Mound City Film Festival returns to St. Louis on Saturday, November 7, for its second year of celebrating films, art, music, food, and adventure that makes St. Louis unlike anywhere else. Presented by SWADE Cannabis, the free, one-day festival will take place from 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. at Atomic by Jamo (4140 Manchester Ave.) in The Grove. Guests are encouraged to reserve seats for individual film sessions in advance here.
With the theme Stories That Move Us, the festival brings together regional filmmakers, nationally recognized documentaries, environmental artists, local musicians, culinary talent, and outdoor enthusiasts for a one-of-a-kind cultural experience. Attendees can explore everything from Missouri’s outdoor recreation and conservation efforts to global environmental challenges through film screenings, interactive art demonstrations, live performances, outdoor activities, and food and beverage experiences.
“The Mound City Film Festival celebrates St. Louis and the Midwest through film, music, art, and food activations that showcase those who are innovating in these spaces,” said Charles Whitt of Mound City Film Festival. “We want people to leave inspired by the stories they hear, the artists they meet, and the incredible natural resources and creative community we have right here in our region.”
Four curated film sessions will introduce audiences to a mix of regional stories and nationally recognized films:
- Plant in Focus: Plastic Earth followed by virtual Q&A with Janice Overbeck
- Mound City Stories: regional films about Missouri trails, rivers, conservation, outdoor recreation, and community from Chris Ryan, Kyle Pratt, Thomas Malkowicz, Kyle Spradley, and Ryan Hanlon
- Climate in Motion: environmental shorts about climate impacts and our relationship with nature, including A New Inferno, the first time shown in Missouri, by Nita Blum-Reddick and Jonathan Pickett.
- Beyond the Edge: a curated Mountainfilm programming.
In partnership with Third Degree Glass Factory, guests can enjoy an environmental art exhibition featuring glass artists Ariel Danza and Lendy Middendorf. St. Louis-area artists Steven Walden, Kenya Mitchell and Danielle Gorin are featured and will be on hand to discuss their artistic approach.
Live music will take place throughout the day on the Pavilion Stage, featuring performances by St. Louis musicians Neil C. Luke, indie-folk-pop singer-songwriter Lo Stone, and evening headliner Atomic Junction, whose sound blends Midwest roots, Southern rock, blues and Americana. DJ performances from CRSTL.FM and local artists Just Juann and DJ Jasn will keep the energy going between events.
Festivalgoers can also explore interactive outdoor recreation activities through community partners River City Outdoors and Climb So iLL. Ope Outdoors designed this year’s commemorative T-shirt and will offer live screen printing to festival goers.
Chefs Eric Prophete and Jamal Holmes of Atomic Eats, part of The 5 Senses Hospitality group, have developed a special four-course Mound City tasting menu paired with locally crafted beverages from 4 Hands Brewing Co. The menu features a caprese salad, crispy fried pickles with chipotle aioli, braised short rib sliders, and chocolate mousse. Each course offers a selection of craft beer, specialty cocktails featuring 1220 Spirits or hard seltzers.
Mound City Film Festival is free and open to the public. Guests are encouraged to reserve seats for individual film sessions in advance here. For additional information, film schedules and reservations, visit www.moundcityfilm.com.