Ely Honors Its Film History With Inaugural Film Festival

Movies have been said to be America’s favorite pastime. But in today’s modern age of streaming and binging, it’s easy to forget what going to the movies meant: the neon marquee in the distance, smell of popcorn in the air, and a darkened room with a giant screen displaying something as classic as a western, desert trail. It all sounds, more often than not, distant.

But not in Ely, Nevada.

What seems like days gone past is very much in the here and now of Ely, and that’s exactly what this year’s inaugural Ely Film Festival, March 13-15, 2020, will prove. It’s not just a film festival to showcase the art of filmmaking or to make us proud of the unique, classic theater experience, but to celebrate film pieces shot in Ely within the last 100 years, of which they are many.

            Ely’s small town charm and splendor as a year-round-mountain-town has not gone unnoticed by filmmakers. “Ely’s rich history includes the film industry and the films created over the last 100 years have been a great showcase of our natural scenery as well as our economic development,” said Kyle Horvath, Executive Director of White Pine County Tourism and Recreation. It’s this combination of beautiful mountainous backdrops, widespread Nevada landscape, and the sense of time frozen that keeps placing Ely in the spotlight. “We’re excited to celebrate the films that have brought such benefit to the community during our annual film festival.”

Two films will be shown on two separate days of the three-day Film Festival.

The Great Darkened Days will be shown on the first night with a discussion to follow with the film’s director, Maxime Giroux. The film itself was nominated and won several Canadian Screen Awards in March of last year, and it all happened with Ely as a setting.

The following night features the second film and will be held as the world premiere of Reaptown. While it supports the “located in Ely” theme, Reaptown has an added, deep-seated Ely connection: a director. Dutch Marich, director of Reaptown, is a White Pine alum and has brought his film home for all to enjoy. He might also help serve as an inspiration for aspiring local filmmakers.

Highschoolers of today were encouraged to make their own short films to be exhibited, using their home of Ely as a backdrop. They will also have their own High School Movie Awards, because what’s a film festival without a little critique? Intertwined with these major events are panel discussions, location tours, cocktail parties, and a train ride on one of the Nevada Northern Railway’s renowned locomotives.

Let’s not forgot where the screening of these films will take place: Ely’s historic Central Theater. This 79-year-old vintage cinema can be found in Ely’s equally vintage downtown. The structure has undergone major recent renovations, including a new projection screen, digital projector, and sound system.

“If the films are the soul of the Film Festival, the Central Theater is the heart of it,” said Bill Wolf, White Pine Main Street Committee member and one of the leads on making the Ely Film Festival happen.

A special ticket, known as the First 100, provides access to all events and locations throughout the entire Festival. Having one is considered the VIP treatment but, as the name implies, only the first 100 to order the pass receive it. General tickets range from $12.00 to $15.00.

For the full schedule and to purchase tickets go to ElyFilmFestival.com or contact White Pine County Tourism at 775-289-3720.

We’ll see you at the movies!