Mountainfilm on Tour 2026: Adventure Shorts Program
Mountainfilm on Tour 2026: Adventure Shorts Program
Sat, January 31
4:00 pm - 5:30 pm
$5 – $10 
Time
Sat, January 31, 2026 4:00 pm - 5:30 pmPricing
$5 student ticket, $10 general admission/adult ticket, $45 Festival Pass, $25 Student Festival Pass
Resources
MountainfilmLocation
400 E. Illinois Road Lake Forest, IL 60045
Sponsor
Gorton Center and Lake Forest Open Lands present… Adventure Shorts!
The Mountainfilm on Tour: Adventure Shorts program provides an eclectic mix of stories about appreciating the natural world and competing in extreme sport. Like any great adventure, the program has its share of grueling climbs and breathtaking descents, as well as more contemplative moments that focus on the beauty of the wild. It’s a program that’s sure to bring out the nature lover and thrill seeker in all of us!
Consider purchasing a festival pass to enjoy everything the weekend has to offer!
Experience Winterfest: Après-Ski Vibes, Food, Music, and Fun!
Feel the cozy winter vibes at Gorton by diving into the festive atmosphere of Winterfest, a free event included with your Mountainfilm on Tour ticket! Transport yourself to an alpine escape in the ‘Stuart Ski Lodge’, where the charm of a ski chalet meets lively entertainment and delicious bites.
Here’s What’s Happening in the Stuart Ski Lodge
- Live Acoustic Music – Enjoy live music while you soak in the après-ski vibe
- Craft Libations – Enjoy craft brews and signature “ski-style” cocktails for purchase
- Food Trucks – Featuring something for everyone!
Stuart Ski Lodge Hours on Friday are 6- 7:30 PM and on Saturday are 3:30- 7:30 PM
Dress in your coolest après-ski apparel, grab a drink and hang out with friends in our warm and welcoming lodge. Whether you’re refueling after the short films or gearing up for the medley, Winterfest has everything you need for an unforgettable evening.
Dinner plans? Done.
Après-ski experience? Perfect.
Mountainfilm on Tour Festival? Totally Rocks.
Come for the films, stay for the fun!
Adventure Shorts films:
Whispers
Whispers is an exploration of the deep connection between skiers and the mountains, capturing the raw intensity and quiet beauty that draw us back year after year. The film showcases the magic of skiing long after the crowds have gone, where the glow of headlamps cuts through the darkness, snowflakes shimmer under moonlight and every turn feels otherworldly.
USA/ Duration: 6 min
Directed by: Josh Fairmont, Oliver Smith
Rogatkin
Mullet, no visor, fired up and spinning like a top, Nicholi Rogatkin is a slopestyle mountain bike rider like no other. His fearless approach and innovative tricks have redefined what is possible in the sport. Rogatkin has been competing for over 20 years, and he’s still on the rise. He’s the ultimate hype man, and if the world could figure out how to harness Rogatkin’s energy, it could power the planet.
USA, Canada/ Duration: 15 min
Directed by: Keenan DesPlanques
ANNIKA – Where She Lands
Annika Malacinski is chasing more than just a podium — she’s fighting for equality in her sport. Where She Lands follows the U.S. Nordic Combined skier as she pushes the limits of what’s possible, balancing the relentless pursuit of excellence with the weight of a larger battle. As she fights for women to have the same Olympic opportunities as men, the film captures an athlete at a crossroads — determined to leave her mark, no matter where she lands.
Norway/ Duration: 10 min
Directed by: Michael Schwartz
Momo
From the humble beginnings of a small African village to the dazzling heights of Cirque du Soleil, Momo shares the story of a man who defied gravity and destiny. This short film is a celebration of resilience and the magic of flight, where Momo doesn’t just perform — he transcends.
USA/ Duration: 2 min
Directed by: Michael Schwartz
Eliot Jackson – Drop The Mic
Eliot Jackson has sneaky superpowers. You might know him for his commentary skills as one of the voices of RedBull TV’s mountain bike coverage or from his community-building and advocacy efforts with Grow Cycling. But not many people know him from one of his more underground claims to fame: Being one of the most badass riders to ever scrub-whip a mountain bike.
Canada/ Duration: 2 min
Directed by: Scott Secco
First In, Last Out
When competitive swimmer from Colorado Christa Funk joined the Coast Guard, she found herself stationed on Oahu, Hawaii for five years, where she discovered the world of surf photography. Inspired by the memory of her father and his parting words, Funk pushed herself into the world’s most dangerous and crowded surf lineups, becoming one of the best surf photographers in the world, and notably, one of the few women out there.
USA/ Duration: 25 min
Directed by: Keith Malloy
Strike – Mary Rand
Follow snowboarder Mary Rand on a few strategic strike missions to some of the snowiest locales in the world. First was a couple weeks in Japan’s fabled Hakuba region for some of the deepest snow of the season. Then came a quick stint near Rand’s home in Washington for some boot packing around the Mount Baker backcountry. The final stop on the world tour was with Alaska Heliskiing to get on some of the legendary spine lines outside Haines.
USA/ Duration: 3 min
Directed by: Liam Gallagher
The First Woman Ever To Drop At Red Bull Rampage
When Robin Goomes learned she’d be competing in the 2024 Red Bull Rampage, an invitation-only free ride mountain bike competition, she set her sights on victory. Follow Goomes as she navigates the brutal demands of crafting and testing her line, and pushing her limits before making her final drop into the most challenging event of her career.
USA/ Duration: 9 min
Directed by: Satchel Cronk
Magic Hour
Alaska is the ultimate heli-skiing playground, and Cordova’s Points North Heli is the spot for untouched powder. Magic Hour follows Griffin Post and Michelle Parker as they hit massive lines during an epic spring.
USA/ Duration: 7 min
Directed by: Todd Jones
Summer In The City
On a hot summer afternoon, two friends attempt to ride every inch of Salt Lake City and the surrounding trails on their mountain bikes.
USA/ Duration: 3 min
Directed by: Michael Brown
White Gold
From the Silverton road gap to the infamous Telluride Trestle, legendary freeskier Bobby Brown and friends spent the winter filming around the San Juan Mountains. This film showcases Brown’s athleticism, the allure of the snowy peaks and the pure joy of hucking kickers on a bluebird day.
USA Duration: 6 min
Directed by: Peter Brown, Amon Barker
Co-Presenter
Gorton Center houses the beautiful John and Nancy Hughes Theater featuring professional sound, light, video, and digital cinema technology. The 309-seat theater is a wonderful space to watch a film - we offer a wide variety - ranging from classics from the past to newer releases, documentary films and festivals, kids and family movies, and we screen John Hughes movies several times a year.
Gorton Center is a premier destination for outstanding cultural and performing arts experiences serving the residents of Lake Forest, Lake Bluff, and the surrounding region. As a proud nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization, we are dedicated to enriching our community through an array of exceptional events and programs.
At Gorton Center, we believe in the transformative power of the arts. Our vibrant calendar is brimming with diverse offerings, ensuring there's always something to captivate and inspire you. From live music performances that resonate with your soul to comedy nights that leave you in stitches, we curate events to suit all tastes and interests. Our dedication to quality and community engagement means you can expect only the best in cultural entertainment.
Whether you’re a long-time resident or a visitor, there’s always something extraordinary waiting for you. Come be a part of our community, where every event is an opportunity to connect, enjoy, and be inspired.
Gorton Center will take and may use photos and videos from this event for its promotional purposes. Your attendance indicates your consent to the above.
There is no refund given for unused film or event tickets.
Easily Reach our Development Team using the form below.
Laura Demmer, Director of Development
Ann Kiesling, Development Associate
847-234-6060
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The John & Nancy Hughes Center Seating Chart
