Christmas in the Clouds
Ray (Tim Vahle) has just returned from college to run a Native-American ski lodge. A laid-back place where employees' children play in the lobby and the handyman has a habit of macking on guests, the lodge isn't exactly four-star travel guide material. So when Ray learns that a travel guide representative is coming to make an inspection, he makes an executive decision to make the lodge a professional place of business. In addition to keeping his father, who happens to be the hotel's former manager, out of his way, he also has to contend with his somewhat eccentric staff, which includes an emotional vegetarian chef (Graham Greene) who takes a certain pleasure in informing his diners of the names he has given the animals they're eating. Despite Ray's exhaustive preparations, something, of course, goes wrong: something that, in this case, turns out to be a case of mistaken identity: when Tina, a comely Mohawk woman, shows up at the lodge, Ray assumes her to be the representative, and sets about giving her the royal treatment while the actual representative (M. Emmet Walsh) is ignored and must contend with a hefty dose of hotel mismanagement. Christmas in the Clouds was an audience favorite at the 2002 Philadelphia Festival of World Cinema. more..
Director: Kate Montgomery
Starring: Timothy Vahle, Sam Vlahos, Mariana Tosca, M. Emmet Walsh, Graham Greene
There will be holiday pictures that are more high-tech than this one, more sensational, with bigger stars and higher budgets and indeed greater artistry. But there may not be many with such good cheer.
A sweet-natured holiday comedy that derives no small amount of specialness and energy from the fact that the movie offers a glimpse of contemporary American Indian life.
A wisp of a movie so bursting with good cheer that even its sole meanie is given a personality makeover before the end credits.
The fact that it was shot at the picturesque Utah resort is a huge plus and the film is so unabashedly eager to please.
An old-fashioned and family-friendly comedy.
Best Competition Feature Film
Austin Film Festival (2001)
Best Native American-Themed Film
Santa Fe Film Festival (2001)
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