Mountainfilm Announces 2026 Speaker Lineup

The annual festival in Telluride, Colorado reveals its impressive roster of guest speakers for Memorial Day weekend.

Apr. 14, 2026 at 5:00am

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An abstract, out-of-focus photograph in warm, hazy tones depicting a group of people silhouetted against the backdrop of the Telluride mountains, creating an atmospheric and dreamlike scene that evokes the spirit of the Mountainfilm festival.The annual Mountainfilm festival in Telluride brings together visionaries, adventurers, and change-makers to inspire audiences with stories of exploration and environmental stewardship.Telluride Today

The 48th annual Mountainfilm festival in Telluride, Colorado has announced the lineup for its 2026 Minds Moving Mountains Speaker Series, which will take place over Memorial Day weekend from May 21-25. The festival is welcoming an exceptional roster of guests to the picturesque mountain town for the highly anticipated speaker events.

Why it matters

Mountainfilm is one of the most prestigious documentary film festivals in the world, drawing thousands of attendees each year to experience thought-provoking films, engaging speakers, and the natural beauty of Telluride. The annual Minds Moving Mountains series features renowned experts, adventurers, and visionaries who inspire audiences with their stories of innovation, exploration, and positive change.

The details

The 2026 Minds Moving Mountains Speaker Series will feature a diverse array of presenters, including renowned mountaineer Conrad Anker, ocean explorer Sylvia Earle, and environmental activist Winona LaDuke. Other speakers include award-winning filmmaker Ava DuVernay, renowned primatologist Jane Goodall, and bestselling author Michael Pollan.

  • Mountainfilm's 48th edition will take place from May 21-25, 2026 in Telluride, Colorado.
  • The Minds Moving Mountains Speaker Series is an annual highlight of the Mountainfilm festival.

The players

Mountainfilm

An acclaimed documentary film festival held annually in Telluride, Colorado that celebrates adventure, environment, and exploration through films, speakers, and other events.

Conrad Anker

A renowned mountaineer who has led numerous expeditions to the world's highest peaks, including multiple summits of Mount Everest.

Sylvia Earle

A pioneering ocean explorer and marine biologist who has spent decades advocating for ocean conservation and research.

Winona LaDuke

An internationally acclaimed environmental activist and former vice presidential candidate who works to protect indigenous rights and promote sustainable development.

Ava DuVernay

An award-winning filmmaker known for directing critically acclaimed films such as 'Selma' and '13th'.

Jane Goodall

A world-renowned primatologist and anthropologist famous for her groundbreaking research on chimpanzees.

Michael Pollan

A bestselling author and journalist who has written extensively about food, agriculture, and the environment.

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What they’re saying

“Mountainfilm has always been a place where visionaries, adventurers, and change-makers come together to inspire and challenge us. This year's speaker lineup is truly exceptional.”

— Suzan Beraza, Mountainfilm Festival Director

“I'm honored to be part of Mountainfilm's speaker series and share my passion for ocean conservation with the Telluride community.”

— Sylvia Earle

What’s next

Tickets for the 2026 Mountainfilm festival and Minds Moving Mountains Speaker Series will go on sale to the general public on March 1, 2026.

The takeaway

Mountainfilm continues to curate an impressive lineup of speakers who inspire audiences with their stories of exploration, innovation, and environmental stewardship. The 2026 edition promises to be another must-attend event for anyone interested in the intersection of adventure, activism, and the natural world.