Yosemite: Range of Light Film Festival

 

El Capitan in Yosemite National Park

 

One hundred and fifty years ago, President Abraham Lincoln recognized the beauty of the Yosemite Valley and vowed to keep it in its natural state, free from development. He signed the Yosemite Land Grant, ensuring that 39,000 acres of the Yosemite Valley and nearby Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias would be set aside for “public use, resort and recreation.” That act is believed to have given birth to the idea of the national park system.

To commemorate this milestone in the park’s history, Yosemite National Park is hosting the Range of Light Film Festival, a “mid-winter celebration of film, music, storytelling, conservation, art and adventure.” It takes place February 27 to March 2, 2014 at the Yosemite Valley Visitor Center’s theater and auditorium. The theme of the event is "150 Years of Yosemite."

More than a dozen films, ranging from shorts to feature-length movies, will be screened, including “El Capitan,’” a digitally remastered, award-winning film from 1968 that’s recognized as one of the best climbing films of its kind. Also of note is a new documentary directed and narrated by Ken Burns called “Yosemite: A Gathering of Spirit,” about the Yosemite Land Grant signed by Lincoln. In addition to the screenings, there will also be artist and filmmaker panels, and live musical performances.

 

More Information: Range of Light Film Festival

Yosemite Valley Auditorium, 9035 Village Drive, Yosemite National Park, CA 95389

Phone: 209-372-0200

Dates: February 27 – March 2, 2014

Tickets: $10 to $30**

Lodging Discounts: 10%-15% with promo code ROLFF. Call 801-559-5057.

 

**Thursday night's screening of 100 years of Yosemite on Film and Yosemite: Fate of Heaven is a free event, open to the public.