FANTASTIC FILM FEST – OCT. 14 AT THE TABOR OPERA HOUSE

Back by popular demand! You won’t want to miss the Stories Worth Telling Festival, an evening of inspiring short films. Be sure to join us as this festival returns to the Leadville’s historic Tabor Opera House on Saturday, Oct. 14, 2023, at 5 p.m.


This year’s films feature

  • A former rock star pursuing a life with buffalo,
  • Black teenagers tap dancing their way to adulthood in New Orleans,
  • People overcoming personal struggles to achieve amazing athletic feats,
  • And much more.


All films carry the festival’s values of compassion, innovation, adventure, and community. Buy your tickets today!


2023 FILMS


Peter Hogan – This film shares Peter Hogan’s story as he journeys from overdosing and living a life without hope to standing on the start line of the 2022 Colorado Trail Race with his bicycle.

One Buck Won’t Hurt – This coming of age story follows four Black teenagers from New Orleans, who support themselves by tap dancing for tips, into adulthood. It explores the reckless joys of youth and the bitter realities of growing up fast in the incarceration capital of the world.



The Alchemy of David – Artist-photographer David Michael Kennedy reflects on the state of his medium and wonders if the digital age has taken the magic out of making art.


Between Earth & Sky – In this award-winning film, renowned ecologist Nalini Nadkarni, who pioneered climbing techniques to study the rainforest canopy, turns her research question onto herself. After surviving a life-threatening fall from a tree, Nadkarni must understand the effects of disturbance and recovery throughout her life.


Leo & Chester – A sought-after rock star with a promising career, Leo turns his back on the industry to pursue a life on the land with a herd of buffalo.



JoJo – A Toad Musical – This film celebrates a creative and musical portrait of JoJo Nyaribo, a young nature lover and wildlife advocate, as he explores the meaning of biodiversity and stewardship in his own backyard.


Light Beams For Helena – Renowned freediver Helena Bourdillon explores her journey with depression, her ongoing mental health efforts, and what diving into the darkness of deep water has taught her about life and light.


Soñadora – As an immigrant, Vanessa Chavarriaga, is used to existing between two worlds: that of where she was born, in Colombia, and where she lives now in the United States. This story is for undocumented kids, immigrants, women, people of color, and all of those who fight to exist in spaces that were made without them.



ATTEND AND WIN A MELANZANA “GOLDEN TICKET”


If you love Melanzana and its soft, fleecy outdoor gear, come to the festival, and you could win reservation-free shopping! Melanzana is a festival sponsor, and at the show on Oct. 14th will choose 10 attendees at random to win Melanzana “Golden Tickets.”


If you are chosen, you can shop at Melanzana whenever you like instead of using the reservation system (maximum 1 item per ticket). It’s just one more reason to be some you come to the Stories Worth Telling Festival!


BUY TICKETS

Tickets to the Leadville festival cost $25 for adults and $15 for students ages 6-17. Tickets are free for children six and under. Buy your tickets today!

MORE ABOUT THE STORIES WORTH TELLING FESTIVAL


The Stories Worth Telling Festival is proud to announce growth after its initial festival last year. The short film festival program that will play in Leadville will also run on Thursday, Sept. 28, 2023, at the Buffalo Rose in Golden, Colo. New this year is a Live Storytelling program on Wednesday, Sept. 27, 2023, programmed and hosted by Nick P Ross, storyteller and host of the Moth Storyslam, in Denver, Colo.


Stories Worth Telling Festival would like to thank their incredible partners that help to make this event happen: Colorado Office of Film and Television, City of Golden, City of Leadville, Visit Leadville-Twin Lakes, The Tabor Opera House, The Buffalo Rose, Spirit Builders, Superior Ink, Bivouac Coffee, Rapidgrass, Icelantic Skis, Zeal, Rhythm and Sails, Colorado Mountain College, Climax Molybdenum, Life Time Leadville Race Series, Melanzana, and Vero.


BUY TICKETS!

February 20, 2025
No matter when you visit Leadville and Twin Lakes, you’ll find yourself two miles above sea level (ok, technically 1.9 miles, but who’s counting?). When you visit in March, you’ll be even closer to the glorious Colorado sun because by this time of year, Leadville and Twin Lakes have typically received around two meters of snow! Yes, meters. Here are some great ways you can enjoy the abundant snow and sun! 1) HIT THE SLOPES AT SKI COOPER Like to ski or ride? Check out Ski Cooper for affordable access to uncrowded slopes. Cooper is open seven days a week through Sunday, April 13, 2025. To learn to ski or board or to improve your skills, sign up for lessons for the whole family. 2) RIDE THE TRAIN Hop aboard the Leadville Railroad Winter Express for a 2-hour train ride through some of the area’s most spectacular scenery. The Winter Express runs until April 13th, departing Thursdays through Saturdays at 1:00 p.m plus daily at 1:00pm during spring break from March 9th through March 29th. This is a popular attraction and reservations are required! Book your seats here . 3) GO SNOWMOBILING Snowmobile and ATV tours are a great way to explore Leadville’s historic East Side Mining District, Turquoise Lake Recreation Area and the surrounding hills. A variety of tour styles are available with options for experienced adventure seekers to beginners and families. Vroom, vroom! 4) GO DOGSLEDDING Want a spring break story that’ll make your friends jealous? Hop on a sled and let a team of energetic, tail-wagging huskies whisk you across the snow! You'll glide through stunning mountain scenery with your new four-legged crew leading the way. Dogsledding is a thrilling, unforgettable adventure—and fun for the whole family! 5) GO SNOW ZIPPING Have you ever wanted to zipline in the winter? Now’s your chance! Experience the thrill of our 2-hour Winter Mountain Zip Line Tour , where you’ll descend not one but six exhilarating zip lines, spanning over 8,000 feet of fun. Extend your adventure with the Zip Line and Snowmobile Combo Tour . Get the full scoop on rates, reservations, and restrictions here !
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