Film

The 5Point Adventure Film Festival is one of the multifaceted jewels in the adventure film festival crown, which includes Mountainfilm in Telluride, the Wild & Scenic Film Festival in California and the Banff Mountain Film Festival in Alberta, Canada.

Luis Yllanes, who took over as executive director of Carbondale-based 5Point Film last December, happily announced 5Point is returning with their in-person, pre-pandemic format from April 21 through 24 at the Carbondale Recreation Center.

Charlie Turnbull, 5Point Film’s programming director, said the one-venue screenings offer viewers a unique festival experience. He said, “There’s like seven-hundred people watching one film, and then they all go to a bar afterward and talk about it, so it feels very communityfocused and special. I’ve been to like 20 or 30 film festivals, and I haven’t seen anything close to 5Point.”

Turnbull, an Australian native, who now makes Austin, Texas home, may be known to some past festival goers for his film, “The Bikes of Wrath,” which premiered at the 2019 5Point Festival.

“I’ve shown films at many festivals and 5Point has always had a special blend of welcoming spirit. We came from Australia to show our film, and I felt like the whole town welcomed us. I think that’s really special,” Turnbull recalled of his 2019 experience at 5Point.

Final selection criteria, Turnbull explained, “is simple — it has to be compelling storytelling.”

“Learning to Drown” by filmmakers Ben Knight and Travis Rummel, of Felt Soul Media, follows professional snowboarder Jess Kimura after the death of her partner. “It’s about how far she pushes the sport but also a personal story of loss, grief and rebuilding her life,” Turnbull explained.

While coping with loss, Kimura’s situation is further exacerbated by head injuries and depression. The physical and emotional pain lead her to a journey of self-discovery where she decides to give back to girls and women in snowboarding, making an all-girls snowboard film titled, “The Uninvited,” because as Kimura said, “We [the girls] are never invited.”

“Kachalka” is by Irish filmmaker and director Gar O’Rourke, whose brother was living in the Ukraine capital of Kyiv a few years ago and sent him a video of an enormous open-air gym widely considered “the world’s most hardcore gym.” Opened in 1966, on what was once a scrap-metal site, “Kachalka,” Turnbull said, “Is also a look at the unnecessary stuff in life. [The gym is] such an innovation and people are being thrifty with what little they have. It’s kind of inspiring in that regard and it’s a timely look into the spirit of the Ukrainian people. It’s truly a very, very funny film.”

Trumbull said the adventure industry and genre of adventure storytelling have evolved and 5Point has as well. “We have expanded our meaning and definition of ‘adventure.’ It’s focused more on the human side of the people; all of them with accessible stories.”

There will be new faces and voices taking part in 5Point conversations, including Jedidiah Jenkins, the New York Times bestselling author of “To Shake the Sleeping Self.” “I can’t wait to hear Jenkins speak with [filmmaker] Taylor Reese,” Yllanes said. “She’s a playmaker who is a 5Pointveteran and that’s going to be a great conversation that will be broadcast by our community partners at KDNK radio.”

Yllanes said that on Saturday, “People can come out and just enjoy all day” with films and events, which includes a free ice cream social.

Also on Saturday, the inaugural “Adventure Filmmakers Pitch Event,” presented by festival sponsor Stio, will give seven filmmakers an opportunity to pitch their film ideas in front of a live audience. The filmmaker with the winning pitch will receive $15,000 to kickstart their project. The event is on Saturday, April 23 from 1 to 3 p.m. at Thunder River Theatre and is free and open to the public.

Yllanes emphasized 5Point’s work is year-round. He said, “We continue to work on other opportunities to showcase adventure films. We are looking to work with other partners to engage with our community and offer filmmakers other opportunities throughout the year.”

All festival attendees must show proof of vaccination before attending any festival events or show proof of a negative COVID test taken within 48 hours. Masks are optional at all indoor venues.

For more festival information, go to www.5pointfilm.org

"Learning to Drown" chronicles pro snowboarder Jess Kimura's journey from personal loss to a newfound awareness of her legacy in the sport. Courtesy photo

Nearly an entire fl ock of chickens (35 out of 36) died on a ranch in Pitkin County. Th e lone survivor was later euthanized. While there are reports the infected fl ock was in the Crystal Valley, Pitkin County would not confi rm a general location with Th e Sopris Sun stating, “Per the USDA [United States Department of Agriculture] and Colorado Department of Agriculture, countylevel information is all that can be released regarding this HPAI [highly pathogenic avian infl uenza] case.” Bird owners are advised to take extra precautions and increase biosecurity measures including keeping their fl ock closed-in and preventing interactions with, and keeping feed from, wild birds (For more tips, visit www. bit.ly/protectthehens). “HPAI is a highly fatal disease that can decimate a small fl ock in less than 48 hours, so it is critical for bird owners to take measures that prevent the introduction and spread of the virus,” state veterinarian Dr. Maggie Baldwin advised. Bird owners are asked to monitor their fl ocks for any abnormal behavior including feed and water consumption changes, egg production and illness or death. To report a suspected case, call the state veterinarian’s offi ce at 303-869-9130.

Trustee appointment

Ben Bohmfalk’s election as Carbondale’s next mayor creates a vacancy on the board. A public solicitation is now in process for applicants to be appointed to fi ll the remaining two years of Bohmfalk’s term on the Board of Town Trustees. Applications are available at the town clerk’s offi ce (and online at www. carbondalegov.org) and are due no later than April 28.

Eagle County’s Roaring Fork Valley Regional Planning Commission heard from nearly 30 speakers, according to Th e Aspen Times, at a three-hour public hearing regarding the proposed development of 19 acres across Highway 82 from the Blue Lake subdivision. Developers are seeking to build up to 135 residences, including 27 deed-restricted units, on property currently zoned for nine dwellings. Th e hearing was continued to April 21.

In conjunction with Autism Awareness Month, Ascendigo unveiled a collaborative art piece and several other works curated by behavioral therapist Katie Alderson at The Launchpad on Sunday, April 10. “Art is a spectrum, community is a spectrum,” said Alderson. Because blue is a color that represents autism, the show was replete with blue hues. Photo by Raleigh Burleigh

Phony warrant

Garfi eld County reported that a “bogus” tax distraint warrant was delivered to at least one resident in the county. Residents are asked to be vigilant in detecting and not responding to the fake documents. Garfi eld County Treasurer Garrie Couey explained that a legitimate distraint warrant will have “Garfi eld County Distraint Warrant” printed on it, include the treasurer’s signature and seal and would be hand delivered by the sheriff ’s offi ce.

Agritourism grant

Carbondale Tourism has been awarded $14,000 from the Colorado Tourism Offi ce toward the development of agritourism in the Roaring Fork Valley. Th is will include enhancing the visitor information map promoting local food and farm experiences, as well as industry training.

DHM Design, an employee-owned planning and landscape architecture fi rm in Carbondale, is moving its offi ces two blocks east to 225 Main Street. Th e larger studio will accommodate an expanding staff of designers, planners and natural resource specialists.”We have called downtown Carbondale home for over two decades and look forward to many more years of shaping the landscape of the Roaring Fork Valley and beyond,” said Managing Principal Jason Jaynes.

Recreational water

Th e city of Glenwood Springs has secured a Recreational In-Channel Diversion water right on the Colorado River. Th is is the second-ever recreational water right for the mainstem of the Colorado River and will protect fl ows throughout the summer. It also allows the city to create whitewater parks at three locations along the river.

Congressional art

High school students are invited to participate in the 2022 Congressional Art Competition. Th e winning artist will have their work on display in the U.S. Capitol for a full year and receive roundtrip tickets to attend the opening reception in Washington, D.C. To participate, a two-dimensional piece no larger than 26”x26” must be mailed to your closest congressional district regional offi ce by April 27. More info at www./bit.ly/CongressionalArtContest

Th ey say it’s your birthday!

Folks celebrating another trip around the sun this week include: James Armstrong, Ed Brown, Dino Baldizan, Mark Giesecke and Roberta McGowan(April 14); Aisha Weinhold, Deloras Pulver and KDNK (April 15); Rachel Connor, Ylice Golden and Emma Rose (April 16); HP Hansen and Doug Stewart (April 17); Stephanie Schilling and Hadley Hentschel (April 18); Francisco Nevarez-Burgueno, Deborah Colley, Karen Dixon, Leslie Emerson, Jill and Alleghany Meadows, Louie Neil and James Surls (April 19); Julie Bomersback, Jack Bergstrom, Jared Carlson, April Clark and Molly Jacober (April 20).

EAR PRESENTS THE TWENTY-EIGHTH — ANNUAL —

• 30Y S

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RIDE PASSFOR THEPASS

SATURDAY MAY 21 10am

ATION

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F O R T H E INDEPENDENCEPASS FO U 2022

‘Real’ powwow gathering comes to Aspen By Raleigh Burleigh Sopris Sun Editor

Th is weekend, April 15 and 16, the Aspen Indigenous Foundation will host its largest native gathering yet. Th e nonprofi t, responsible for organizing dance expositions, the Shining Mountains Film Festival and a single day powwow in 2019, is expecting upwards of 300 Native Americans representing as many as 75 tribes, plus attendees.

“Aspen has never had a powwow like this,” assured organizer and co-emcee Buff alo Child. He is already planning for a three-day event next year.

He explained that the tradition comes from indigenous groups reuniting aft er splitting into smaller camps during the scarcer months. “People would share stories, songs, dancing, news history, everything. Some people would have died that winter, some people would have been born.”

Today, the purpose remains much the same. It’s a celebration of life and a place for people to come together. “Some people fall in love,” Buff alo continued. “If somebody gets pregnant at the powwow, we call it a powwow baby. And then that powwow baby becomes a part of a new family that starts off .”

Th e foundation has raised over $15,000 in prize money to attract talent from throughout the United States. Th ere will be over a dozen dance categories, plus intertribal songs where anyone is welcome to join and dance. Contestants will be judged based on their regalia, style, adherence to tradition and ability to follow the rhythm of singing and drumming.

“It’s pretty intense!” Buff alo told Th e Sopris Sun. “Some of these guys are excellent athletes.”

For the drumming contest, $3,000 will be awarded to fi rst place, $2,000 for second and $1,000 for third. At the time of our interview, eight drum groups had already signed up. Buff alo will be joined by emcee Rick Yazzie. Th e host drum group, doing special songs, is Th e Descendants. Th e head man and woman are both Ute. Th ere will also be other visiting royalty, put up at hotels in Aspen. “Th e Utes have been here a long time, it’s their traditional land,” Buff alo commented. “We went out of our way to get a Ute emcee and Ute head man and Ute head woman dancer. Unfortunately, the emcee couldn’t make it. He had a big commitment at another gathering.” Buff alo was sure to list the event on powwows.com, where it has accrued over 12,000 views. Additionally, posters were sent to reservations and the arena director, Nathan Littlechild, sent notice through his networks. Regarding vendors, Buff alo said there will be between 10 and 20, including a Navajo woman preparing fried bread and Navajo tacos, plus other food concession vendors and several craft s people selling beadwork and silver and turquoise jewelry. Th e event takes place at Aspen High School. Both days will begin around 1 p.m. On Sunday, the weekend will conclude with a victory dance and prayers around 5 p.m. Th e event is expected to go well into the evening on Saturday. Tickets are $10 for general admission, $5 for students, veterans and seniors and children under the age of 12 will be welcomed for free. “It’s going to be a special gathering for natives,” concluded Buff alo. “People who come out here will have the chance to be immersed in native song and dance … done in a traditional format.”

Friendly Après-hours Care

AFTER-HOURS MEDICAL CARE

ASPEN VALLEY HOSPITAL

WHEN YOU NEED IT

Our After-Hours clinic — conveniently located in Southside Basalt — provides you with a lower-cost option for treating minor illnesses and injuries than a trip to the ER.

Scan the QR code for directions and more information.

A big thank you to everyone who helped us — you guys went the extra mile to make sure my son and I felt safe and comfortable. ”

No appointment necessary, walk-ins welcome!

Weekdays: 3:00 pm - 11:00 pm Weekends: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm 234 East Cody Lane, Basalt 970.544.1250

Virtual visits available

Last year, in lieu of a powwow, the Aspen Indigenous Foundation hosted a well-attended dance exposition at Wagner Park in Aspen. Photo by Klaus Kocher

Be aware

BE STREET SMART.

Sharrows are markings on the street indicating that area is shared by bicycles and vehicles. Sharrows heighten the awareness of bicyclists and drivers to one another’s presence.

Smart wayS to uSe a Sharrow:

• Bicyclists: Please ride along middle of sharrows in the direction of the arrows. • Drivers: Please pass bicyclists with a minimum of 3 feet clearance (State Law).