Gorton Center and Lake Forest Open Lands present... Indomitable Spirit Medley!

Social impact and exciting stories that include hiking, climbing, running, all in one program! This collection of short films tells stories of those who did not give up, back down, or let their challenges define them. Come enjoy an eclectic film program right here in our John and Nancy Hughes Theater!

Indomitable Spirit Medley films: 

About Damn Time

In 1983, Cindell “Dellie” Dale talked her way onto her first commercial river trip through the Grand Canyon. Like many women in the industry at the time, her place was in the kitchen. But determined to push against the tide of a male-dominated river-running world, she earned her spot on the oars and became one of the Grand Canyon’s legendary dory guides. Inspired by the trailblazing women before her, Dale is now proudly passing the oars to a new generation, declaring, “It’s about damn time.”
USA/ Duration: 24 min
Directed by: Dana Romano

And Again.

Iconic freestyle skier and Winter X Games champion Bobby Brown struggles to hold onto his identity after being sidelined by two injuries. Brown learns to give up the grind as he transitions to the next chapter where he is grateful for small moments and a life that still includes skiing.

USA/ Duration: 10 min
Directed by: Wiley Kaupas

Earth Works  

Ceramicist Kim Hall draws similarities between her craft and her favorite hobby: desert rock climbing. Earthworks takes viewers on a visual journey into the parallel process of carefully placing gear in cracks and meticulously crafting a piece of functional art.

USA/ Duration: 5 min
Directed by: Rachel Ross

Pastrana

While reliving memories and images, downhill skateboarder Melissa Brogni endeavors to create a tribute to her friend, Pastrana. As she retrieves the past with the assistance of her friends, Pastrana’s inherent presence helps her fill the silence left behind and gain a deeper understanding of time.

Brazil/ Duration: 14 min
Directed by: Gabriel Motta, Melissa Brogni

Center Punch

The green light is a special occurrence in the San Juan backcountry, so when local riders Harry Kearney, Timmy Taussing and Hagen Kearney had it during the spring of 2024, they got sprung. Center Punch is the culmination of the footage gathered from an extraordinary two weeks of foot-powered snowboarding in Telluride’s backyard.

USA/ Duration: 3 min
Directed by: Harry Kearney, Timmy Taussig

The Life We Have

What would you do if death felt just steps away? For Rob Shaver, who has faced multiple stage-four cancer recurrences over the past two decades — death has felt like an ever-present shadow. The Life We Have captures Shaver’s resilience, wisdom and deep appreciation for life, as he navigates his latest battle with the disease.

USA/ Duration: 24 min
Directed by: Sam Price-Waldman

Saving Superman

In a small suburb outside of Chicago lives Jonathan, a 57-year-old man with ASD (autism spectrum disorder), also known as “Superman.” Known for his heroic actions, Jonathan is a revered member of the Glen Ellyn community and has been a staple in the 4th of July Parade for nearly 30 years. Jonathan’s living circumstances become threatened, and his
community comes together when Superman needs saving.

USA/ Duration: 11 min
Directed by: Adam Oppenheim, Samuel-Ali Mirpoorian

See Like Me

Blind children are often born with perfect pitch and a natural aptitude for music. In 1980, music programs were cut from schools in the U.S., and access to music for such uniquely talented musicians was nearly lost. A music school, founded in 2020 to help fill the void, has changed the lives of musically gifted blind children.

USA/ Duration: 6 min
Directed by: Kate Brantley, Ben Lalande, Sarah Hughen

Shanti Rides Shotgun

On Manhattan’s jam-packed streets, New York City’s most iconic driving instructor prepares students to navigate the road ahead. With a brash attitude and a 99% drivers test pass rate for her students, Shanti Gooljar is the most-requested instructor at the Empire State Driving School.

USA/ Duration: 8 min
Directed by: Charles Frank

Goochie

Adaptive mountain biking has been gaining traction worldwide over the past few years, but its true potential is just getting started. Filmed at the Whistler Mountain Bike Park in British Columbia, Canada on the unceded territories of the Lil'wat Nation and Squamish Nation, Goochie spreads the stoke about a growing sport that’s rewriting the rules of the trail.

Canada/ Duration: 3 min
Directed by: Cole Bernier, Adam Price

Bridgers

Two Bozeman-based ski patrollers reflect on the rapid changes facing their home and the sport they love. With 50 seasons under his belt, Dene Brandt regards the future with an optimism that infects his younger co-worker.

Canada/ Duration: 12 min
Directed by: Joseph Fletcher

A big thank you to The Community Church of Lake Forest and Lake Bluff for Sponsoring Mountainfilm on Tour!

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