Written for LakePlacid.com by guest blogger Christie Sausa. Updated October 2024 by Eileen Mowrey.

Perfectly paired film fun

Now in its 24th year, the Lake Placid Film Festival presents another captivating slate of iconic films this year. Hosted by Adirondack Film, the Festival takes place from November 7-10, 2024, and includes showcases for rising filmmakers like “Your Shorts are Showing!" for films between 2 and 15 minutes as well as feature films by up-and-coming and award-winning directors. Since 2000, the Festival has offered locals and visitors alike the opportunity to appreciate film and learn more about the art and craft of the medium.

While a day or evening at the movies is fun enough, it can be even more fulfilling when paired with other great Lake Placid activities. From outdoor adventures to indoor pursuits, the Adirondack region has plenty of complimentary places to visit and things to do before or after your film of choice. So purchase your Lake Placid Film Festival pass and check out these activities that will perfectly complement your film experience.

Thursday: "Miracle" and Olympic experiences

Celebrating its 20th anniversary, this feel-good 2004 movie based on the true story of the unforgettable "Miracle On Ice" will open this year's Film Festival. Playing at the Palace Theatre on Thursday at 7 p.m., (directly after the Opening Night Party, the special screening will be attended by 1980 US Men's Hockey Team member and gold medalist Buzz Schneider! Miracle allows you to relive Lake Placid's greatest moment in sports history, but you'll appreciate it a lot more if you understand the history even before the movie begins!

As a preview to the film, head to the Lake Placid Olympic Museum and learn all about how the underdog US team defeated the reigning champion Soviets to advance to the gold medal game — which they won! You'll also learn many other inspiring stories from the 1932 and 1980 Winter Olympic Games hosted in Lake Placid. When you've got the backstory, head upstairs in the Olympic Center to the 1980 Herb Brooks Arena, the very rink where the Miracle On Ice game took place. A feeling of awe is bound to wash over you along with the cool air as you step into the arena. Before you go, round out your Olympic experience with a bite to eat and a beverage at Roamers Café & Bar. 

Loving the Olympic experience? Keep the fun going by visiting Lake Placid's other Legacy Sites. If you can't make it to Miracle on Thursday, you'll have a second chance! An encore showing will be offered on Saturday at 1:30pm.

Friday: BETA double feature and outdoor adventure

Great films and awesome outdoor adventures – it doesn't get more perfectly Lake Placid than this! In coordination with the Lake Placid Film Festival, the Barkeater Trails Alliance (BETA) is hosting a special double feature movie event at the Lake Placid Center for the Arts on Friday from 7-9 p.m. The feature films are In The Dirt, a documentary about retired pro cyclist Scott Nydam's journey to make the sport of mountain biking accessible to the Navajo Nation in New Mexico, and Descendance, a story of Dennis Ranalter’s personal journey of self-exploration that examines his relationship with his own skin color, with those closest to him and all those who share his love of skiing.

These inspirational tales of outdoor pursuits are sure to have you itching to hit the trails yourself. Before you sit down for this moving motion picture, burn off some energy exploring mountain bike trails around Lake Placid or taking a hike on a nearby trail. If it's skiing that has you hooked, then stop into a local ski and board shop to stock up on essentials for the slope season ahead and start planning your Whiteface Mountain ski and snowboard trip!

Saturday: "Ghost Cat Anzu" and family-friendly activities

Ghost Cat Anzu is a delightful anime for all ages, playing at 11 a.m. on Saturday at the Palace Theatre. It tells the story of 11-year-old Karin, who finds herself abandoned by her father in a small Japanese town, where her grandfather, a monk, resides. Her grandfather asks Anzu, his jovial and helpful (although rather capricious) ghost cat, to look after her. As their spirited personalities collide, sparks fly—yet perhaps only in the beginning.

Before or after the film, find your kiddo an animal companion of their own at Critters on Lake Placid’s Main Street, which boasts an impressive assortment of stuffed animal toys. Or perhaps they'll be inspired to explore the world of anime! If so, take them to Zack Nation - A Pop Culture Odyssey, where you'll find comics, graphic novels, anime films, figurines, and more, or The Bookstore Plus, which has an extensive selection of mangas and other young adult literature. While you're on Main Street, stop into Faizy's Fun House Arcade, where the kids can play games and the adults can partake in the self-serve bar upstairs!

Sunday: "Resident Orca" and time by the water

Resident Orca will make its New York State premiere at the Palace Theatre on Sunday, November 10 at 1:30 p.m. Sponsored by the Akwesasne Cultural Center, this film tells the shocking true story of captive whale Lolita’s fight for survival and freedom and the unlikely partnership between Indigenous matriarchs, a billionaire philanthropist, killer whale experts, and the aquarium’s new owner, all fighting to make it happen. It's an intimate and heart-breaking narrative that explores our relationship with the natural world.

Continue your exploration of the natural world and learn how you can interact with wildlife in safe and sustainable ways at The Wild Center in nearby Tupper Lake. This renowned interactive science museum offers indoor and outdoor experiences on 81 acres. In the Hall of the Adirondacks, immerse yourself in the world of fish, turtles, and other animal and plant species to gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of the inner workings of nature. Learn about the Thanksgiving Address, words that have guided Haudenosaunee people for thousands of years, and explore "Ways of Knowing", an exhibit featuring a series of Storytelling videos that explore traditional narratives and invite us to consider different perspectives of nature and people. 

To experience a different perspective on nature firsthand, discover the Wild Walk, on which guests can navigate a trail of bridges to the treetops of the Adirondack forest. Manmade structures simulate wildlife experiences from high-up perches like the eagle's nest and spider's web. 

In addition to an incredible lineup of films for the average movie buff, the Lake Placid Film Festival will offer panel discussions, seminars on filmmaking, movie trivia, special parties, and conversations with special guests. Check out the full schedule for more great events to pair with your Lake Placid visit! Plan your trip to Lake Placid today by exploring where to stay during the event, where to eat, and other great activities!