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Since its founding in 2003, the Flagstaff Mountain Film Festival (FMFF) has been a cornerstone of the local arts scene. What began as a passion project among friends has grown into a well-loved annual event, uniting filmmakers, adventurers and film enthusiasts to celebrate the power of storytelling.

"Since its inception, FMFF has been entirely volunteer-run, driven by a dedicated team committed to our mission and vision," says executive director Montana Gia. "Over the years, our incredible team has worked tirelessly to keep the spirit of FMFF alive, ensuring that our love for film continues to inspire and bring people together.�

The FMFF hosts one main festival each year, complemented by several satellite events throughout the year. The festival aims to enrich Flagstaff’s vibrant arts community further by fostering deeper conversations, sparking new ideas and celebrating the human experience.

“We strive to stay relevant in an ever-changing world, using film as a powerful catalyst for meaningful dialogue and connection,� Gia says.

An event of this magnitude takes months of work and many helping hands, and Gia says the preparation begins almost immediately after the previous year’s event. With a fresh experience in mind, the team can reflect on successes and identify opportunities for improvement. About six months out, the intensive planning begins.

“The process truly kicks off when we seek out, request and evaluate films,� Gia says. “Films submitted to the fest undergo a meticulous selection process.�

The screening committee thoughtfully rates each submission and considers them on a number of factors, including quality of filmmaking, storytelling, unique perspective, cultural relevance, run time and more. From there, the programming team reviews the top contenders and curates the lineup to support the broader conversation and determine the best fit for each film within the festival.

“We like to treat each festival cycle as a conversation we have with our audience,� says Gia. “Once the films are chosen, we craft an exciting program of special events to enhance the festival experience. With many moving parts and collaborations along the way, it’s a complex but deeply rewarding labor of love.�

This year's festival will take place April 3 through 6, with screenings at the Orpheum Theater, Snow Mountain River, Flagstaff Climbing and Beaver Street Theatre. Attendees can expect a weekend filled with engaging films, inspiring stories and unique opportunities to expand their worldview. With support from the festival’s sponsors, partners and community involvement, this grassroots event can continue its passionate contribution to the local arts and film culture.

"The festival is a celebration of all that makes life extraordinary � not by ignoring its struggles, but by embracing them," Gia shares. "More than anything, we hope guests leave with a renewed sense of hope for the future and a powerful reminder that kindness, resilience and human connection still thrive in the world."

A filmmaker’s journey through culture and resilience

For Mylo Fowler, filmmaking is more than just a craft � it’s a way to honor his Diné heritage and tell stories that matter. His latest film, “Savoring Joy,� is an awe-inspiring journey that blends adventure, cultural traditions and personal perseverance. The film follows Fowler’s 450-mile bike ride to bring salt home for a First Laugh Ceremony, a sacred Navajo tradition symbolizing a baby's acceptance into the world.

“Savoring Joy� is part of FMFF’s Indigenous Voices program and will show at the Orpheum Theater on April 5, among the eight total films in that category.

Fowler’s path to filmmaking was shaped by a lifelong love for photography and storytelling. “My passion for photography started in elementary school with a broken camera,� he recalls. Later, using a Tachahara 4x5 view camera, he found joy in capturing landscapes before transitioning to video storytelling. His work with filmmaker Chris Burkard, retracing Ansel Adams� journey through Navajo Land, opened the door to his own documentary storytelling.

Inspired by the arduous journeys of his ancestors, Fowler set out to experience the physical toll they endured to gather salt for ceremonies. His grueling bike ride was marked by broken chains, dehydration and exhaustion, but his determination never wavered.

“Beyond the physical test, I wanted my kids to see me attempt something difficult, to show them that fear of failure shouldn’t stop us,� he says. The moment he crossed the Colorado River into Navajo land, he thought of his grandfather, who always prayed when making that crossing � a poignant reminder of the deeper purpose behind his journey.

The filming process was just as challenging as the ride itself. It was Fowler’s second time making the trek � the first was to raise money for solar kits for schoolchildren in Indigenous communities. With a small but dedicated crew, the team carefully scouted locations, tracking the best light and compositions.

“One of my favorite locations was in central Utah, where a drone shot captured a highway, river, train tracks, a bike path and a trail � all five paths symbolizing the many directions one can take in life,� he says. The journey was full of unexpected moments, like a breathtaking encounter with 50 wild horses on an ancient trail, an unscripted and magical experience, according to Fowler.

Despite meticulous planning, nature had its own agenda. Rainstorms, lightning delays and difficult terrain made the journey unpredictable. “Sometimes, we were far from the crew, riding single-track trails with only radios and drones to check in,� he says. Yet, every challenge added to the authenticity of the story.

Now, “Savoring Joy� is making its way through film festivals, including its debut at the Flagstaff Mountain Film Festival. “It’s an entirely new experience for me,� Fowler says. “I want to emphasize the importance of remembering, retaining and living our cultural traditions in today’s fast-paced world. This film demonstrates that you can live your culture � even on a bike.�

With future projects on the horizon, including an exploration of sound pollution and its impact on the environment, Fowler continues to push boundaries in storytelling. His work stands as a testament to the resilience of his ancestors and the power of preserving cultural heritage through film. “Savoring Joy� is not just a documentary � it’s an invitation to reconnect with tradition, endurance and the beauty of the Navajo way of life.

“I just hope everyone who can see the film will watch it and share their experience with me,� says Fowler. “Hearing what was meaningful to them helps me understand its impact and inspires future storytelling.�