This month, April 28, Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. is bringing the 5Point Film Festival back to WNC for a great cause.
Along with 100% of ticket sales from the festival, for one week, they will be donating $1 from every Pale Ale sold to benefit the Appalachian Trail and Pacific Crest Trail.
Based in Carbondale, Colorado, the 5Point Film Festival is in its 11th year of bringing folks the best in outdoor adventure films with a focus on 5 key principals: respect, commitment, humility, purpose, and balance.
2016 was the last time the 5Point film festival was held in Western North Carolina.
This year, however, the folks at 5Point are doing things different with their satellite showings. Rather than their team running the show, they are handing control over to the venues hosting the events, creating opportunities for more viewings in more locations.
This also leaves the event planning to the hosts, allowing them the freedom be as creative as they’d like with the festival. From the venue selection and activities to the films and discussions, hosts can cater the showing to their specific audience.
Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. is the first to work with the 5Point Film Festival’s new collaborative format. They will be hosting the festival simultaneously at both their Mills River, N.C. and Chico, Ca. locations on April 28. The films featured at the festival have not yet been determined as they are planning on showing only the winning films from the main event in Carbondale on April 21 – 22.
About This Year’s Venue
At the Mills River showing, Sierra Nevada will be screening the films in High Gravity, their large indoor event space located above the taproom and restaurant. Brett McCall will host the screenings, introducing and leading a brief discussion after each film.
Guests will enjoy a select menu for the event and of course, beer. After the screenings, Sierra Nevada will keep the firepit open late for folks to hang out, have another beer and further discuss the films. The Appalachian Trail Conservancy will be attending to discuss their efforts, educate folks about the trail, and share volunteer opportunities. Did I mention there would be beer?
Speaking of beers, make sure you grab a Pale Ale while you’re there. Don’t like them? Then buy one for a friend or a stranger. Why am I being so pushy? Because it’s for a great cause.
Drinking For Good
This year, Sierra Nevada is kicking off their new Pale Ales to Trails campaign, benefitting the Appalachian Trail Conservancy and Pacific Crest Trail Association. For one week, they are donating $1.00 from every Pale Ale sold in their Berkeley, Chico, and Mills River Taprooms to benefit these iconic trails. The weeklong event culminates in the 5Point Film Festival at their Chico, Ca. and Mills River, N.C. locations where they will also be donating 100% of ticket sales to the National Trail System.
Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. has been a long time supporter of public lands, “When we moved East, it was a natural choice for us to give back to the Appalachian Trail.” Says Lee-Ann Loser, Produced Events Team Manager at Sierra Nevada Brewing Co.
The Pacific Crest Trail Association and the Appalachian Trail Conservancy are collaborating with them on the project.
Celebrating 50 Years of Trails
Both organizations will be hosting an event of their own, celebrating the 50th anniversary of the National Trails System Act.
Coast2Coast Trails at 50 will be broadcasted online. Both groups will meet via webcam to cheers, from coast to coast, to 50 years. More information coming soon.
Huge thanks to Lee-Ann Loser of Sierra Nevada for her time and information on the events. She mentioned that the festival will sell out, so get your tickets soon.
We’re looking forward to a great show with great folks at a beautiful venue and delicious beers.
See y’all there.
Justin Forrest is an outdoor writer, fly fishing addict, and co-founder of Narrative North—based in Asheville, N.C. He posts pictures of cats and fishing on Instagram sometimes.
