Burning Torch Productions and Wyoming PBS Announce Premiere of ‘Mountain Roots’ at Wyoming International Film Festival
By SVI Staff
July 6, 2025
Bennett and Grandpa Gary training on White Mountain. Photo credit: Burning Torch Productions
>Riverton—What do the rugged peaks of Wyoming and the towering Alps of Northern Italy have in common? For one fearless 9-year-old, they’re both chapters in a remarkable family journey.
Wyoming PBS and Burning Torch Productions proudly present the Wyoming premiere of “Mountain Roots” with a screening at 7:05 p.m. on July 10 as part of the “Women of the West: Short Docs Celebrating Women in Western States” block at the Wyoming International Film Festival. The event will take place at the Surbrugg Prentice Auditorium on the campus of Laramie County Community College in Cheyenne.
Following the screening, filmmakers Mark Pedri and Carrie McCarthy of Burning Torch Productions will join the audience for a Q&A session to share behind-the-scenes insights into the making of “Mountain Roots” and the adventures that inspired it.
About the Film
The film follows the inspiring journey of Bennett, a young adventurer from Wyoming who has already tackled some of the state’s most iconic mountain ranges. Pedri and McCarthy’s 2022 film, “Brave Girl,” captures some of Bennett’s previous climbs.
This time, her passion for the outdoors takes her far from home—to the Italian Alps—where she discovers a deep family legacy alongside her Grandpa Gary. As Bennett meets family members she’s never known and climbs new peaks with the help of a local mountaineer, she uncovers a cultural heritage that mirrors her own fearless love of nature.
The film trailer can be viewed here.
Festival Selections
The following list is of all of the festivals “Mountain Roots” has been selected for so far:
- World Premiere: Trento Film Festival | Trento, Italy | April 28, 2025
- Special Mention – EUSALP AWARD
- Special Mention – T4FUTURE AWARD
- US Premiere: Mountainfilm | Telluride, CO | May 26, 2025
- Wyoming Premiere: Wyoming International Film Festival | Cheyenne, WY | July 10, 2025
- West Coast Premiere: San Diego Comic Con x San Diego International Children’s Film Festival San Diego, CA | July 27, 2025
- Montana Premiere: Montana International Film Festival | Billings, MT | September 18-21, 2025
- Asian Premiere: Ulsan Ulju Mountain Film Festival | Ulsan, South Korea | September 26-30, 2025
About the Filmmakers
Pedri and McCarthy, three-time Emmy® winners, are a dynamic producing and directing team who have created more than a decade’s worth of award-winning films. Both have roots in Wyoming and a passion for discovery. They are now based in Rock Springs, where together they run their production company.
“At Wyoming PBS, we believe deeply in the power of local storytelling and the importance of supporting our independent producers. Their voices help define and reflect the spirit of our state,” says Wyoming PBS CEO Joanna Kail. “We are incredibly proud to have co-produced ‘Mountain Roots’ with the talented team at Burning Torch Productions. Their dedication to telling meaningful, authentic stories—like Bennett’s inspiring journey—makes our partnership not only rewarding but essential to our mission. When our independent filmmakers succeed, our entire Wyoming community benefits.”
Wyoming PBS is a non-profit public broadcasting organization serving the state of Wyoming. With a commitment to educating, informing, and inspiring, Wyoming PBS produces and broadcasts high-quality programming that addresses the unique needs and interests of the Wyoming community.
