Feature Documentaries & Shorts
THE LAST RIDGE: The Uphill Battles of the 10th Mountain Division (2007)
Extraordinary Rocky Mountain history! More than 60 years ago, the 10th Mountain Division did the impossible in the mountains of Italy, scaling a 2000 foot cliff on a cold winter night to knock the Germans from their impenetrable perch. But the 10th Mountain did more than turn the tide for the Allies in Italy. They revolutionized winter mountain warfare abroad, transformed winter sports at home, and blazed a path of honor for generations to come. The remarkable story of how the heroic 10th Mountain Division came to be. This award-winning documentary brings the extraordinary 10th Mountain legacy to life, from the uphill battles they faced during World War II, to the remote corners of troubled Afghanistan where they continue to patrol today. Produced by 10th Mountain descendent Abbie Kealy, the program was filmed extensively in Colorado, Italy, Afghanistan and Yugoslavia, with insights from over one hundred 10th Mountain soldiers. Training re-enactments filmed with the cooperation of Colorado’s 10th Living History Group.
Running time: 57 min.
Rating: G
Sat., Sept. 6th, 2pm – The Steamplant, Salida
Sun., Sept. 7th, 2:30pm – The Tabor Opera House, Leadville
(Producer/Director and 10th Mountain descendent, Abbie Kealy, will introduce the film and conduct a Q & A following both screenings)
Back by popular demand! Horse, rider, skier and snow come together for a thrilling speed and accuracy competition down historic Harrison Avenue of Leadville, Colorado. This engaging documentary short highlights the key concepts and history behind this unique sport and the many interesting characters that come together to participate in its tradition and evolution. Over the past six years, John and Allison Abdelnour have increasingly come to appreciate the media of film and video in communicating ideas that contribute to the elevation of community and world thought. They are part-time videographers living, working, and playing full-time in Buena Vista, Colorado.
Running time: 12 min. (preceding “The Last Ridge”)
Sat., Sept. 6th, 2pm – The Steamplant, Salida
Sun., Sept. 7th, 2:30pm – The Tabor Opera House, Leadville