The Spotlight Program of the 2021 IndieWomen Film Festival will be the No Man's Land Film Festival's Diversity Program (Black Lives Matter).
No Man's Land Film Festival (NMLFF) is the premier all-women adventure film festival based out of Denver, Colorado, that meets a need and desire to highlight and connect
women in pursuit of the radical. We are a collaboration and celebration of humans who are deeply engaged in enhancing the feminine presence in the adventure arena. The goal of this festival is to connect like-minded individuals who are action-oriented, wish to support a shared vision of gender equality, have a desire to experience their passions and environments through a uniquely feminine lens, and above all, love adventure.
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DIVERSIFY OUR OUTDOORS
1 // Who Are You To Tell A Story? (3:10)*
Director + Producer: Erica Hinck
Female Director + Producer
An intimate view of the filmmaker’s frustrations and fears. Erica never thought this project would be viewed on such a big screen by so many people at once. While it is scary for her, she’s thankful for those who make her feel brave and for all of you for watching it now.
2 // Reclaim Your Water: Natasha Smith (4:40)* Director: Faith E. Briggs
Producers: Kesshaan Cortez, BJ Frogozo + Purvi Patel Female Director
Breaking barriers and making her own waves, Natasha Smith is a core member of the Ebony Beach Club. She shares her own story in hopes of increasing representation in surf, skate, and any other sport or activity that has historically been exclusive and can give such an individual sense of freedom.
3 // Miles To Go (8:14)
Director: James Saunders
Producers: Palmer Morse + Matt Mikkelsen
In 2022 alone there have been over 300 anti-LGBTQ+ bills proposed in various states across the country. Refusing to sit idly by, trans trail runner Perry Cohen (he/him) formed a team of fellow runners who identify as trans men with an aim to compete in races in states proposing and passing hateful legislation. Miles to Go follows their journey into the world of trail running and the freedom to be themselves on the trail.
4 // Letting Go of the Grade (11:42)*
Directors: Jules Jimreivat + Lizzy VanPatten
Producers: Jules Jimreivat, Lizzy VanPatten, Kelsey McGrew + Cody Kaemmerlen
Female Directors + Producers
Letting Go of the Grade follows four climbers as they work to overcome outside pressures to enjoy climbing.
5 // Soñadora (7:09)* Director: Jr Rodriguez Producer: Sofia Jaramillo Female Producer
As an immigrant, Vanessa Chavarriaga, is used to existing between two worlds: that of where she was born, in Colombia, and where she lives now in the United States. “For years I existed in between things– American culture and Colombian culture. Español e inglés. Community and solitude. Reality and performance. I was unwanted.” This is her story of being split between two cultures while learning to thrive with her own unique identity, told through running, skiing, and poetry.
6 // Practicing Freedom (4:05)*
Director: Cheshire Li
Producers: Cheshire Li + Rachel Gottfried
Non-binary Director + Producer, Female Producer
Practicing Freedom is a short documentary film centering queer folks and women of color as they navigate the challenges and joys of building an inclusive community, learning about themselves, and increasing representation in mountain biking.
7 // Apayauq (16:29)*
Director: Zeppelin Zeerip
Producer: Princess Daazhraii Johnson
Female Producer
Apayauq Reitan's journey to become the first out transgender woman to complete the legendary Iditarod sled dog race.
8 // Beyond Begbie (13:36)*
Director: Zoya Lynch
Producer: Natalie Segal
Female Director + Producer
Recipient of the 2018 NMLFF Pitchfest Film Fund
A short film that explores the history of the land and its shared significance to Indigenous groups and mountain sports enthusiasts. Standing tall over the Revelstoke valley Mount Begbie has inspired an entire community. It is iconicized in the logos and names of local businesses, featured heavily in artists’ works, is photographed by every visiting tourist, and most importantly of all, is explored by the outdoor enthusiast - no matter the season.
Climbing Mt Begbie is a “right of passage” for every hiker, climber, sledder, and skier who chooses to make Revelstoke their home. While this peak has created an entire contemporary culture in Revelstoke, its name and story only represent colonial history, with no reference to the Indigenous heritage of this land. Is it the outdoor community’s responsibility to help change this?
9 // Erin McGrady - Who is a Runner? (8:49)* Directors: Faith Briggs + Tim Kemple Producers: Faith Briggs + Cynthia Martinez Female Director + Producers
It takes the first 5-6 miles for the “bird’s nest” in Erin McGrady’s head to unravel. And then, putting one foot in front of the other, the photographer and writer work to create and celebrate safe spaces for others in the queer community. Together, with her wife Caroline Whatley, in spite of all they are up against as queer women in the South, they turn their attention toward the joy they get from traveling and creating community.
10 // Elevated (15:08)* Director: Palmer Morse Producer: Rachel Weinberg Female Producer
Effective communication is a challenge every climber faces. It’s a sport that requires intense focus, dedication, and overcoming fear. For Deaf climber Sonya Wilson, communication and community is of vital importance. Elevated is a non-verbal film sharing Sonya’s experience as a Deaf woman and outdoor advocate working to bridge the gap between the Deaf community and the outdoor industry, one crag at a time.
- Year2021
The Spotlight Program of the 2021 IndieWomen Film Festival will be the No Man's Land Film Festival's Diversity Program (Black Lives Matter).
No Man's Land Film Festival (NMLFF) is the premier all-women adventure film festival based out of Denver, Colorado, that meets a need and desire to highlight and connect
women in pursuit of the radical. We are a collaboration and celebration of humans who are deeply engaged in enhancing the feminine presence in the adventure arena. The goal of this festival is to connect like-minded individuals who are action-oriented, wish to support a shared vision of gender equality, have a desire to experience their passions and environments through a uniquely feminine lens, and above all, love adventure.
--
DIVERSIFY OUR OUTDOORS
1 // Who Are You To Tell A Story? (3:10)*
Director + Producer: Erica Hinck
Female Director + Producer
An intimate view of the filmmaker’s frustrations and fears. Erica never thought this project would be viewed on such a big screen by so many people at once. While it is scary for her, she’s thankful for those who make her feel brave and for all of you for watching it now.
2 // Reclaim Your Water: Natasha Smith (4:40)* Director: Faith E. Briggs
Producers: Kesshaan Cortez, BJ Frogozo + Purvi Patel Female Director
Breaking barriers and making her own waves, Natasha Smith is a core member of the Ebony Beach Club. She shares her own story in hopes of increasing representation in surf, skate, and any other sport or activity that has historically been exclusive and can give such an individual sense of freedom.
3 // Miles To Go (8:14)
Director: James Saunders
Producers: Palmer Morse + Matt Mikkelsen
In 2022 alone there have been over 300 anti-LGBTQ+ bills proposed in various states across the country. Refusing to sit idly by, trans trail runner Perry Cohen (he/him) formed a team of fellow runners who identify as trans men with an aim to compete in races in states proposing and passing hateful legislation. Miles to Go follows their journey into the world of trail running and the freedom to be themselves on the trail.
4 // Letting Go of the Grade (11:42)*
Directors: Jules Jimreivat + Lizzy VanPatten
Producers: Jules Jimreivat, Lizzy VanPatten, Kelsey McGrew + Cody Kaemmerlen
Female Directors + Producers
Letting Go of the Grade follows four climbers as they work to overcome outside pressures to enjoy climbing.
5 // Soñadora (7:09)* Director: Jr Rodriguez Producer: Sofia Jaramillo Female Producer
As an immigrant, Vanessa Chavarriaga, is used to existing between two worlds: that of where she was born, in Colombia, and where she lives now in the United States. “For years I existed in between things– American culture and Colombian culture. Español e inglés. Community and solitude. Reality and performance. I was unwanted.” This is her story of being split between two cultures while learning to thrive with her own unique identity, told through running, skiing, and poetry.
6 // Practicing Freedom (4:05)*
Director: Cheshire Li
Producers: Cheshire Li + Rachel Gottfried
Non-binary Director + Producer, Female Producer
Practicing Freedom is a short documentary film centering queer folks and women of color as they navigate the challenges and joys of building an inclusive community, learning about themselves, and increasing representation in mountain biking.
7 // Apayauq (16:29)*
Director: Zeppelin Zeerip
Producer: Princess Daazhraii Johnson
Female Producer
Apayauq Reitan's journey to become the first out transgender woman to complete the legendary Iditarod sled dog race.
8 // Beyond Begbie (13:36)*
Director: Zoya Lynch
Producer: Natalie Segal
Female Director + Producer
Recipient of the 2018 NMLFF Pitchfest Film Fund
A short film that explores the history of the land and its shared significance to Indigenous groups and mountain sports enthusiasts. Standing tall over the Revelstoke valley Mount Begbie has inspired an entire community. It is iconicized in the logos and names of local businesses, featured heavily in artists’ works, is photographed by every visiting tourist, and most importantly of all, is explored by the outdoor enthusiast - no matter the season.
Climbing Mt Begbie is a “right of passage” for every hiker, climber, sledder, and skier who chooses to make Revelstoke their home. While this peak has created an entire contemporary culture in Revelstoke, its name and story only represent colonial history, with no reference to the Indigenous heritage of this land. Is it the outdoor community’s responsibility to help change this?
9 // Erin McGrady - Who is a Runner? (8:49)* Directors: Faith Briggs + Tim Kemple Producers: Faith Briggs + Cynthia Martinez Female Director + Producers
It takes the first 5-6 miles for the “bird’s nest” in Erin McGrady’s head to unravel. And then, putting one foot in front of the other, the photographer and writer work to create and celebrate safe spaces for others in the queer community. Together, with her wife Caroline Whatley, in spite of all they are up against as queer women in the South, they turn their attention toward the joy they get from traveling and creating community.
10 // Elevated (15:08)* Director: Palmer Morse Producer: Rachel Weinberg Female Producer
Effective communication is a challenge every climber faces. It’s a sport that requires intense focus, dedication, and overcoming fear. For Deaf climber Sonya Wilson, communication and community is of vital importance. Elevated is a non-verbal film sharing Sonya’s experience as a Deaf woman and outdoor advocate working to bridge the gap between the Deaf community and the outdoor industry, one crag at a time.
- Year2021
