Renowned Mountainfilm Festival comes to St. Louis with inaugural “Mound City Film Series”
St. Louis brands unite to bring the acclaimed Telluride festival to the region, celebrating Open Space STL’s 60th anniversary and inspiring environmental awareness and conservation.
For the first time, one of the nation’s premier film festivals is coming to St. Louis, bringing a world-class celebration of film, storytelling, and conservation with the inaugural Mound City Film Series, a special celebration of the 60th anniversary of Open Space STL. Running monthly from April through September, the film series will bring together documentary films, live music, and curated culinary experiences at 4 Hands Brewing Co. (1220 S 8th St, St. Louis, MO 63104). Open Space STL, a St. Louis-based nonprofit dedicated to habitat restoration and watershed protection, is hosting this event in partnership with River City Outdoors, a champion of outdoor exploration in St. Louis, Missouri-based cannabis company and wellness advocate SWADE Cannabis, and 4 Hands Brewing Co., which will serve as the series’ venue and community gathering space. Mark your calendar for the first screening on Wednesday, April 23, and keep track of all event updates on Facebook here.
The Mound City Film Series is an official extension of the Mountainfilm Festival, one of the nation’s longest-running and most prestigious film festivals. Established in 1979 in Telluride, Colorado, Mountainfilm is an Academy Award-qualifying festival for documentary short films, bringing together filmmakers and changemakers to showcase inspiring stories of adventure, activism, social justice, environmental stewardship, and human resilience. This marks the first time Mountainfilm is coming to St. Louis, with the festival’s Mound City name paying homage to the region’s deep historical and Indigenous roots, recognizing its significance as a cultural and geographical landmark.
The Mound City Film Series will be screened monthly at 4 Hands Brewing Co.’s downtown location from April through September, beginning on Wednesday, April 23. The series is open to the public and will benefit Open Space STL’s conservation efforts, including:
- Land Conservation – Expanding parklands and preserving greenspaces for future generations.
- Watershed Restoration – Restoring 500+ miles of riverways annually through Operation Clean Stream.
- Stewardship Programs – Engaging thousands of volunteers to protect and restore local ecosystems.
“The Mound City Film Series is a powerful way to celebrate Open Space STL’s 60-year legacy of protecting and restoring the incredible open spaces that define our region,” said Charles Whitt, Development and Marketing Manager of Open Space STL. “There is still important work to be done, and through these films, we hope to engage our community in the ongoing effort to preserve and protect the places that make St. Louis truly special.”
For SWADE Cannabis, this series is a natural extension of its commitment to fostering art, creativity, and culture in the St. Louis community. “SWADE has always believed that art and cannabis have a synergy that should be celebrated,” said Brandon Cavanagh, Director of Marketing at SWADE Cannabis. “Mound City Film Series aims to improve our community and support the organizations that uplift St. Louis. By fostering art, creativity, and culture, we can make a difference.”
The series will feature documentary films focused on adventure, activism, social justice, and environmental stewardship, aiming to educate and inspire action. Each series night starts with live music at 4:20 p.m., guest speakers at 6:30 p.m., and the screenings at 7 p.m. Each screening is hosted on the second floor of 4 Hands Brewing Co. and will last approximately 90 minutes. See the full screening schedule below:
Wednesday, April 23: “Interwoven: Stories of Land, Water, and Community”
Opening Night explores mankind’s deep and complex relationship with nature, from melting icebergs to resilient communities and the lasting footprints humans leave on the environment. Through stories of connection, impact, and stewardship, these films invite viewers to reflect on their role in shaping the world around them.
- Featured Films:
- Guest Speakers:
- Bonnie Harper, Executive Director of Open Space STL
- Chris Trunk, Hospitality Director of 4 Hands Brewery
Wednesday, May 28: – “Pedal & Persevere: Stories of Grit, Growth, and the Ride Ahead”
This edition of the series celebrates the spirit of cycling—whether it’s the simple joy of a fall ride, the challenge of pushing limits, or the power of biking to create change. These films showcase resilience, adventure, and the transformative impact of two wheels on both individuals and communities.
- Featured Films:
- Guest Speakers:
- TBD
Wednesday, June 18 – “Threads of Life: Finding Our Place in Nature”
These films invite viewers to reflect on their connection to the natural world—whether through solitude, the vastness of time, the wisdom of wildlife, or the delicate balance of ecosystems. These films explore how people observe, learn from, and coexist with nature, a reminder that humans are just one thread in the intricate web of life.
- Featured Films:
- Guest Speakers:
- Kate Grumke, Senior Environment and Data Reporter of St. Louis Public Radio
Wednesday, July 23 – “Beyond the Summit: Adventure, Resilience, and the Human Spirit”
Embark on a journey through breathtaking landscapes, daring feats, and personal transformation. From soaring above deserts to conquering unseen peaks, these films explore the physical and mental challenges of mountain sports while highlighting the deeper search for peace, connection, and meaning in the wild.
- Featured Films:
- Guest Speakers:
- TBD
Wednesday, August 20 – “Waterlines: Journeys of Resilience, Reverence, and Reckoning”
Flow through stories of perseverance, discovery, and the urgent realities of our changing waterways. From the hidden life of streams to the vanishing Arctic ice, these films explore the power of water—to sustain, challenge, and demand attention.
- Featured Films:
- Guest Speaker:
- Jean Ponzi, Green Resources Specialist of EarthWays Center at Missouri Botanical Garden
Wednesday, September 24 – “Unseen Currents: Culture, Conservation, and Change”
To conclude the series, travel across the globe to explore the deep connections between people, land, and culture. From communities fighting deforestation to unexpected social movements and the consequences of consumerism, these films challenge viewers to see the world through new lenses—revealing resilience, resistance, and the shifting landscapes that shape the future.
- Featured Films:
- Guest Speaker:
- Avery Martinez, Water, Ag & Environment Reporter at KMOV St. Louis
“We wanted to bring this experience to St. Louis because it’s something truly special,” said Chris Trunk, Hospitality Director of 4 Hands Brewing Co. “The Mountainfilm Festival was an experience that still resonates with me to this day, and by joining forces, we hope to inspire our community through storytelling and shared experiences.”
“St. Louis is rich in outdoor recreation opportunities,” said Matt Green, Executive Director of River City Outdoors. “We hope this film series energizes people to get outside, get active and explore our amazing rivers, lakes, forests, trails, crags, and slopes!”
Join us in this exciting celebration of film, adventure, and conservation. Mark your calendar for the first screening on April 23, and keep track of all event updates on Facebook here.
