Mammoth Film Festival History
The Mammoth Film Festival takes place annually, the week before Thanksgiving, in Mammoth Lakes, California. It is comprised of a film competition, market and trade show. The Festival celebrates the business of film and its importance in today’s entertainment industry, as well as its impact in the global economy, and hopes to benefit not only the industry’s business side and artistic side, but also the community of Mammoth Lakes.
The inaugural event was held in November 2007, and featured a slate of films from around the world. The top prize at the Festival was awarded to Jon Dunham and Melissa Leggett for the documentary film Spirit Of The Marathon. Olympic medalist and local Mammoth resident, Deena Kastor, starred in the film and was on hand for the celebration. Daily panels included discussions with filmmakers and industry executives, and nightly events included two exclusive shows by Louden Swain, and a wine tasting event sponsored by Francis Ford Coppola’s Director’s Cut wines.
The Festival discovers, supports, and inspires artists around the world by introducing their work to audiences and entertainment industry executives through its growing annual event, comprised of a film competition, market, trade show and symposiums. It is not just a competition of film, but is the celebration of film, the filmmaker, and entire cast and crew. One of the Festival’s goals is to make sure that everyone involved with a film in competition will be open and available to discuss their films not only with their peers and colleagues, but with all guests and attendees.
Conceived by Meng King in 2006 as a venue to bridge art and commerce in the entertainment industry, the international Mammoth Film Festival was officially founded and launched in 2007 by Mr. King and Andreas Wettstein. Mr. King and Mr. Wettstein collectively have spent over thirty years in film and music, including finance, distribution and production. They are both California natives, and each spent many winters on the slopes of Mammoth Mountain.
