Mountainfilm: “Return to Mount Kennedy,” A World Premiere

23 May Mountainfilm: “Return to Mount Kennedy,” A World Premiere

The big 40th anniversary celebration of Mountainfilm is here this weekend. Check out the robust schedule for times and venues for films, presentations, the Moving Mountains Symposium, parties, town talks, book-signings, special events and more. Click on the full schedule here and download the Mountainfilm app.

The program includes the world premiere of “Return to Mount Kennedy,” a documentary chronicling the expedition of the sons of Senator Robert F. Kennedy and mountaineering icon Jim Whittaker.

Scroll down to watch the trailer.

Also, Telluride author Susan Dalton captures Mountainfilm‘s best memories in “Mountainfilm: 40 Years.” The beautiful coffee table book costs just $49 (tax included) and can be pre-ordered now here or head to Between the Covers Bookstore, 224 West Colorado Avenue or call 970-728-4504. Look inside here.

“In 1963, I was delighted to receive the Hubbard Medal from President Kennedy. Two years later the National Geographic Society asked me to attempt the first ascent of the highest unclimbed peak in the Canadian Yukon, Mt. Kennedy, and Senator Robert F. Kennedy was a team member.

“Our adventure in 1965 was the beginning of a beautiful friendship and I am so pleased and proud that Bobby’s son, Chris, and my sons, Bobby and Leif, continued that friendship as they returned 50 years later to pay tribute to the snow, ice, rock and legend of Mt. Kennedy,” said Jim Whittaker.

“Return to Mount Kennedy” is an 80-minute documentary that follows the sons of Senator Robert F. Kennedy and mountaineering icon Jim Whittaker as they embark on an expedition 50 years after their fathers’ historic first ascent of the remote mountain. Directed by Eric Becker, this compelling, intimate story artfully weaves past and present into a narrative that spans generations.

“What I initially thought would be a short film about our expedition turned into the biggest project I’ve ever undertaken. After four years of work it’s really satisfying to be able to premier it in front of the Mountainfilm community,” explained Eric Becker

The documentary features original music by Eddie Vedder, never-before-seen archival footage, and includes interviews with Sub Pop records co-founder Bruce Pavitt, mountain guide Dave Hahn, and members of the original climbing team.