12/26 – Friends and Family

About This Project

FRIENDS AND FAMILY is a block of outdoor films centered around friends and loved ones. Whether they’re partners, relatives, pals, or just friendly folks we know and love, they all have a story to share.

Pay-what-you-can to watch on our virtual platform starting 12/26/21.

Part of our 2021 Holiday Virtch and Merch.
Trailer:

FRIENDS AND FAMILY features these films:

RUNNING THROUGH BARRIERS – 6 minutes – by Julia Ngeow – from Maine
Short synopsis: A documentary short that features the Vermont-based ultra-runner, author, and social-justice advocate, Mirna Valerio, which explores the interrelation between environmentalism and racial justice.

RY’S WAY – 4.75 minutes – by Bailey Beltramo – from NH
Short synopsis: Tucked away in the suburbs of Concord, Ry’s Way is a trail for everyone that pays tribute to a longtime community member, avid cyclist, and impactful person.

SAILING CITA – 8 minutes – by Anna Wilder Burns – from Portland, Maine
Short synopsis: SAILING CITA tells the adventurous story of Maine sailors Lauren Topchik and Teagan Tanner as they attempt to sail around the world. This film delves into what it takes (mentally & physically) to prepare for a worldwide sailing voyage.

RAISED ON RAINBOWS – 8.9 minutes – by Matt Coddaire – from Gunnison River, Colorado
Short synopsis: Having kids and still pursuing a passion for fly fishing can be a challenge. For this Colorado couple though, sharing the sport with their children has brought new depth, patience, and an even stronger desire to preserve the rivers they love for generations to come.

THE MAROON BOMBER – 9.95 minutes – by Joshua M. Thomas – from CA
Short synopsis: Four siblings delve into the love they share for the family’s old, beat up truck. This love gets tested.

SUFFERFEST – 11 minutes – by Tyler Graim – from USA, CO, Denver
Short synopsis: Katie and Dominic are both Ultra-Runners who run 100 mile foot races all over the country. In this film, they discuss the intense physical and mental pain that comes with running these psychotic races, but also the amazing euphoria that comes with completing such an immense physical feat.

24 LEECHES – 10 minutes – by Aaron Peterson – from MI
Short synopsis: Though filmmaker Aaron Peterson’s 10-year-old son died in 2019, the boy lived an adventure-filled and wise life. In 24 LEECHES, that same boy narrates a family canoe adventure to the Slate Islands of Ontario, Canada while making reflections on the world around them. This film serves tribute to Aaron’s best friend and adventure partner.

SNOWY – 12 minutes – by Alex Wolf Lewis and Kaitlyn Schwalje – from Maine
Short synopsis: Snowy, a four-inch-long pet turtle, has lived an isolated life in the family basement. With help from a team of experts and his caretaker, Uncle Larry, we ask: Can Snowy be happy, and what would it take? 

JEFF LABREE | MAINE GUIDE – 1.5 minutes – by Lone Spruce Creative – from Maine
Short synopsis: What it means to be a registered guide in the North Maine Woods

THE LONG GAME – 5.33 minutes – by Herman Mantis, Inc.  – from PORTLAND
Short synopsis: Resiliency takes many forms in this story of overcoming obstacles, finding hope in devastation and transforming adversity into positive action. Nature is powerful, healing, humbling and a vital human right. Follow Ryan Dunfee on his journey to recovery through the power of the Maine wilderness and the lessons learned along the way.

TREE TO BOARD – 16 minutes – by Torsten Brinkema – from Born in Minneapolis, Minnesota and currently residing in Waterville, Maine.
Short synopsis: This film follows Filmmaker Torsten Binkema’s journey from tree to board as he shapes a surfboard from sustainably harvested North Atlantic Cedar.

FREE AS CAN BE – 31 minutes – by Samuel Crossley – from CA
Short synopsis: When a young climber infatuated with climbing history meets an old legend, he commits to helping him accomplish his lifelong goal of free climbing El Capitan.

More available MOFF 2021 Virtch and Merch screenings:
12/12 – The Hero’s Journey: films in which the subjects embark on a journey (available until 12/26)
12/19 – Darkness and Light: films exploring dark and light themes (available until 1/2)