In The News – 10th annual Tahoe Film Fest raises tens of thousands for TERC
December 12, 2024 | Member Submitted
Originally Published in the Sierra Sun, 12/12/24, Written by Eli Ramos
The 10th annual Tahoe Film Fest concluded this Sunday and early numbers show they’ve raised nearly $20,000 for the UC Davis Tahoe Environmental Research Center (TERC).
The Tahoe Film Festival is unique among others, as ticket sales go to an organization and environmental cause. This year, Gavin Newsom recognized it for using film to “raise awareness of environmental issues and further serves as a gathering point to celebrate the community which is dedicated to protecting the Lake Tahoe Basin.”
Rather than being a judged film festival with a panel or jury, Robert Roussel, the director of the film festival, curates the selection himself. As someone who’s been involved in the film industry since 1981, he says he has an eye for films he believes will capture Tahoe audiences or have a strong shot for awards season. For instance, he chose the feature documentary The Mustangs: America’s Wild Horses for its environmental themes and September 5 for its award potential. Roussel clearly knows what he’s doing: of the 27 films screened in Tahoe theatres from December 5 to 8, five were announced to have Golden Globe nominations.