MOVIETelluride Film Fest's Main Venue Damaged in Flood Disaster
The town of Telluride in Colorado, located at the foot of the San Juan Mountains, is no stranger to sudden flood disasters. However, the rainfall that affected the area last Friday afternoon was unusually strong and caused numerous landslides. John Bennett, chief of the Telluride Fire Protection District, summarizes the situation by saying, "It was really a busy day."
Among the most affected structures is the Michael D. Palm Theatre. With an area of 30,000 square feet and a seating capacity of 667, this venue is connected to Telluride Middle School and the Telluride middle/high school buildings. The theatre is used for various events, including school plays and graduation ceremonies, as well as professional concerts and outdoor events. The Telluride Film Festival, held every year over Labor Day weekend, also takes place at this venue, which hosts significant screenings thanks to its surround sound system, large format digital projector, and wide screen.
It was reported that an official from Telluride Middle School called the TFPD after noticing water entering through a damaged loading door. When crews arrived on the scene, there was a buildup of three to four feet of water and mud inside the theatre. This situation had covered all the seats on the ground floor and reached the raised stage.
According to the public information officer of the TFPD, the teams first assessed emergencies for life safety and then handed the situation over to the Telluride School District. How this year's festival events will be affected remains a question. However, organizers believe the venue will be back in operation by Labor Day weekend.
Among the most affected structures is the Michael D. Palm Theatre. With an area of 30,000 square feet and a seating capacity of 667, this venue is connected to Telluride Middle School and the Telluride middle/high school buildings. The theatre is used for various events, including school plays and graduation ceremonies, as well as professional concerts and outdoor events. The Telluride Film Festival, held every year over Labor Day weekend, also takes place at this venue, which hosts significant screenings thanks to its surround sound system, large format digital projector, and wide screen.
It was reported that an official from Telluride Middle School called the TFPD after noticing water entering through a damaged loading door. When crews arrived on the scene, there was a buildup of three to four feet of water and mud inside the theatre. This situation had covered all the seats on the ground floor and reached the raised stage.
According to the public information officer of the TFPD, the teams first assessed emergencies for life safety and then handed the situation over to the Telluride School District. How this year's festival events will be affected remains a question. However, organizers believe the venue will be back in operation by Labor Day weekend.
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