Editor’s note: Interviews have been edited for brevity and clarity.
Cameron Doherty
What is your relationship
to Carbondale?
I was born and raised in Carbondale. It will always be home to me. Making a film that showcases a place and community that means so much to me was truly special.
What is your film about?
“Buckwild” is about Nate Nieslanik, a rancher and bronco rider marked by a troubled past. After substance abuse, legal trouble and a near-fatal crash, Nate fights to rebuild his life through family, faith and rodeo, while carrying forward the multi-generational ranching legacy of the Nieslanik family.
I wanted to make a film about the Nieslanik family because they represent something rare: a multi-generational ranching family that has not only preserved a way of life in Carbondale, but also helped shape the identity of the community itself. Their story is one of resilience, tradition and quiet leadership— values that feel increasingly important in a changing world.
How was it to have your film show at Mountainfilm?
As a kid, Mountainfilm played a huge role in inspiring me to become a filmmaker. Being surrounded by so many incredible films, artists and storytellers showed me the power of cinema. Returning there with my own film was a true honor and felt especially meaningful.
What does it mean to have roots in Carbondale as you’ve pursued a career in filmmaking in
Los Angeles?
Growing up in the action sports world in Carbondale had a huge influence on my path as a filmmaker. Making ski films at a young age taught me how to tell stories through movement, emotion and visuals, while also giving me an early appreciation for the creative process. I was surrounded by so many artistic, adventurous and driven people who approached life in a unique way, and that environment constantly inspired me to create.
Sierra Schlag
What is your relationship
to Carbondale?
I’ve lived in Carbondale for six years.
What is your film about?
Our film is called “That One Friend” and it is about how every pro skier needs that one friend to remind them to not take skiing or life too seriously. I think the main theme of this film is that we all love going outside with our best friends and the memories we take from our mountain adventures will always be more about the people than the place or the ski objective. We hope that everyone can think of their best friend when watching the film!
How was it to have your film show at Mountainfilm?
It was so fun to show our film at Mountainfilm! It remains one of my favorite festivals that always has the most impactful storytelling, so it was an honor to even have our film included in the lineup.
What does it mean to have Carbondale roots and tell a Carbondale story, especially a personal one about your lives
and friendship?
Carbondale is the best place ever with the most amazing community, so to have a full film about our home is so special. I think everyone that lives here knows how special a place it is, so hopefully we got to convey how much fun we have living here with the people, ski lines and access.
Tamara Susa
What is your relationship
to the Roaring Fork Valley?
I moved to the Valley 14 years ago, and while I can’t say I have roots here, most of my adult life has been shaped by the experiences and relationships I formed in this place.
What is your film about?
My film is about snowmaking. I filmed everything in Snowmass. The idea with the film was to highlight the work that goes into getting the ski seasons moving at the beginning. And, especially this year, we had a very slow start to the winter season and if we didn’t have snowmaking we wouldn’t have had season opening at all. The job is very dangerous and it was really interesting to see that because I don’t think any of us really realize that.
How was it to have your film show at Mountainfilm?
Amazing! I made this whole film in one day as part of a one-day documentary challenge and then edited it in three days. I live in Snowmass and I sleep with the window open. I woke up in the middle of the night one night and I could hear the guns running and I thought, ‘Oh, I should make a film about the snowmakers.’ There’s some really amazing films in this festival and it’s actually pretty crazy to get to be a part of it with a film that I made in three days.
Is there anything you want
audiences to know about
the film?
When I made the film in November, I had no idea that we were going to have the worst season on record. So it just kind of happened to be a very timely film. The film was also just to highlight how snowmaking is not a bad thing. The way that it’s done, especially at Aspen/Snowmass, they don’t put any chemicals in the water, all of the water goes back into the watershed.