Carbondale Hosts 5Point Film Festival with New Executive Director

As the 5Point Film Festival prepares to kick off its 2026 Flagship Festival in Carbondale, from April 21-26, locals are eager to see what's in store. For Aisha Weinhold, the festival's new executive director, this event is about more than just showcasing adventure films - it's about building a stronger, more inclusive community. "I think it's really important for [grantees] to have their own venue to show their film, because for many of them, this is their first film that they'll be showing," Weinhold said, highlighting the importance of the new 5Point Grantee Showcase.

The 2026 festival will feature over 30 films, including three feature films: "The Last First: Winter K2," "Old Man Lightning," and "The Finisher." But what sets 5Point apart from other film festivals is its commitment to community connection and shared inspiration. This year's programming will include filmmaker panels, an adaptive group ride, and the 5Point 5K, as well as parties and Sopris Sessions featuring partner pop-ups, food, and live music. The question is whether this diverse lineup will resonate with locals, and the numbers back that up - with over 30 films scheduled to screen, there's something for everyone.

Weinhold's goal for the festival was to increase accessibility, and that's exactly what she's done. Ticket costs have been lowered from around $60 to $45 for evening programs, and VIP passes are now available for $500, down from their previous price. Base-level partnership fees have also been reduced, from $2,500 to $1,000, making it more feasible for local businesses to get involved. As Weinhold puts it, "We specifically sent that around to local businesses, because we know that this valley...has been under a lot of stress, so giving that opportunity for them to be involved in that way was something I was really keen to do when I came in." This move is particularly significant for Carbondale, a town that's been facing its own set of challenges in recent times.

The 5Point Grantee Showcase is another notable addition to the festival lineup. This program spotlights films supported by the organization's 2025 filmmaker grant programs, providing a platform for emerging filmmakers to showcase their work. For many of these grantees, this will be their first time screening their film, and the showcase provides a unique opportunity for them to share their stories with a wider audience. The success of this initiative will depend on the quality of the films and the audience's response, but for now, it's clear that Weinhold is committed to making the festival a launching pad for new talent.

As the festival prepares to kick off, folks around here are eager to see how the new programming will be received. The 5Point Film Festival has always been about more than just films - it's about building a community that shares a passion for adventure and storytelling. With its diverse lineup, expanded accessibility, and commitment to showcasing local talent, the upcoming event is shaping up to be one of the most exciting yet. As Weinhold looks to the future, she's focused on forging stronger connections with the Spanish-speaking community, exploring ways to eliminate language barriers, and making the festival a more welcoming and inclusive space for all. "This was also our way of really honoring all the time and energy that went into these projects if they're not shown in the evening program, because making a film is an immense effort," she said, highlighting the importance of supporting emerging filmmakers. With the 2026 Flagship Festival just around the corner, the festival's future looks bright, and Weinhold's efforts are likely to have a lasting impact. As Weinhold said, "Making a film is an immense effort," and it's evident that she's putting in the effort to make the festival a success.