Green FF: Out There: A National Parks Story + Sending

Out There: A National Parks Story

Director: Brendan Hall

Runtime: 73 minutes

A young filmmaker sets out on a 10,000-mile exploration of the national parks with his childhood best friend during the centennial year of the formation of the National Park Service. Along the way, the two record stories of the people that work in the parks and those that come to enjoy them, as part of the rich tapestry of the history of the park system emerges. Far from any clichéd narrative, they hear profound stories of people from all ages, walks of life, and cultures that come to the parks seeking tranquility, healing, motivation, and connection to the natural world. Between the spectacular shots of the parks and compelling interviews are colorful bits of old maps, posters, and travelogues. This stunning road trip is a tribute to the national parks and their history, and is also a recognition of the people that appreciate them and work to maintain their beauty.

Sending

Director: Carlos Mason

Runtime: 22 minutes

SENDING is an immersive cinematic narrative about a lifetime of rock climbing experience, shared through the intimate perspective of a group of friends coming together for a late winter weekend of bouldering in The Buttermilks.

Through a heart-felt introspective visual poem written by Carlos Mason, the film explores the personal pursuit of fulfillment through rock climbing in the wilderness. Waking at first light after late night drives through darkness, we share beautifully sunlit mountain wanderings of psychedelic-like natural highs that are eventually grounded by climbing’s sharply humbling crux of patience and perseverance. It’s an inspiring cycle towards the majestic summit of reward – Sending the Project – with the embrace of friends supporting from below, and celebrating around the fire, beneath the stars in the Eastern Sierra moonlit glow.

Presented as part of Green Film Festival of San Francisco.