Colorado Parks & Wildlife Awards GARNA Outdoor Equity Grant
December 17, 2024
North Shore Betty
Travis Rummel, Darcy Hennessey Turenne
Betty Birrell has been biking the fast, flowy, wooden roller coasters of British Columbia for nearly 30 years. She’s a pioneer and legend who pushes limits and instills her love for the outdoor lifestyle in her son. At 73, Betty continues to reinvent herself and inspire younger generations with the belief that life is just one big playground.
(USA, 2022, 12 min.)
Trustfall
Stefan Witts
A couple of world-class wingsuit flyers, Espen and Amber, attempt an unlikely routine together as professionals and partners. The film takes us through a narrative of romance in freefall, diving through narrow windows of completion that redefine the stakes by which trust and compatibility in partnership is defined. The two discuss the beauty and challenges of freefalling through partnership, the importance of trust and what it’s like to fly.
(Norway, 2021, 11 min.)
Bacon ‘N’ Laces
Director: Stephen Michael Simon
In Bacon ‘N’ Laces, a blind single father of three manages a classic diner outside of New York City. This father’s love for his children, his perseverance to defy the odds that come with his blindness and his appreciation for classic sneakers is a dose of joy. This short film is a playful portrait of a dad and his children who refuse to be limited by their struggles.
(USA, 2021, 19 min.)
The Farmer
Michael James Brown
Through years of simple living, David Van Dame spent over 35 years of his life dedicated to chasing turns in the Cottonwood Canyon and harvesting powder.
(USA, 2021, 3 min.)
15 MINUNTE INTERMISSION
The Trails Before Us
Fritz Bitsoie
Nigel James’s parents and grandmother are immensely proud that he brought mountain biking to their remote corner of the Navajo Nation. His grandmother, Lorraine Herder, is gratified to see old horse trails restored and repurposed. Mountain biking reminds his father Marvin of the sacred bond between the Diné people and horses. Whether they traverse the landscape on horseback or on bike, the journey connects the Diné to their land and traditional culture.
(USA, 2021, 13 min.)
Ascend: Reframing Disability in the Outdoors
Faith E. Briggs
Vasu Sojitra doesn’t want to be called an inspiration. For the Indian-American right leg amputee, it’s not his disability, but instead, the barriers to access the outdoors that must be overcome. His ascent and ski descent of iconic Mount Moran’s “The Skillet,” alongside other mountain athletes of color, brings solidarity and intersectionality to backcountry skiing.
(USA, 2021, 12 min.)
Breaking Trail
Jesse Roesler
Emily Ford sets out with a borrowed Husky sled dog, Diggins, to complete the 1,200-mile Ice Age Trail in the midst of winter. Not only is she the first woman to attempt the feat, but she is also the first LBGTQ+ person of color to embark on the adventure. As her story gathers momentum in local, national and international press, Emily learns she’s become a figurehead to encourage those who don’t feel like they belong in wild places — especially people of color — to spend more time in nature.
(USA, 2021, 30 min.)
Write Your Line
Augey Marc, Collet Andy
A young boy dreams of becoming like his favorite athletes.
(France, 2021, 3 min.)
GARNA works with communities of the upper Arkansas River valley to foster the stewardship of the region’s natural environment and the resilience of our communities.
