Mountaineer Media visits Telluride for film festival

Western Colorado University Film Studies student JR Meek and other members of Western’s Mountaineer Media, a student-run media production company, attended the Telluride Film Festival in September to learn more about other filmmakers’ creative processes.

“I have been interested in film for over ten years now. It is my passion and something I want to pursue for a career,” Meek said. Attending film festivals to view others’ work is something that helps Meek and other students gain knowledge outside of the classroom.

Over 30 different films were screened at the 46th annual film festival with directors from all over the world including Japan, Germany, Spain, the Philippines and South Korea.

“What I found unique about this year’s Telluride Film Festival, compared to other years, is the dynamic culture of filmmakers displaying their movies,” Meek said. “Watching the movies is one thing, but we gain a different insight to the movies by hearing the stories of how they were made. It really enhances our filmmaking experience, and we get more ideas on how to approach making a film.”

Five Western students attended the festival this year, along with Ian Curry, MFA, lecturer in Communication Arts at Western. Mountaineer Media was involved in organizing the trip, including booking hotel rooms, settling budget issues and getting transportation.

Meek’s advice to anyone thinking about attending a film festival is to do it.

“For any future filmmakers, or film enthusiasts, the Telluride Film Festival is the place to experience fantastic films, filmmakers and learn more about filmmaking.”