For Hood River's Winter PrideFest, Columbia Arts presents a collection of short films at the intersection of queer identity and the outdoors. From rivers to forests, open roads to surreal landscapes, these stories explore mentorship, self-identity and reinvention, and the natural world: canoe-making becomes a vessel for healing, a carabiner holds history beyond climbing, and a tin man in the woods grapples with identity and what remains after loss... From the Canyons of Utah to the cruising spots of Oregon, these films share a range of queer stories, primarily from PNW filmmakers.

Runtime: Approx 75 mins.
Rating: All films are unrated. Be advised the final film in the program contains 4 seconds of mild sexual content with rear nudity (~PG-13).
Accessibility: Columbia Arts is accessible to those with physical disabilities. Please request accessible seating at checkout, and we'll ensure it's held for you.

PROGRAM DETAILS

Canyon Chorus
Directed by Mikah Meyer

Set against the backdrop of Desolation Canyon, UT, Mikah Meyer reflects with three close friends and his mentor, Larry Edwards, on their stories and the power of mentorship within the queer community. As a child, Mikah believed he could never have a successful life AND be publicly out and gay. When he met Larry, his openly gay choir professor, a lifelong mentorship was born. Amidst conversations and joy along the river, we understand the power and importance of their friendship. As Larry enters what he calls the ‘final chapter’ of his life, he reflects on the lifelong fight for openness and vulnerability within the queer community and through the desolation of nature, finds contentment in a job well done.

Mikah Meyer is a world-record traveler as the first person to visit all of America's 400+ National Park Service sites in a single journey, and a noted journalist and LGBTQ+ advocate.

The Tin Woods
Produced by Nick Boxwell and Mattzilla Duron
An experimental animated short film about identity and loss from the point of view of the Tin Woodman of Oz. “The Tin Woodman’s story is a reminder that when we put ourselves back together after trauma, we might be a different person, but that doesn’t mean we are no longer ourselves.”
Nic Boxwell is a designer living and working in Portland Oregon. Mattzilla Duron is an award-winning stop motion puppet fabricator

stʕámiyaʔ the doe who grew horns
Directed by Evan Benally Atwood
The documentary follows a group of stʕámiyaʔ, Two-Spirit, and Indigiqueer individuals learning to build a canoe under the guidance of Dr. Shawn Brigman. Through the journey, they connect with their ancestry, community, and identities while preparing for a historic milestone: the first Two-Spirit Powwow at Spokane Falls, WA.
The film was created in collaboration with DH Spokane for the WA Dept of Health for a Statewide campaign for a Native crisis hotline.

Evan Benally Atwood is an Indigiqueer creative who’s documenting stories through their art and using it as a platform to uplift and empower marginalized voices.

The History of the Carabiner
Directed by Gianna Mazzeo
Follow the carabiner’s story, from its humble climbing roots to empowering butch mechanics and postal workers in the 60s, becoming a potent signal of identity and attraction in the 80s (think Tinder, but with hardware) and as a fashion accessory today.
Gianna Mazzeo is a Writer, Director, and Filmmaker based in Amsterdam & Melbourne/Naarm.

The Dalles
Directed by Angalis Field
In rural Oregon, 18-year-old Cam navigates his gender identity while working at his family’s cherry stand near The Dalles. A chance encounter with a handsome cyclist leads him to Rooster Rock, a well-known cruising spot, sparking a moment of self-discovery. A queer coming-of-age neo-western, The Dalles explores desire, identity, and the quiet moments of transition. *

Angalis Field is a filmmaker living in New York City. Angalis Field is a filmmaker living in New York City.