This Month in Movies: December
Park City Film Series
The premiere destination for arthouse and independent film, the Park City Film Series is once again offering and excellent line-up of films. Screenings are $8 general admission ($7 students) and take place at the Jim Santy Auditorium at the Park City Library unless otherwise noted.
Dec. 1: Tight Loose @ 7 p.m.
For the last 21 years the crew at Teton Gravity Research have been traveling the globe and pushing the boundaries on adventure. Tight Loose is their crowning achievement and part of the birthday celebration that invites viewers to share in the wild times had, from India to Alaska. It's going to be a night of massive airs, spine walls, and full out riding in some of the most magnificent places on the planet. Tickets are $12/advance; $15/door.

Harry and Snowman, directed by Ron Davis.
Image: Park City Film Series
Dec. 2-4: Harry & Snowman @ 8 p.m. (Fri/Sat); 6 p.m. (Sun)
This heartwarming documentary tells the true story of Harry de Leyer, a Dutch immigrant, came to the US and his transformative relationship with an Amish plow horse. Harry & Snowman traces their friendship, from the $80 Harry used to buy Snowman at a chance horse auction in Pennsylvania to their triple crown victory in show jumping.
Dec. 2-3: Getting to the Nutcracker @ 2 p.m. (Fri.) & 4 p.m. (Sat.) (Free)
The Nutcracker ballet is inextricably linked with the end-of-the-year holidays and performed every Christmas season in cities around the globe. But what goes into producing the ballet itself? The documentary Getting to the Nutcracker seeks to answer that question by taking the audience behind the scenes of the LA-based Marat Daukayev School of Ballet and their rigorous hours of rehearsal, the passion, and the sacrifice the dancers (ages 3-18), and their families make to ensure their children can dance.
This screening will be followed by a Q&A session with Cati Snarr of Ballet West Academy and Ballet West dance Elizabeth Del Rosario. Screening at the Summit County Library - Kimball Junction on Friday, Dec 2 at 2pm and at the Jim Santy Auditorium/Park City Library on Saturday, Dec 3 at 4pm.

Peter Berg (left) and Paul Gross in Aspen Extreme.
Dec. 7: Aspen Extreme @ 7 p.m. (Admission: 2 cans of food, or 1 item off the Christian Center's wish list.)
Journey back to the 90s in Aspen Extreme, the story of two ski buddies, TJ Burke (Paul Gross) and Dexter Rutecki (Peter Berg), who ditch their home in Michigan for the glamor of Aspen, CO. The pair become ski instructors, but their relationship faces rough times as women, drugs, and job troubles come along.
There will be door prizes and beer/wine available for purchase. In addition, any early birds can enter the Retro Ski Contest for the chance to win $50, $75, and $100 gift certificates to Aloha Ski and Snowboard Rental.

Image: Park City Film Series
Dec. 8: 11th Annual Filmmakers Showcase @ 7 p.m. (Free)
Check out the awesome shorts of local filmmakers while drinking beer and wine. There will be a pre-show at 6:30 p.m. in the Community Room Lobby.
Dec. 9-11: Author: The JT Leroy Story @ 8 p.m. (Fri/Sat); 6 p.m. (Sun)
For a decade, acclaimed writer JT Leroy was all the buzz in the literary world. The only hitch, he wasn't real. Author: The JT Leroy Story delves into the fascinating story of how Laura Albert, a 40-year-old San Francisco housewife created the sensational character and the books he supposedly wrote. Hailed by Roger Ebert as "One of the most sharply crafted and enthralling documentaries in recent memory," this is a must-watch film.
Dec. 10: Elephant, the Horse (Un Caballo Llamado Elefante) @ 4 p.m. (Free)
Based on the childhood memories of the Chilean folk singer-songwriter Lalo Parra, Elephant, the Horse follows two brothers, 8-year-old Roberto and 10-year-old Lalo, as they attempt to fulfill the promise of freeing their dying grandfather's favorite horse. In order to do so, however, the boys must infiltrate a traveling circus after the horse is stolen by a tattooed scoundrel who works for the circus. Presented in Spanish with English subtitles. Recommended for ages 8+.
Dec. 11: War Horse - National Theatre Live @ 2 p.m.
Come watch the National Theatre perform one of the most powerfully moving and imaginative dramas ever seen on the stage. War Horse, based on Michael Morpurgo's novel, transports audiences from the rural fields of Devon to the French trenches of World War I. Tickets are $20 General, $15 PCFS or FOL members and $10 Students with ID.

Gimme Danger, Directed by Jim Jarmusch
Image: Park City Film Series
Dec. 16-18: Gimme Danger @ 8 p.m. (Fri/Sat); 6 p.m. (Sun)
Fans of music, especially of the 1960s scene, will appreciate this gem of a rock documentary. Gimme Danger follows the Stooges and how their powerful and aggressive rock-n-roll style change the musical landscape. They planted the seeds of the future punk and alternative rock genres that would continue decades forward.
Dec. 22-24: Little Men @ 8 p.m. (Fri/Sat); 6 p.m. (Sun)
Set in Brooklyn, New York, Little Men is the story of two boys and and their families dealing with the pressures of modern day life in the city. Stellar performances from the cast come together under the watchful eye of Sundance Grand Prize Jury winner and director Ira Sachs.

The Eagle Huntress, directed by Otto Bell
Image: Park City Film Series
Dec. 30-Jan. 1: The Eagle Huntress @ 8 p.m. (Fri/Sat); 6 p.m. (Sun)
In the Mongolian steppe, the tradition of eagle hunting has been handed down from father to son. The Eagle Huntress tells the story of an incredible young girl, Aisholpan who breaks tradition as she trains to be the first female eagle hunter in twelve generations of her family and her rise to the top. Not only is this a captivating documentary narrative, but a film with awe-inspiring cinematography that shows a rare glimpse of a remote part of the world.
That's a wrap for this month (and this year) on the movie front. With Sundance quickly approaching, we're sure 2017 will provide plenty more movies to indulge in.