Documentaries
This article originally appeared in the The Reel section of the Summer 2024 issue of Art with Altitude.
Documentary films have been a highlight of the Bud Werner Memorial Library’s programming because there are so many wonderful stories being shared in this format. Not to mention, documentary films weren’t being shown in any publicly accessible way in the Yampa Valley before the library started showing them. “The Bud Werner Memorial Library puts a lot of energy into curating programs designed for education, enlightenment and escape,” said Jennie Lay, the library’s Adult Programs and Literary Sojourn Festival director. “These programs are free, and they are designed for everyone to have access to new, different, broader perspectives on the world.”
To find the right fit for the library, Jennie watches a lot of films, attends film festivals, reads newspapers and magazines, connects with filmmakers and other culturally interested people and follows up on suggestions. Her decisions are based on a combination of gut instinct and working with well-proven partners that the library staff has come to know and love. The library features documentary films with a wide range of topics, from climate change to social justice, wildlife and adrenaline adventure.
“We are constantly partnering with local organizations to share films that exemplify or highlight different depths of issues or ideas that they are working on. The post-film discussions are for everyone, designed to promote questions and conversation,” said Jennie. Other films help connect the Yampa Valley to bigger, global stories, and sometimes to intimate things happening halfway around the world. “There is almost always a local lens that can be taken from watching films, or information that is ripe for dinner-table conversation and debate. I hope these films help make our community more curious and compassionate and smarter.”
Jennie also oversees Literary Sojourn, the library’s 31-year-old festival of authors and signature annual event. Other programs include the Library Author Series, One Book Steamboat, occasional live music, talks and other cultural events.
Elevate the Arts: Don’t miss the Indie Lens Pop-Up film series, Wild Films, a series of shorts and features from the International Wildlife Film Festival, Mountainfilm On Tour, Reel Rock, Manhattan Shorts, Climate Future Film Fest, Dance on Film and Bud Watch parties. Subscribe to the library’s events newsletters so you don’t miss out.
