It’s that wonderful time of year again, when hundreds of folks from all over gather under the stars in Marina Park at WaterColor to settle in and watch some amazing films, brought to us by the Telluride MountainFilm on Tour. Tickets are on sale now on-line at www.mountainfilmfl.com and will be available this weekend at the WaterColor Inn front desk, the Hot & Cold Cafe and the WaterColor Store.

We hope to see our Sowal friends again - you've always been such great supporters of this incredible event! Please see more details on the attached poster (which will also be distributed around town this weekend along with brochures and the tickets).

Attached Images

MF POSTER FINAL 2009 Update email.jpg (97.5 KB, 27 views)

Can't wait!

Why do they have it at the same time as Seeing Red Wine Festival? I need excuses to come down every weekend!!!!!!!!!

No worries - there is something happening every weekend!

I'm SO looking forward to Mtn Film at WaterColor! Thanks to Jim, John R, Monark Events, WaterColor, and all the others for bringing what I think is the coolest event in South Walton.

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Agree 100%!

Seeing Red moved to the same weekend as Mountainfilm. It used be to on a different one.

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I am now addicted to the soundtrack music of the "ski porn" films. And i don't like to ski or enjoy being cold.

Just a few more days until good movies and good friends- the perfect weekend in SoWal.

Can't imagine this not being shown at an outside venue but I understand WC is the only one.
Perfect setting for films about the great outdoors.

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BEACH LOCAL

Looks like the weather is going to be DELIGHTFUL, so everyone dress warm and come ready to enjoy some spectacular films. John, Jim, Monark, the resort operations team and the wonderful volunteers every year make this event such a special one - thanks to all of you!

Also, please let your out of town guests know that there are just a few rooms left at the WaterColor Inn - they are offering great packages that include accommodations, tickets and other fun stuff. To book, click here
Family Florida Beach Resort Vacation Package Deals & Offers - WaterColor Inn & Resort, Santa Rosa Beach, FL

What a great weekend for South Walton with Mountainfilm, Seeing Red Wine Festival at Seaside and all the great Taste of The Beach events throughout the next several days!

Hope to see many familiar faces and lots of new ones this weekend at WaterColor!

I have never been... is this something I can bring my 16 month old to? If I bring her off-road stroller, a soccer ball and snacks/baby stuff?

I really want to come, but I do not want to hire a sitter and I can only come Friday night... LMK SoWaller's. Thanks! Also, do I pay $30 for my nine year old too? Ouch! If you know, LMK.

i believe a 16 month old would take too much of your time to allow you to enjoy the films.

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I'm not sure about the 9-year old. You'd have to check but I think kids are normal price. It's such a popular event I don't think there are price breaks.

It'll be dark and there is also a large tent set up so there's no room for kids to play as there is when events are on the stage in the daylight evening hours like the Seaside Rep plays. You might be able to find room to spread a blanket but your toddler would pretty much need to be confined to it I think. If someone else has experience maybe they'll chime in.

Kids under 5 are free. Our youngest was 5 for her first Mountain Film (both nights), and she loved everything about it. If there were a few short films that didn't totally engage her, she just enjoyed being outside in a sleeping bag on a beautiful night. A nine year old should be blown away. We wouldn't miss one, and it is worth every single penny!

gonna buy my tickets now. She should dig it, and I know my 9 year old will... thanks all. I love SoWal!

BTW, buying the tickets online was very easy people! Now, where in the heck do I park?

IMO MountainFilm is an outdoor movie theatre showing documentary type movies - so if your kid wouldn't quietly sit in a chair through a 1.5 hour movie, it's not really for them.

Definitely not room for playing with a soccer ball etc. in the film area - there is a section of lawn left open near the entrance where they have marshmallows to roast on fires etc. but you can't see the films from there.

Also, some of the films show stuff that might be a bit much emotionally for a younger kid - animals dying/being butchered, orphans in war zones etc.

The ski films and nature films are great for kids, but overall I would discourage bringing young kids with you - Camp Watercolor or a sitter would make both of your nights more enjoyable. The vast majority of kids I see there tend to get bored and spend their time roaming up and down the aisles to go play somewhere else.

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The enemy is ignorance.

Glad you're going to make it for the first time!

You can park either in the Inn's parking lot or in the public beach access/TDC parking on the east side. We are offering complimentary hayride shuttles from these two parking areas so folks don't have to trudge several blocks carrying their blankets and chairs.

As far as children, all ages are or course welcome and under five are free but do remember that, as others have said, that it wil be dark and quiet and people will be seated quite closely together. There isn't a lot of room for young kids who may get restless to roam around as in some of the other Rep events or concerts we've held in the same space before.

And it gets ch-ch-ch-chilly after the sun goes down, so dress warmly, bring extra blanket, etc.

Gates open at 6 pm!

a lightweight sleeping bag will keep you warm and cozy in your beach chair. Warm hat or scarf wrapped around head will also be a big plus.

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Gathering chairs, blankets, scarves, warm coats, socks (I usually have the hardest time finding these)-

I finally understand the purpose of a Snuggie- it would be perfect for Mt. Film. (Just a merch idea for next year- a real Snuggie with a large Mt. Film logo...)

Last night, I saw all of the audio/video crew working hard to set up for Mountain Film. It's looking very good. I saw one big improvement, actually two. This year, they have opened up seating to the entire lawn. Previous years, they have done a rear-screen projection, which also required equipment in the center of lawn in front of the screen, behind which, no one sat. This year, they have improved, using a front projector, which is a big mama jama, and the films appear much brighter on the screen. They are also projecting it from a small tower in the back of the lawn, which opens up all that extra seating, and it's high enough above everyone's head that they won't be making shadow puppets on the screen.

I have much to do today, but I am excited about getting to Mountain Film (on tour) tonight and tomorrow.

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I love it here!

jdarg, you should consider storing that scarf, warm coat, and that pair of socks in your sleeping bag, so that you will always know where they are for Mtn Film.

When I was there last night, my toes were cold enough to consider wearing socks tonight. Also, there was a light dew on the ground, so be prepared. When you are out there for three hours tonight and tomorrow night, it will be chilly, unless you flew in from Colorado, but even Justin was wearing a fleece last night.

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Yeah, it's so cold!!

Your new SoWal name, "Searches For Socks".

You need to write the "Mt. Film Survival Guide".


Let me search for my mind first.

thanks for reminding us all, smiling joe ...

socks are truly a wonderful thing, when they're just what's called for ... you don't know how many teeth-chattering people i've talked to at moutainfilm at watercolor over the years, in flip-flops at 9:30 pm, saying "yeah, but i live in florida"

Woo-hoo! It's MountainFilm day!

Better find my sleeping bag!

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The enemy is ignorance.

Tonight will be the first time I get to attend. Thanks for all the tips!

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Can't WAIT! I just bought my tickets online, happy early birthday to me!

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"My life has been a huge adventure, always. I like them bold, I'm done with creepy." - Seagrovegirl

heard something about bouldering on saturday in watercolor. Anyone got the beta on where and when?

Did you stay warm enough? And did you enjoy your first Mountain Film?

I loved Mustang~

Huge crowd last night - most dressed for the chilly weather. The "bedspread wrap" was the new fashion statement- saw lots of people wrapped in their bed linens instead of sitting on them.

One of the films was about bouldering. There was talk about a bouldering class on one of the WaterColor buildings. I think it was a joke but you never know with this crowd.

http://vimeo.com/moogaloop.swf?clip_id=2701422

It was a full house under the stars. There were a couple of images that literally made my jaw drop.

There was a film I really liked about a man named Vern who loves watermelons even more than I do.

More great stuff tonight. Come early, stay late. be sure to bring enough warm clothing, including socks.

Official Food, Inc. Movie Site - Hungry For Change?

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I loved Vern and I loved Mt. Film. Red Helmet was the perfect way to open it.

It was great. I did really good as far as the cold because of everyone's tips, but next year, I will add a thermal top under the sweater. I walked away from this feeling like I usually do from a good theater production, energized and inspired. John R, you guys are doing a great thing with this. Thank you (even though you hate smileys)
I will be back for both nights next year, and I work to bring more people with me. Everything I saw last night moved and inspired me.

And thank you Scootybug, closer2fine and Honooe for finding us and making room for us to sit with you guys. It was made even better by being with friends.

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Sounds like fun. Could I ride a bike there and find a place to put it up? And will anyone be there that wants to sneak up behind me and sap me in the back of the head?

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Haters gonna hate, Ballers gonna ball

Anyone else see the shooting star during film fest?

Aleonard ツ

Great show. Thanks to all involved, and special thanks to John R, Jim, Justin, Stacy, volunteers, sound and audio crew, and Monark Events.

All I can say is "Carts of Darkness."

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Unfortunately, there isn't enough time to watch all of the cool movies submitted for Mtn Film, at Mountain Film (on tour). "Carts of Darkness" is one of those which is great, though may be too potty mouth and too long for Mtn Film's (on tour) current format.

However, you can watch it from home. The subject matter is sensitive, funny and reflective. Great film. Here it is... "Carts of Darkness" (As I mentioned, it has potty language, so careful on the volume if kids are around -- mostly the ef-bomb.)

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Welcome to Vern Switzer's Official Web Site

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Great job John R et al. In my opinion this event stands above all of the annual affairs in this area. Looking forward to version X!

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Today is like the day after Christmas- the day after Mountain Film letdown has set in.

Perhaps a new unicycle for the young ones would provide sufficient distraction?

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I reallllly can't wait for next year! Thanks to all of you for such great info.

G

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So what did you think of Food, Inc? I just added it to my queue at Netflix.

G

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Or a hatchet? Oh oh oh....the hatchet kid movie just about sent me over the edge.

over the edge, as in wearing a bat suit and jumping off a cliff?

Here are the 2009 films shown at Mountain Film, several which were also shown at Mtn Film on tour at WaterColor.

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Or snow skiing while being pulled by a horse galloping at full speed?

Agreed... Many thanks to you John, and all the people who work with you to bring us Mountainfilm! I will be (im)patiently counting down to #10...

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"My life has been a huge adventure, always. I like them bold, I'm done with creepy." - Seagrovegirl

Thanks for coming to Mountainfilm again everyone. It's my favorite event to work on during the year. We're thinking of using Year 10 as a 'Best Of' retrospective, so possibly adding a third night, or devoting one or both nights to past favorites. But, still want to be able to bring you the new stuff also. Additionally, Mountainfilm in Telluride is looking at our event as one of the locations to expand to a mini festival; adding a day, multiple venues, daytime programs, etc... All this is still being hammered out, and is not set in stone yet. As things develop, I'll be sure to let you know.

To get some feedback on our programming this year, could you post what was your favorite film, and what you liked or disliked about the weekend(it doesn't have to be related to just the films, we want to improve your experience every year)?

thanks.

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Thanks John - another great job. It looks like you're about to need a bigger venue. Maybe have a free film the day or week before the festival for promotion and ticket sales.

Please let us know if we can help you sell more tickets.

That is great. IMO, with quality films like the ones submitted, I think two evenings is not enough. I'd love to see all of the films, and think that adding an additional evening would be awesome. I also like the idea of having an indoor venue to screen some movies during one of the days. Also, I think that you could tie in the theme of Mtn Film for each year, into a daytime (free) expo on the same topic, maybe tying in local stuff like the Farmer's Market.

Loved the second screen set up this year! Maybe for the early crowd, who wait in line for an hour for the gates to open, short out-takes, or bloopers from the films, could be shown on that second screen while we wait.

I was thinking as I sat in a mostly packed lawn this year, "I wonder if they will have to expand next year?" Camp WaterColor's field would be a good potential location, though I like the amphitheater feel of Cerulean Park.

I definitely liked the brighter front projection this year. It was a huge improvement. Thanks.

I watched a Mtn Film submission not shown at this year's show, Carts of Darkness. It was by far my favorite film. Food, Inc was a great wake up film, and is much appreciated, but I didn't "enjoy" it so much as a film. Very good, and very well done, and very important, but just not entertaining. I had no problem with the length of the film, and heard no comments from others about the length, so I think that is a non-issue. It worked.

I loved Vern's Watermelon film, and also liked the monastary restoration film. The animation of the Spaghette Western was really cool, too, and a great balance to the film like Food, Inc. Speaking of which, I think you guys were right on to show Vern's film on the second night (in addition to Fri), following Food, Inc. That balanced out the seriousness of Food, Inc, with something as serious, but with a very light and happy twist.

Bridal Veil Falls was a great film, loved the idea of an amputee and blind guy ice climbing the tallest iced over waterfall in Colorado -- makes me get excited about what I could do with vision and extra leg.

Deep Shinsetsu was cool, even though I don't ski.

Drift (Bahamas) was good. I really like these films on interesting characters. Same goes for the Last Butcher in Little Italy.

Samsara really digs in deep, and was one of my favorites!

Careful with that Ax was an intersting idea, but not well executed. (my least favorite)

Overall, 2209 was a great show. Regarding 2010, I like the idea of having an additional night of the hits of the past, but keeping the existing two nights for the new stuff.

Thanks again to all who make Mtn Film on tour at WaterColor possible! It is by far, my favorite event in South Walton.

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Smiling Joe, thanks for the thoughtful comments & critique ... stay tuned!

I would LOVE another night of films!

Was rather disappointed that w/ the limited time we had, one (Vern)was shown twice - it went very well after Food Inc, but I would rather have seen another film during one of its slots.

My favorite thing about MountainFilm is seeing films about things I know nothing about or topics that make me think - so more Mustang, spaghetti, and extreme unicycling, fewer winter climbing or fishing is my vote.

Red Helmet rocked, the ax just freaked us out.

Still an amazing line-up! Just critiquing!

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I loved everything I saw Friday night. Esp. Six Farms, The Last Butcher, just everything. Suggestion, more bathrooms. Two was not quite enough for the ladies.

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Actually this year's bathroom situation was MUCH better than the past - never had more than 6 people in front of me - instead of 15+ like previous years.

Though I certainly wouldn't complain if there were even more!

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Cool. I had a little more of a wait and it was not during a break, but I was very thankful for a real bathroom and not a port-o-potty setup.

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FYI, this is much safer than the popular alternative of 3 wheel ATV w/ tire inner tube.

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Baithouse was open- girls had both the girls AND boys!!

Yep - can't believe it took years to figure that one out, but it made such a great difference!

P.S. Why do women take so damn long in the bathroom?

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The enemy is ignorance.