Film fest raises $7K for KLT, POP
Columnist and author Ammi Midstokke answers a question during a panel discussion at the start of the No Man's Land Film Festival on March 31. The festival raised more than $7,000 for Kaniksu Land Trust and Pend Oreille Pedalers.
(Photo courtesy HOBIE HILER)
Maeve Nevins-Lavtar, park planning and development manager with the city of Sandpoint, pictured at right, talks at a discussion before the No Man's Land Film Festival.
No Man's Land Film Festival attendees talk during a break at the March 31 event.
No Man's Land Film Festival attendees are pictured at the March 31 event. The film festival raised more than $7,000 for Kaniksu Land Trust and Pend Oreille Pedalers.
SANDPOINT — They'd hoped for a few thousand dollars to donate to Kaniksu Land Trust and Pend Oreille Pedalers.
Instead, the No Man's Land Film Festival raised over $7,000.
Held this past Friday, March 31, the community event both uplifted the Sandpoint outdoor and recreational community and called attention to the importance of inclusivity and accessibility to the outdoors, Lauren Sanders, managing director of the Panida Theater, said.
The event was sponsored by Claire Anderson, co-owner of Burger Dock; Matchwood Brewery, and Alpine Shop. All ticket and raffle sales were donated to Kaniksu Land Trust and Pend Oreille Pedalers.
“My heart is so full,” Sanders said. “I knew in order for this event to work we had to uplift and donate some of the proceeds from the event to local nonprofits who are doing the work to ensure our outdoors are inclusive."
After talking, Sanders and event partner, Samantha Ryan of Roamfest Collective, landed on POP and KLT. They hoped, the Panida director said, to raise $3,000.
"I am lost for words. What this tells me is that events like this, where we rally and bring together the whole community, really resonate with our community members," Sanders said.
She thanked all who took part and noted that the festival couldn't have raised the money it did without "amazing sponsors who believed in our vision," businesses who donated to the event and community members who showed up.
Kaniksu Land Trust and Pend Oreille Pedalers officials praised the event, organizers and the community. They said they are grateful to the Panida, its partners and the community for bringing the film festival to Sandpoint to benefit their groups.
"The enthusiasm and support for this event shows that we all agree that the outdoors is for everyone," Marcy Timblin, Kaniksu Land Trust communications director, said.
The event was a wonderful evening of community and inspiration, Paula Lee, Pend Oreille Pedalers treasurer, agreed.
"We are so thankful to the Panida Theater, the local businesses and the community for coming together in support of the No Man’s Land Film Festival, and the vision and community projects that the Pend Oreille Pedalers and Kaniksu Land trust are working on, to provide outdoor enjoyment for all," Lee said.
Support from the event will help POP to obtain its goal of creating a new bike skills park in Travers Park.
The festival showcased films telling stories of women and gender non-conforming athletes in the outdoor industry. In addition, a panel discussion beforehand featured Ammi Midstokke, Maeve Nevins-Lavtar, and Gwen Victorsen speaking about the Sandpoint outdoor and recreational industries. During intermission, a raffle was held with over 30 prizes from local businesses.
This year's festival was "just a glimpse into something amazing," Sanders said, adding the top is to make next year's festival a weekend-long event. That could mean community activities such as bike rides, speakers from one of the films, and a showcase of local music, art and businesses, she added.
