Free ‘High Country’ screening to spark discussion on growth versus conservation in Park City’s future

The town of Crested Butte, Colorado. Photo: Wikimedia Commons // Chris Segal, CC0

PARK CITY, Utah — In partnership with Leadership Park City, Park City Film presents ‘High Country’ to inspire a community discussion about Park City’s future. Admission is free. Park City Film requests but does not require advance registration. The movie will be shown Sept. 30 at 7 p.m. at the Jim Santy Auditorium at the Park City Library. Come for the film, but stay for the discussion.

‘High Country’ could have been about Park City

Entrenched in nostalgia, ‘High Country’ tells a timeless American story. A community of conscientious and forward-thinking young people, disguised as ski bums and hippies, happen upon a ramshackle mining town on the fringe of society and work to conserve and protect it for years to come. Crested Butte, Colorado has always been a place defined by its people. During the 1960s and 70s, this lawless frontier town provided a hide-out and ultimately a paradise for those wandering souls. Driven by stewardship over greed, this progressive group creates a world of their own. Since that time, Crested Butte has continued to grapple with how best to walk the line between growth and conservation. Small towns across America face this challenge today. Crested Butte is a unique example of such a place. Despite economic pressures, it managed to maintain its strong sense of character. The goal of this film is to share the story of one town, in the hopes of inspiring community amongst others.

Award-winning film director encourages community pride and planning

“Crested Butte is a microcosm of a much larger American debate, a debate of who we want to be. If we simply acquiesce and standby as progress bounds forward, we’re going to be left in the dust, complaining. But, if we embrace our local communities with care, if we consider the future, then we might see some positivity within the progress. We exist in one of the most divisive eras in American history; in order for us to save our communities and conserve our natural world we must embrace progress with care and consideration, much like the town of Crested Butte has consistently attempted to do.”

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Join the post-film discussion

The post-film discussion will be led by Myles Rademan, Park City’s retiring director of leadership. A panel with Leadership Park City alumni who exemplify the important role of community activism will contribute to the discussion. The panelists are Dana Williams, former 3-term Park City Mayor; Katy Wang, Park City Film’s executive director; Eyee Hsu, climate change activist; and Sara Jo Dickens, environmental activist.