The first installment of DocUtah has come to an end. DocUtah was the brainchild of Phil Tucket, my boss at work. He had this idea a little over three years ago to create an International Documentary Film Festival. It finally launched on September 16. I attended gala event where Helen Whitney's film on Forgiveness was premiered. This was incredibly moving. Helen is a master film maker and I was privileged to spend some time with her over the last ten days. But for me, Friday was the highlight of my festival experience.
We drove to Kanab to arrive for the first film of the day showing at 10:00a in the Crescent Moon Theatre. The films took us all over the globe. Through the magic of film we were introduced to some people who were passionate about the Glen Canyon and not at all happy when it was destroyed by the dam that created Lake Powell. Then we traveled to Ireland to see the destruction of phone boxes. Someone decided they were an eyesore and needed to be removed and many people did not like the decision. They protested the removal so there are a few remaining boxes. Then to the Canyonlands of Southern Utah where we were introduced to 90 year old Kent Frost. Kent spent his life exploring and touring people through the red rocks and open lands. He said he was privileged to live a frontier life in modern times. Then we met Kazaih the goat woman. She lives in Manti and raises goats. But the amazing thing about Kazaih is that she paints portraits of fallen soldiers. A family will send her a picture and she will paint a beautiful portrait. She says she starts with the eyes because they are the window to the soul and they talk to her while she paints. This film was highly inspiring. After Kazaih we journeyed to Thailand and screened a very moving film titled, The Last Elephants in Thailand. Terrible things are happening to the elephants but there are wonderful people who have created elephant hospitals. I learned that there are volunteer opportunities at these hospitals. I can go on vacation and help the elephants. Then to China because it is believed that this country will soon take over the world. During the film we saw glimpses of India, Nepal, Tibet, Afghanistan and Pakistan. When that film ended Phil inserted a disgusting film about an Oklahoma Snake Festival. Oh my! I will never go to this event. So gross! I am sometimes amazed at the crazy things people do. We stepped out of the theatre and into the light around 4:00p. It was a bright sunshiny day and I had been completely inspired by the films of the day. But I was starving.
We found Grandma Bears or something like that. Amazing sandwiches and an almond rocha milkshake. So divinely delicious! And a wonderful snack before heading to the closing gala event which was held at Angels Landing on the property of the Best Friends Animal Sanctuary. We listened to the Canyon Symphony and watching Pancho Barnes and the Happy Bottom Riding Club.
This was an absolutely spectacular day. I am so excited for next year!
