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Step Up Sessions

December 30, 2019

by

Step Up Sessions

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About

Bringing the most thought-provoking cultural, environmental, and adventure-related outdoor films from around the world, since 2003.

flagmountainfilm

A gargantuan THANK YOU to all our volunteers who b

A gargantuan THANK YOU to all our volunteers who bring the magic to the fest. We can't do this without you all. Managing festival desks, VIP parties, venues, deliveries, ushering folks to sessions, and raising the bar every year ... Thank you for ALL of it, all 21 YEARS of it❤️
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Tag yourself in the comments if you have ever volunteered!
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Our many years of partnership with @pizzicletta means that all of us, including volunteers, directors and staff live on this lush pizza all day, every day, over 4 days. The fest front desk is our gathering spot! We are all #poweredbypizzicletta
📷 Exec assistant & filmmaker @embercrowley
#flagmountainfilm #filmfestival #flagstaff #arizona #flagstaffaz #documentary #storytellers #adventure #downtownflagstaff #discoverflagstaff #community

---More epic #CommUNITY --- For many years our #f

---More epic #CommUNITY ---
For many years our #flagmountainfilm youth-centric programs have evolved and grown. When we started working with @azulitaproject as our environmental nonprofit partner, we had the amazing chance to co-create a youth film and bring a laser focus on ocean conservation & plastic pollution
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Filmmaker & animator @pauljamesperreault , producer & marine biologist @mariaatsea worked with some of the most incredible young minds @pineforest_charterschool AND their parents!
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This film "The Last Straw" debuted at the film fest in 2018, went onto win the middle school category @youthmakingripples , where they presented at #GEER & won a shark-tagging expedition with @angariocean
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The film went onto join the film tour for @savethewavescoalition & was accepted into @patagoniasm Short Film Fest the same year!
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This film was completely youth-led; the writing, the direction, the props (ALL recycled material), the voice-over & original score!
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Funded by @azulitaproject w/ epic support @aroundthemountaindental @mountainsportsflagstaff @wolf.gumerman @babbitts_backcountry & our community donations & thanks to @jeremiedalaba for getting us a table at @flagstaff_hullabaloo
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Our mantra for the whole process, "When you are eating pineapple, pineapple is eating you😂"
#flagstaff #flagstaffaz #arizona #youth #youthfilm #environmentaladvocacy #oceanconservation #plasticpollution #Reuse #educe #Reuse #azulitaproject #downtownflagstaff #gofilmaz #oceanleaders #filmmaking

#flagmountainfilm and empowering our youth go hand

#flagmountainfilm and empowering our youth go hand in hand! Through the years programs have evolved and changed, but a huge part of our mission is to nurture filmmaking, and create youth-centered programs!
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Did you know we have been running an incredible Student Program since 2004? We bring an array of awe-inspiring films from all around the world to middle and high school students!
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In 2009/10 the team gained seed funding to create the first 'Emerging Film Program' and that year the students created a narrative feature "Writers Block" under the tuition of Program Director & local #flagstaff filmmaker #denisestilley
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Fast forward to 2018 with @pauljamesperreault @mariaatsea guiding our @pineforest_charterschool students in an animation short "The Last Straw" which won their age category in @youthmakingripples competition! Funded by @azulitaproject with support from @aroundthemountaindental @mountainsportsflagstaff @babbitts_backcountry & @wolf.gumerman
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And again to our 21st Anniversary special Youth Photography Workshop with @deidrapeaches local Diné filmmaker and cinematographer! This was a free event and the youngest participant was 4 YEARS OLD! Organized by our Indigenous Program Director @ccoolio2 with support from @beyond_flg
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And to our 22nd year and beyond, the sky is the limit! If you have any ideas on youth projects - please reach out to us!
Photos: @rontuckman @embercrowley @azulitaproject
#flagmountainfilm #filmfestival #youthprojects #youthfilmmaking #flagstaffaz #arizona #gofilmaz #empoweryouth #filmskills #downtownflagstaff #discoverflagstaff

2020 was a year for #flagmountainfilm - THIS event

2020 was a year for #flagmountainfilm - THIS event was a heart-expanding experience, we needed it more than we would ever know!
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We sought the creative genius of the most Dapperest of Gents @dapper_dre_allday Master of Ceremonies, Community Organizer, Board Prez @m_o_c_a_f & Dreadful Dre Tour Guide of Terror @freakyfoottours to open up the fest with an event of epic proportions
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"Capture: Light, Sound & Story" @m_o_c_a_f
was that event
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Gathering artists of varying disciplines together for one night of sharing outlooks and exchanging perspectives #flagstaff
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A multi-disciplinary, multispectral art experience to see new visions in 2020!
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Light Experiencers: @timjimbear @elananovali @convergencefestival @arcocoop @ericretterbush @sandypirate @spectracolor.viz
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Sound Experimenters: @interferenceseries 'Reference Sine' @tamtaco @galgracious
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Story Explorers: @dapper_dre_allday @margeauxbestard @deidrapeaches @sethithy @arcocoop & @kyymeow
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Libation support @wanderlust_brewing @darkskybrewingco
Photos: Our VR Director @laura_kish_franke & community member @1000goodthings
#filmfestival #flagstaffaz #arizona #mocaf #collaboration #community @downtownflagstaff #downtownflagstaff #flagstaffartists @discoverflagstaff #discoverflagstaff #storytelling

Part of the magic of #flagmountainfilm is working

Part of the magic of #flagmountainfilm is working with our local businesses and their vision of what an event would look like, and how to reimagine a space to provide a hell of a cinematic experience. In this case the much anticipated Adventure Night!
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Circa 2020 and one of the most fun events "Let's break out the rafts" with Mick & the epic crew @snowmountainriver
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This eve was particularly fun because we organized a huge raffle, with so many items including our first adventure film-inspired live painting with @jillsans @the_heartbox
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As we are #singleuseplasticfree our long-term environmental nonprofit partner @azulitaproject provided all the reusable cups for the wonderful partner libations from @darkskybrewingco @wanderlust_brewing @lumberyardbrew @historicbrewingcompany @majestic_marketplace
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We have loved working with Mick & and team, because they are all about making the outdoors accessible, and cultivating community!
Photo: @1000goodthings
#flagmountainfilm #filmfestival #flagstaff #snowmountainriver #adventure #outdoorstories @discoverflagstaff #discoverflagstaff @downtownflagstaff #downtownflagstaff #arizona #filmmaking #gofilmaz

As we enter the last month of our 21 years on this

As we enter the last month of our 21 years on this big blue planet, we wanted to take a deep dive into this amazing #flagmountainfilm CommUNITY! The films, the creators, the events, the local businesses & the people!
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We normally collaborate with up to 50 sponsors and partners every year to open up a window to the world, and we wanted to share some of our fav moments and share what people have to say about our ever growing & evolving collaborations
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At the heart of everything we do, is Community, Collaboration & Connection. The fact that the passion still runs deep, is firstly because of our love of film, the unwavering support of our audience and local businesses, and the creative freedom given to all our teams to produce so many impactful programs & events
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Here's to a tonne of love coming your way from everything that makes Flag Mountain Film Fest what it is!
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One of our fav 'Condor' art shows & talks with THE legend @vermphoto @darkskybrewingco circa 2019! Also in the back are @interferenceseries who for the first time provided a LIVE music score for our new trailer!
📷 @edmoss.photo
#flagmountainfilm #filmfestival #flagstaff #arizona #flagstaffaz @discoverflagstaff #discoverflagstaff @downtownflagstaff #downtownflagstaff #arizonaadventures #documentary #filmmaking #storytelling #gofilmaz #vermphoto #edmossphoto #interferenceseries #darkskybrewingcompany

As we wrap up another season of Showcases here in

As we wrap up another season of Showcases here in #flagstaff - we would like to thank our amazing community for the unwavering support of the fest!
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To our filmmakers and crew for creating such impactful stories @wild_arizona_
@edkabotie #davidwallacevisuals
@pauljamesperreault
@mariaatsea
@into.the.ice @aopila
@justinclifton
@rides_and_rivers @americanrivers @cassiusmk @rushsturges @riostorivers @riverrootsproductions @paulrww @westonboyles @nolegsallheart @pablo_durana @changecontent @andrekajlich @inhabitantsfilm @inhabitfilms @prettyskies @nativein_la @devinwhetstone @yatikafields
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Thank you to @theatrikos for our summer & fall showcase venue and director @mtn.robsixsix for running the show!
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Thank you to our Indigenous director @ccoolio2
& special guest @shondiinmayo for kicking off Native American Heritage Month!
****
Don't forget our 22nd Run Around the Sun March 28-31 2024! Early-Bird Passes and Tix on sale soon!
📷 @edmoss.photo
#flagmountainfilm #flagstaffaz #arizona #filmfestival #downtownflagstaff #discoverflagstaff #nonprofit #storytelling #community #gofilmaz #documentary

It's here and it's 50 YEARS of @mountainsportsflag

It's here and it's 50 YEARS of @mountainsportsflagstaff @orpheumflag TONIGHT! ETA 4.5 HOURS
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Slideshow, music, dancing, photo booth!
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Raffle to raise funds for empowering the next gen of earth strewards @friendsofcampcolton
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@patagonia "Mountain of Storms"
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@patagoniawornwear in tha' house
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VIP area @strollhighlands
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@3sinthetrees food truck
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It's ZERO WASTE in partnership with @azulitaproject & @restorationsoils
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First come first served! Get in!
#mountainsportsflagstaff #50years #weknowflagstaff #downtownflagstaff #discoverflagstaff

We are excited to offer a new program for up-and-c

We are excited to offer a new program for up-and-coming Indigenous filmmakers, directors, and storytellers to support their creative talents through film. In 2023, we will be offering a $1,500 grant for one Indigenous filmmaker. This grant is for filmmakers that identify as Indigenous. This grant can be applied towards a new short documentary film or a documentary film in progress
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Thank you to the #arizonacommunityfoundation
@mountainsportsflagstaff & funds raised during the 2023 Indigenous Voices session at our 21st Anniversary, we are able to offer an Indigenous Filmmaker grant for the first time this year
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Our Indigenous Program Director @ccoolio2 and grant lead will be talking about this TONIGHT at our Indigenous Voices Film Showcase!
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See link in bio for submission deadlines, application form and contact details
Design: @stephie.mccarthy
#flagmountainfilm #IndigenousStorytelling #IndigenousFilmmaker #flagstaff
#arizona #discoverflagstaff #IndigenousFilmGrant

We are so excited to present our second film for t

We are so excited to present our second film for tomorrow's 'Indigenous Voices Showcase' @theatrikos
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"Inhabitants" @inhabitantsfilm
Directed by Costa Boutsikaris @inhabitfilms & @prettyskies
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Inhabitants follows five Native American Tribes across deserts, coastlines, forests, and prairies as they restore their traditional land management practices. For millennia Native Americans successfully stewarded and shaped their landscapes, but centuries of colonization have disrupted their ability to maintain traditional land management practices. From deserts, coastlines, forests, mountains, and prairies, Native communities are restoring their ancient relationships with the land. As the climate crisis escalates these time-tested practices of North America's original inhabitants are becoming increasingly essential in a rapidly changing world.
**
Awards:
People's Choice @wildandscenicfilmfestival
Audience Choice Award @dceff_org
Best International Feature at @planetinfocus
#flagmountainfilm #filmfestival #IndigenousStories #inhabitantsfilm #discoverflagstaff #downtownflagstaff #gofilmaz #flagstaff #arizona

Join us for the first of our films for our 'Indige

Join us for the first of our films for our 'Indigenous Voices Showcase' Nov 2 @theatrikos
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"Know to Run: Yatika"
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Through the eyes of @yatikafields , an Indigenous runner, artist and advocate, “Know To Run” explores the opportunity for gaining knowledge, carrying that knowledge and implementing what is learned, along with integrating respectful practices into our own lives to have good relations with ourselves, with each other and with the lands
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A film by @nativein_la & @devinwhetstone
Editor @marccarlini
Music @kalynfay , Bedtimes, ANBR, Sean Williams & Christopher Galover
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With support from @rising_hearts & @guenergylabs & Herman Fillmore & The Washoe Community
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We strongly encourage you to all buy online tickets at the link in our bio
#flagmountainfilm #IndigenousVoices #KnowToRun #yatikafields #risinghearts #guenergy #filmfestival #flagstaff #gofilmaz #downtownflagstaff #discoverflagstaff #running

Are you ready for 22 Years of Flag Mountain Film?

Are you ready for 22 Years of Flag Mountain Film? Bringing you the best in cultural, social, environmental and outdoor-adventure documentary film!
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This is a labor of love for the team, and we love being a part of this CommUNITY!
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SAVE THE DATE!
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4 days of film @orpheumflag , panels, speakers, music, run/walk, authors, poets, gatherings and so much more
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EARLY-BIRD PASSES & TIX WILL BE ON SALE SOON!
#flagmountainfilm #filmfestival #documentary #flagstaff #flagstaffaz #arizona #arizonalife #discoverflagstaff #downtownflagstaff #fmff2024
📷 @dawnkishphoto featuring our VR director @laura_kish_franke

In advance of the Indigenous showcase, we are part

In advance of the Indigenous showcase, we are partnering with @rising_hearts, @peak.trail.runners, and @runflagstaff to host a CommUNTIY run/walk! ☀️

This is a FREE event! All ages welcome!

Meet at Buffalo Park at 4:30pm 🦬

#commUNITY #runwalk #indigenouspeoplesmonth #buffaloparkflagstaff #allageswelcome

In honor of Native American Heritage Month, we are

In honor of Native American Heritage Month, we are excited to present a few films that celebrate the rich and diverse cultures, traditions, and histories of Indigenous peoples and ways they are bringing awareness to important issues and initiatives in their communities.

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Know To Run: Yatika | Directed by Jordan & Devin Whetstone @nativein_la @devinwhetstone

Through the eyes of Yatika Starr Fields, an Indigenous runner, artist and advocate, “Know To Run” explores the opportunity for gaining knowledge, carrying that knowledge and implementing what is learned, along with integrating respectful practices into our own lives to have good relations with ourselves, with each other and with the lands.

**
Inhabitants | Directed by Costa Boutsikaris & Anna Palmer

@inhabitantsfilm follows five Native American Tribes across deserts, coastlines, forests, and prairies as they restore their traditional land management practices. For millennia Native Americans successfully stewarded and shaped their landscapes, but centuries of colonization have disrupted their ability to maintain traditional land management practices.

**
Thank you to our 2023 showcase sponsors! @strollhighlands @azraftadventures
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Doors open at 6pm, films at 6:30pm!
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Tickets $10! Get your tickets ahead of time to ensure a seat!
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Link in bio for more details! 💫
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Design by @stephie.mccarthy

We are super honored & excited to bring our 21st A

We are super honored & excited to bring our 21st Anniversary Invited Feature Film "No Legs. All Heart." @nolegsallheart @pablo_durana @changecontent back to the mountain! Many of you missed it in April, so here we go for round 2.
**
After years of addiction, struggle, and coming to terms with his life-changing accident, @andrekajlich aims to be the first double amputee to complete the Race Across America, a bone crushing 3,082 mile bike race that spits out 50% of able bodied racers. This film reveals a true test of the human spirit and the pain we endure to carve our own path
**
Join us @theatrikos Oct 19th 630-930pm! Get your advance tickets at the link in our bio!
#flagmountainfilmfest #nolegsallheart #raceacrossamerica #adaptivesports #andrekajlich #changecontent #downtownflagstaff #DiscoverFlagstaff #flagstaffarizona #Arizona #filmfestival #adventurestory #gofilmaz

A few years back one of our directors met the team

A few years back one of our directors met the team behind @azwomenfilmfest and when they explained why this festival existed it was an absolutely resounding yes to support them as they grew! To sit with the ED @becomingpurple and hear the origin story is one we won't forget
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This fest is rooted in exploring stories through an intersectional lens and celebrates the stories of women and all our LGBTQIA2S+ communities #❤️🧡💛💚💙💜 both in front and behind the camera
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We deserve to walk in safety, we deserve to live in joy, we deserve to thrive, we deserve to exist freely, without fear and be who we are.
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So we stand with survivors and we are so proud to support the work of @vwsnaz during #domesticviolenceawarenessmonth
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It takes a village #flagstaff so deep gratitude to @foursistersfloral @7kofsound @darkskybrewingco @strollhighlands @peakscents @lfttcoffee and our new partner an incredible student group @nauwanbif
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Get your tickets now at the link in @azwomenfilmfest bio.
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ALL profits from this fest go to @vwsnaz
#azwomensfilmfest #filmfestival #arizona #filmmaking #flagstaff #flagstaffarizona #nau #nauwanbif #downtownflagstaff #discoverflagstaff #gofilmaz #diversestories #lgbtqia2s

Some films leave you forever changed. This is one

Some films leave you forever changed. This is one of those films!

We are stoked to bring back "No Legs. All Heart." for our selected Feature Film Showcase Oct 19th @theatrikos
@nolegsallheart
***
Presented by @strollhighlands & @azraftadventures
***
"We are disabled in things we can't do...but there is no shortage of things that any of us can do.” - @andrekajlich
**
After years of addiction, struggle, and coming to terms with his life changing accident, André Kajlich aims to be the first double amputee to complete the @raceacrossamerica a bone-crushing, sleep deprived, 12 day, 3,082 mile bike race that spits out 50% of able bodied racers.
*
Directed by first-time Latin American director and Emmy® Award–winning cinematographer @pablo_durana and produced by Oscar®, Emmy®, and Peabody® Award-winning filmmakers @anix1 & @mrfinesean / @changecontent
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"No Legs. All Heart." is a story about the true test of the human spirit, overcoming addiction, and the pain we endure to carve our own path in life
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Audience Award @annapolisfilmfest &
Best Feature @maineoutdoorfilmfestival
#flagmountainfilm #filmfestival #flagstaff #arizona #downtownflagstaff #gofilmaz #pablodurana #andrekajlich #raceacrossamerica #changecontent #nolegsallheart #adaptivesports
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Doors open 6pm, show 630pm! All tickets $10, follow the link in our bio to book ahead of time
*
Thank you for your support @darkskybrewingco & @foram.flg
Design @stephie.mccarthy

FREE event in collaboration with @flgscifest ! Our

FREE event in collaboration with @flgscifest ! Our first collab!
***
"The Seeds Our Ancestors Planted"
Film Screening, Panel & Live Food Demo
Sep 30th, 6-8pm @murdochcommunitycenter
***
What was it like to graduate high school in the year 2020? And what’s the connection between the pandemic, chronic disease, and the food we eat? Set amidst COVID-19 arriving in Arizona, “The Seeds Our Ancestors Planted” is an inspiring short film that follows Diné Flagstaff High School student @koi_loi_begoi as he joins a growing food renaissance across Navajo Nation.
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Filmed by: @oakleylouise & @koi_loi_begoi
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Featuring: @koi_loi_begoi , Shonri Begay, @_flagstaffmeg_ & Carrie Dallas
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Producers: @bigalguydude and Shonri Begay
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Artwork: @my_casual_bongos
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@shondiinmayo will lead a Q&A following the film featuring the filmmakers, producers and local food champions who were featured in and created the film
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@_flagstaffmeg_ will lead a fun food demonstration where we will learn to cook a tasty and nutritious ancestral plant-based dish
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Thank you to our co-sponsor @physicianscommittee
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Thank you to our zero waste partners @azulitaproject @restorationsoils
#flagmountainfilm #flagstafffestivalofscience
#indigenousfoodsovereignty
#theseedsourancestorsplanted #flagstaff #murdochcenter

It is happening! Our 22nd Anniversary is on! ***

It is happening! Our 22nd Anniversary is on!
***
Save the date! March 28-31 2024 @orpheumflag
#flagmountainfilm #filmfestival #flagstaff #flagstaffaz #arizona #orpheumflagstaff #downtownflagstaff #discoverflagstaff #gofilmaz #adventure #community #filmmaking #storytelling
📸 @edmoss.photo

On this beautiful fall day, we want to say a massi

On this beautiful fall day, we want to say a massive THANK YOU to our community for coming out to support independent film in our summer & fall showcases @theatrikos
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We have two more coming up, Oct 19th & Nov 2nd
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Thank you to Sam Taylor Race organizer of #paatuwaqatsi #WaterIsLifeRun for joining us. He had some last minute signups at the event!
**
To our presenters @strollhighlands & @azraftadventures , and partners @foram.flg & @darkskybrewingco - Let's keep rockin!
#flagmountainfilm #filmfest #filmmaking #downtownflagstaff #discoverflagstaff #community #flagstaff #flagstaffaz #arizona
📷 @edmoss.photo / FMFF Director

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