A shining white stretch limousine. Red velvet ropes and red carpet. High class attire and bright shining colored lights. It was a night to remember. On Saturday, April 9, 2016 the Leavenworth Festhalle was transformed once again for the Hollywood movie premier styled 4th annual Leavenworth Film Festival.
Attendees walked the red carpet to have their photos taken with the Golden Nutcracker Award, and learned about cameras, local filmmaker programs, and got to play with seeing themselves on camera in front of a green screen.
Over 2 hours of short films focused on outdoor sport and adventure were showcased to well over 700 people. From ice climbing to river sport, to mountain climbing, skiing, and snowboarding, a wide variety of films from all around the world, and several locally shot and produced ones, kept eyes on the screen through intense, heartfelt, and uplifting moments.
The crowd was electrified during the half-time show by the 20+ person Mariachi Band from Wenatchee Valley High School, and a huge raffle with prize packages including season passes to area mountain resorts, rounds of golf, massages, outer wear, wine, chocolates, and more that went to eight lucky winners.
The night ended with announcement of the winning films. Drum roll please!
THE 2016 LEAVENWORTH FILM FESTIVAL WINNERS ARE…:
Best Pacific Northwest Film
The Enchanting Triple – The Enchanting Triple documents a climbing journey through the Stuart Range, a jagged collection of peaks in the center of Washington state, by climbers Jens Holsten and Blake Herrington. Shot live on the day of the ascents, this film is a beautiful and raw look into two regular guys and the backyard peaks that define their passion. Cameras: Max Hasson, Jens Holsten, Blake Herrington, Shaun Johnson. Animation: Lyndsey Nichols. Edit: Icicle TV. Special Thanks: Russ Ricketts.
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Award for Creative Excellence
Gnarly in Pink – This short film celebrates the “Pink Helmet Posse,” three 6-year-old girls who share an unusual passion: skateboarding. Produced by: Kristelle Laroche and Ben Mullinkosson
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The Young Filmmaker Award – supported by North 40 Productions
Up There – Skier Seth Jorgensen tells us some of his skiing favorites. Produced by: Wil Jorgensen
(*video below shot during the film festival and includes the award presentation by Oly Mingo)
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Best of Festival
Builder – Builder tells the story of trail building, through the eyes of some of our sport’s best riders and builders. Directed by: Scott Secco. Available online May 2016. Below is the official trailer.
There are so many more great photos thanks to our amazing photography crew! See them all by clicking on their name: Heidi Swoboda, Corbin Crimmins, Niki Panek, and Reiley Flake, or visit the Leavenworth Film Festival on Facebook. Below are several more of our favorites.
Proceeds from the event continue to support the Leavenworth Ski Hill Memorial Project which will include a 2,000 square-foot patio, ski slope upgrades, outdoor amenities and year-round access to The Mountains.
The festival continues to build on previous successes and next year’s 5th anniversary event is sure to be even bigger and better. Follow the Leavenworth Film Festival on Facebook for year-round updates and insights into what to expect for April 2017.
As the presenting sponsor, Icicle TV would like to thank the film festival board (unpaid volunteers), all the other volunteers, all the sponsors, filmmakers, and attendees, and the entire the Leavenworth and Wenatchee Valley community for all the support. See you next year!
