A series of short films based on the outdoors returns to the Tower Theatre for two nights in February. Mountainfilm On Tour has been an annual fundraiser for the Environmental Center for 23 years. The event features documentary films curated from the Mountainfilm festival in Telluride, Colorado.
This year there’s a slate of nine films. “Paiute Perspectives on Water” is a 2-minute short featuring a tribal elder reading a letter in native Paiute about the sacred role of water within Zion National Park. “Girls Riding High” follows a 19-year-old on her 25-mile bike trip in the backcountry of Alaska. “Between the Lines” highlights a young man’s connection to the water. Alex Obregon worked as a raft guide in southern Chile where he developed a love for fly fishing in whitewater. “Shift Tha Culture” follows pro-snowboarder Zeb Powell on a profound journey of self-discovery. Set against a stunning backdrop, Powell uses his platform to challenge norms and encourage inclusivity. “The Changebaker” tells the story of an immigrant from Colombia who fled the nightmares of war. He opened a bakery in North Carolina and created jobs for fellow immigrants. ICE raids turned his shop into a symbol of resilience with a sign hanging on his door reading “Made in America by the hands of immigrants.” The film “Roots” uses the passion for baseball in the Dominican Republic to ignite a nationwide passion for saving the environment. “GOOCHIE” is a powerful film about adaptive mountain biking. “What the River Knows” focuses on environmental changes happening at Lake Powell in Utah. “Strike-Mary Rand” follows snowboarder Rand on her world-wide quest for the best snow.
Most of the films run about 15 minutes with some only a couple of minutes. All films will have English closed captioning as well as an ASL interpreter. The same shorts will be shown both nights.
“This beloved event brings together outdoor enthusiasts, adventurers and community members who care deeply about the world we live in,” the Environmental Center’s Communication Manager Mary Pantenburg told the Source. “The films explore environmental stewardship, cultural perspectives, and social justice, while also sharing stories that broaden our understanding of global issues, many of which may feel distant yet are deeply connected to life in Central Oregon.”
In 2025 the event raised $20,000 for the Environmental Center, making it the largest fundraiser of the year for the nonprofit.
“Last year, we welcomed 900 attendees and raised thousands of dollars to support our mission,” Pantenburg says. “With 2025 being an especially challenging year for nonprofits, particularly those focused on climate and environmental work, this event is more important than ever.”
Mountainfilm On Tour
Fri & Sat Feb 6 & 7, 6:30pm
Tower Theatre
835 NW Wall St., Bend
towertheatre.org/event/mountainfilm-on-tour---2026
$22 in advance/$25 day of show
This article appears in the Source January 15, 2026.
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