Kicking ass

For the third year in a row, the “No Man’s Land Film Festival” is coming to Durango.

The all-women adventure film fest will be held in the Vallecito Room in FLC’s Student Union on Thurs., March 30, 6:30-9:30 p.m.

The first film, “Who Are You to Tell a Story?” by Erica Hinck, is an “intimate view of the filmmaker’s frustrations and fears,” according to the event lineup.

“Reclaim Your Water: Natasha Smith” tells the story of Smith, a member of the Ebony Beach Club, a multicultural organization focused on surfing. In the film, Smith shares her story in the hopes of increasing representation in surf, skate and other sports that have historically been exclusively white.

“Miles to Go” tells the story of trans trail runner Perry Cohen, who formed a team of runners who identify as trans men with the goal of competing in states that have proposed or passed anti-LGBTQ+ legislation. “In 2022 alone, there have been over 300 anti-LGBTQ+ bills proposed in various states,” the event listing says. “‘Miles to Go’ follows their journey into the world of trail running and the freedom to be themselves on the trail.”

“A Woman’s Place” highlights the Pinnacle Club, a women’s rock climbing group in the U.K. The film dives into womens’ long-standing involvement in climbing while also rebalancing the notion that the sport is primarily male dominant.

“Practicing Freedom” is a short documentary about queer folks and women of color as they build a community within the mountain biking world. 

And finally, the last film is “Precious Leader Woman,” which focuses on Canadian snowboarder Spencer O’Brien. In 2014, she was expected to win gold at the Sochi Olympics, but when she placed 12th, fans were shocked. What few people knew is that Spencer was suffering from rheumatoid arthritis, which caused debilitating pain. After the defeat, she retreated to her hometown in traditional Kwakwaka’wakw territory, north of Vancouver, along the coast of British Columbia. There, with the guidance of her family and close-knit community, she reconnected with her Indigenous culture and regained the strength to reenter the sport and defy all odds.

For more info and to buy tickets, visit https://bit.ly/3TMV5TH