Gorton Center and Lake Forest Open Lands present… All Ages Shorts Program!

A curated look at some of the very best Mountainfilm on Tour has to offer. The program offers an eclectic mix of films about extreme sports, nature, and animals. Bring the whole family along for a memorable experience in our John and Nancy Hughes Theater! We carefully selected films for this program that we feel will be a big hit with our community. Suitable for all ages.

All Ages Shorts Films:

Milk

Milk is an endearing and sweet short film about a young girl who buys milk for a man who can’t afford it instead of buying herself something. This heartwarming representation of true good character and selflessness is a much-needed reminder that good people do exist. This film encourages us to step away from our own selfish tendencies and embrace others so we can realize that even the smallest things can bring joy to their day. And, if this film tells us anything, those small moments of joy can lead to a brighter world.

New Zealand/ Duration: 5 min
Directed by: Celia Jaspers

Batsies

Batsies examines two women’s tender relationship with an animal that’s feared and loathed: the bat. We follow the journey of Dr. Weaver and Dr. Fritts as they conduct cutting-edge research throughout rural Texas, where wind turbines pose a new threat to bat populations. Bats save billions of dollars in agriculture costs by consuming insects that feed on crops. But the COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in deepened public stigma toward these winged mammals. Through their research efforts, quirky friendship and shared bat obsession, Batsies is a fresh take on saving a creature that’s considered the ultimate outcast.

USA/ Duration: 15 min
Directed by: Elizabeth Unger

Jojo – A Toad Musical

Jojo is a kid who lives in the city and loves nature, especially toads. He also loves music and writing rap songs. Jojo combines his love of nature and love of music to write fun environmental rap songs about how we need to protect nature. He shares a good tip at the end, so wait for it.

USA/ Duration: 8 min
Directed by: Chelsea Jolly & David Herasimtschuk

High Road

High Road celebrates the unbreakable bond between Paralympian Meg Fisher and Jack Berry, a young Para athlete whose cycling career is just beginning to unfold. Together the two navigate life’s obstacles with grace and integrity, creating space for the next generation of Para cyclists.

USA/ Duration: 12 min
Directed by: Lindsey Hagen

Meet a Mad Farmer: A-Frame Farm

Luke and Ali Peterson are not your normal farmers. They are regenerative farmers surrounded by corn and soybeans for miles. The Petersons’ farm is a sign of diversity and healthy crops. To others they might seem crazy, but the Petersons think of regenerative farming and food as a beacon of hope for a healthier farming system, showcasing that soil health can lead to healthier foods and happier farmers.

USA/ Duration: 6 min
Directed by: Kirk Horton & Brendan Davis

Paddle Tribal Waters

Paddle Tribal Waters is a positive way to celebrate the removal of the Klamath dams and support the tribal nations by ensuring their youth have a say in the dam removal. This short film encourages education about the dams while also showing how to enjoy the river’s beauty.

USA/ Duration: 9 min
Directed by: Paul Robert Wolf Wilson & Rush Sturges

Not The Science Type: Gitanjali

Gitanjali was only 4 years old when she got a science kit and started creating inventions. By now, she has made 11 innovations, including one to address the water crisis in Flint, Michigan. Although she has already done more good in her life than most adults, she is far from finished on her journey to help the world.

USA/ Duration: 7 min
Directed By: Julio Palacio

Tear Down The City

Mountain biker Xavier Massicotte tears around the streets, stairs, parks and subways of Montreal in this fast-paced, flowy adventure.

Canada/ Duration: 5 min
Directed by: Hugo Dubé-Bouchard