Paradise Paradox: FREE Film Event

Executive produced by Olympic ski racing legend and Montana resident Bode Miller and Emmy Award-winning impact sports filmmaker Brett Rapkin (HBO’s “The Weight of Gold”), THE PARADISE PARADOX is a long overdue look at the mental health crisis that has been sweeping America’s mountain towns and the innovative solutions being developed in response. The film is told through the experiences of not only the local heroes who are confronting these challenges but also renowned figures like Olympic gold medalist Mikaela Shiffrin. From the ski patroller at Mammoth Mountain to the lift operator in Deer Valley, to the young snowboarder trying to improve their community, to affluent residents throughout the region, THE PARADISE PARADOX sheds light on the root causes of the mental health challenges in the snow sports industry and in America’s mountain towns, including isolation, lack of resources, substance abuse, and stigma. Featuring stories from a diverse group of hard-working, inspiring families, individuals, and community members, there is also a focus on creative and scalable solutions local stakeholders, such as Alterra Mountain Company and Vail Health Behavioral Health, are creating in response.
This film is designed to reduce stigma and give audiences the opportunity to connect and identify with each character’s struggles and triumphs. Woven throughout will be a focus on hopeful, local solutions that communities can consider and replicate in order to improve mental health outcomes for all.

​Content Advisory: THE PARADISE PARADOX includes depictions of mental health challenges, substance abuse, and discussions of suicide. These themes may be distressing or upsetting for some viewers. We advise viewer discretion and recommend having a support system in place to discuss and process any emotions or reactions that may arise while watching the film. If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health issues, severe negative thoughts, thoughts of suicide, or is in crisis, please seek professional help or reach out to a trusted individual for support. Your health and well-being is important.

Thursday, March 14th at 6pm
Whitefish Performing Arts Center

Panel discussion immediately afterwards. Panelists include: Kacy Howard from NCF, Dr. Doug Muir from Logan Health Behavioral Health, Sarah Gehl from FCCHD, and Nick Polumbus from Whitefish Mountain Resort. 

FREE and open to the public. Recommended for mature audiences.