MONTE VISTA— Mountainfilm on Tour is the newest happening on the Monte Vista Chamber of Commerce’s on growing calendar of events.
Scheduled for Jan. 24 at the Vali 3 Theater in downtown Monte Vista, the film tour will highlight 11 short documentaries covering everything from mountain climbing to running, skiing, ranching, bird migration— and the moon.
“I wanted to bring Mountainfilm on Tour to the Valley because I think it will bring fresh and innovative ideas to the community in a different format,” said chamber manager Jerry Apker. “The films are entertaining and inspiring. And they break stereotypes.”
Many of the films highlight normal people living ordinary lives, but who push themselves to do extraordinary things. Like Mark Carter, a kid raised in tiny Ten Sleep, Wyo. who straddles the world of ranching and professional snowboarding. And Mikala Gatto, a mountain biker and painter.
And then there’s “The Frenchy,” a 17-minute documentary about 82-year-old Jaques Houot, a former competitive athlete who still rips through the mountains on his bike with his signature catchphrase, “No problem!… When you laugh, you add one extra hour on your life. I’m going to die very old, because I love to laugh.”
Other films include “Wolf Pack,” about a family of runners who jog through meadows and over mineral-stained peaks in the San Juan Mountains above Silverton, Colo. And “Sky Migration,” which follows the spring and late summer migrations of raptors between British Columbia to Argentina.  
“A New View of the Moon” is a four-minute documentary that shows the wonder and awe of everyday people when one man decides to take his star-gazing telescope onto the city streets and focus it on the moon.
Held every Memorial Day weekend in Telluride, Colo., Mountainfilm Festival showcases nonfiction, visually stunning films about environmental, cultural, political and social justice issues. Mountainfilm on Tour allows cities and venues to purchase bite-sized film packages from the nearly 90 short films shown during the annual festival.  
Besides the films being entertaining and compelling in their filmography and themes, Mountainfilm on Tour is a great way to bring money into the community for good causes, Apker said. “All proceeds of the tour here in Monte will benefit Vali 3 Theatre, Del Norte Trails Organization and San Luis Valley Rattlers Mountain Bike Team.”
Film night at Vali 3 Theater kicks off on Jan. 24 with a pre-show silent auction and fundraiser at 5 p.m. in Monte Vista’s historic Fassett Building at 102 Adams St. Appetizers, wine and locally brewed ale will be served. The films begin at 7 p.m. at the theater.
For more information or to buy tickets visit montevistachamber.org or call 719-852-2731.