Leavenworth Mountain Film Festival returns after four-year hiatus

LEAVENWORTH – After a four-year hiatus prompted by the pandemic, the Leavenworth Mountain Film Festival will return on March 22 at the Leavenworth Festhalle.

The 8th annual film festival will showcase outdoor recreation-focused films from local, regional and international filmmakers. The evening will feature award-winning films focusing on outdoor pursuits and the natural world. Doors will open at 6 p.m., with the first film premiering at 7 p.m. The festival’s signature festivities, including free limousine rides, a red carpet with paparazzi, and live half-time entertainment, will also return.

Leading up to the evening, the festival will have daytime programming, including the Morning Conservation Program and the afternoon Wildlands & Wildlife program.

The Morning Conservation Program will showcase documentaries centered on environmental conservation, such as screenings of “A Disappearing Forest” and “The Forgotten Coast.” The afternoon Wildlands & Wildlife program will present award-winning documentaries that examine the connections between ecosystems, wildlife, and humans, highlighted by screenings of “841,” which tells the story of a popular sea otter, “Alien Contact” showcasing giant sea rays, and “Wild Beast: Manatees.”

Tickets for the Morning Conservation Program or the afternoon Wildlands & Wildlife program are $10 for adults and $5 for children ages 12 and under. Tickets for the evening program are $20 for adults and $5 for children ages 12 and under. Festival passes, which provide access to all events and screenings, are available for $38.

The festival is presented by Icicle TV with support from the Leavenworth Chamber of Commerce. A portion of proceeds from the event will go directly to support ongoing projects at Leavenworth's Ski Hill recreation area, in partnership with the Leavenworth Ski Hill Heritage Foundation.