This story originated from our Spanish newspaper, Sol del Valle, and has been translated for our English readers.
The Ute Theater, located on 4th Street in Rifle, welcomed 110 attendees for a screening of “Mr. Cato” on Friday, Nov. 15. For nearly two decades, 5 Point Film Festival has inspired communities with adventure films. Its mission is clear: “to build community and inspire change by showcasing and celebrating impactful stories.”
For years, 5 Point has offered the Carbondale community a varied selection of documentary screenings that invite exploration of the world through the stories of real people experiencing outdoor adventures.
On this occasion, 5 Point hosted its first screening in Rifle, a free event that, also a first, included Spanish subtitles to make it accessible and inclusive for the Spanish-speaking community. The evening was hosted by Pedro Rivera and conducted bilingually, in Spanish and English.
Luis Yllanes, executive director of 5 Point, highlighted that approximately 15% of attendees spoke Spanish as their first language. According to Yllanes, this initiative was born from the idea of “finding ways to serve other communities, even in our own backyard.” He also acknowledged that building strong connections with the diverse communities of the Roaring Fork Valley takes time and effort, but he affirmed that this event represents a significant step toward achieving that goal. “It’s an opportunity to connect and build community,” he noted.
One highlight from the event was supporting local organizations such as Lift-Up, focused on combating food insecurity, and the Rifle Area Mountain Biking Organization (RAMBO), which works on developing mountain biking trails and other recreational assets. Additionally, 5 Point collaborated with Rifle High School’s Flowstate Ride and Ski Club, organizing a gear giveaway where Guz Arauza won a Yeti cooler.
The screening featured the story of Omari Cato, a 27-year-old elementary school teacher from Houston, Texas, and one of the few young active competitors in Flatland, a specialized discipline within BMX. BMX, short for bicycle motocross, is a sport that combines acrobatic skills, balance and speed, practiced both on circuits and in urban areas.
Scott O’Brien, an announcer at Flatland events, described Cato as a rider with a style that is “strong, fluid and dedicated, traits that also reflect his personality.”
Cato shared his experience of being drawn to Flatland because of its status as a marginalized discipline, a parallel to his life as an African American. “Flatland is marginalized; many people don’t even recognize it as a distinct discipline within BMX. That draws me in because, in a way, I also live a marginalized life.” His goal is to compete in the 2024 Olympics and, through that, raise support to establish a Flatland school for youth.
Cato reflected, “Once you learn to ride a bike, you really don’t forget how to do it. It’s a skill that solidifies in your mind, and that, for me, makes me feel like I’m fulfilling my purpose.”
Yllanes encourages the community, “It’s never too late to get involved. When we find inspiration, we must use it to pursue what we are passionate about.”
For more information about 5 Point Film Festival and future events, visit www.5pointfilm.org
You can read this story in Spanish at www.soldelvalle.org
