Recognizing the innovative mountain filmmakers

Film Festival for the Independent Winter Sports Enthusiasts

By Lucia Stewart, 2-24-07

The Cold Smoke Awards is a weeklong film celebration of the winter lifestyle and for independent filmmakers to be recognized for their exceptional talents and skills.

What is displayed is a series of the most real, raw, innovative and original winter sports films created. The quality of footage is astounding, and it’s all from independent filmmakers simply doing what they love.
Getting international submissions and national attention, the Cold Smoke Awards is compared to Telluride Mountain Film Festival and Banff Mountain Film Festival. But this is one that is about you and me, playing in ways we know is real and we can relate to: with our buddies in the cold smoke powder.

If it weren’t for this festival, where else would these films be screened?

Judging
It starts with a phone call, “We would be honored for you to be a judge of over 30 independent films of winter sports enthusiasts.”

That evening, the room is filled with local celebrities, regional winter athletes, avalanche reporters and mountaineers. Appetizers and drinks join the first set of films, followed by another beverage, films, then dinner, drinks, films, drinks, films, drinks…

The scorecards acquires more scribbles after every film, rating for nine categories including Best Chunder, Best Powder, Best Jibin’, Best Huck, Best Soul, Best Humor, Best Hair Ball, Best Line and Best Overall.

There’s dog descending down steep slopes. Humor on what to do when there’s no snow. Abstract urban image collages mixed with jibin’. Coughing powder turns that sets your soul a flight. There are feature length films from professional athletes and shorts from aspiring filmmakers.

As the night wanders on at the judging at the Cold Smoke Awards, you’re astonished by the footage of these steep slope enthusiasts. What is shown on that screen is breathtaking. It captures moments we all know of the lifestyle and culture of winter devotees.

People’s Choice
A few days later, the legendary People’s Choice Awards begins. For two consecutive nights, skiers, snowboarders, snomobilers, powder enthusiasts, dogs and the mountain community get the chance to see each film in its entirety.

The enthusiasm felt in the intimate setting of judging is intensified. The laughter echoes between “Yeah, that’s sick!” The “ouches” resonate in the bones. And the common bond feels just like the chairlift ride or that skin track did last week.

And the festivalgoers can relate. Its not the out-of-this-world powder lines in Alaska or the 150-foot cliff jumps. Its images of what we do everyday.

The exposure is remarkable for filmmakers. It’s a chance for them to put their independent films not only in front of a panel of judges but on the big screen in front of thousands of poeple. Where else would they receive this kind of the feedback and display?

And the mountain culture gets an opportunity to witness the most stunning, imaginative and cutting edge art that is not available elsewhere.

All People’s Choice attendees have an opportunity to not only vote on their favorite film, but also become a part of this festival and the supportive atmosphere of fueling creativity.

The Cold Smoke Awards
Then the Cold Smoke Awards evening is upon you. You’ve been digging and collecting in thrift stores and mom’s attic. The theme: 80’s ski attire.

Strutting into the theater, you’re floored. Everywhere you look spandex, neon, mullets and one-piece suits abound. Damn people are looking good! Everyone toting Moonlight Basin lift tickets as their entry only adds to venues extraordinary décor.

The lights dim and the academy-style awards ceremony starts. Presenters such as Conrad Anker, Doug Chabot, Ben Selznick and Nick Turner each take the stage. Finalist’s films splash the screen. Winners are called to the stage. And antics abound.

The award: a decorated ski, often toted by the winner throughout the evening. It’s the ski that you might randomly see in Jackson Hole, Mammoth or Alta hanging above the fireplace, still exhibited with great pride. And of course, a big check for the Best Overall winner, who film is shown in its entirety.

Remembrance of old friends, ski partners and heroes who have passed doing what they love is honored on stage. There is an essence of comradery in backcountry and skiing adventures and it is apparent at this event.

And then there’s the party. But all I will say to that is you will probably be dressed in your 80’s attire, ready for the hill when you wake up. It is truly a weeklong festival for steep slope enthusiasts who capture their lives on film and for the mountain community, both simply doing what they love.

The Cold Smoke Awards takes place in Bozeman, Montana in early April. For more information, to submit a film or learn more, visit the Cold Smoke Awards website.

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