Mountains of the Moon

In Mountains of the Moon, world renowned filmmaker, artist, and skier Chris Benchetler explores the unseen connections between sport, life, music, and the living earth—set to the timeless tunes of the Grateful Dead.

At this exclusive San Francisco screening, Mountains of the Moon will be introduced by Benchetler and the film's score will be performed LIVE by the Terrapin Family Band with special guest Eric Krasno.  The Band with Krasno will also play a second set with no film.

Captured almost entirely at night using cutting-edge cinematography, lasers, animation, and projection mapping, the film leads viewers on a surreal journey through ocean, river, and mountain landscapes. The world’s greatest athletes, adventurers, and thinkers appear as luminous figures, navigating through the natural world.

At its core, the film reflects on what makes us human. The glowing skeletons represent the essential truth of our existence, the light within us all no matter our external differences. Through their journey, the film reflects on life and death, the resilience of nature, and the threads of humanity that bind us together.

CHRIS BENCHETLER is a multidisciplinary fine artist based in Mammoth Lakes, CA, whose work explores the intersection of mountain culture, human consciousness, and the natural world. While widely known for his career in professional skiing and filmmaking, his creative foundation is rooted in visual art; vivid, dreamlike compositions that channel movement, music, and the spirit of the outdoors. In 2025, he created the official 60th Anniversary logo for the Grateful Dead and directed and produced “Mountains of the Moon,” a multi-year immersive project blending film, painting, animation, music, and transforming landscapes with light. He and his wife, Kimmy Fasani, also started The Benchetler Fasani Foundation, providing a meaningful connection to the outdoors for those experiencing hardship and loss. As well as opened Wind Drift Studios, a gallery and community space dedicated to showcasing art and cultivating creative connection in Mammoth.

TERRAPIN FAMILY BAND 

Using the Grateful Dead songbook as a springboard for reinterpretation and as inspiration to create original material, the musicians in the Terrapin Family Band are inspired as much by one another as they were by the diverse group of influences that they brought to the table. As a result, the music conveys friendship, respect, warmth, spontaneous conversation and companionship for listeners and performers alike.

Originally formed from shows at Phil Lesh's Terrapin Crossroads in San Rafael, CA, in 2012, the Terrapin Family Band began as the venue's official house band. Terrapin Crossroads' constant shows, often featuring Phil, created an opportunity for the musicians of Terrapin Crossroads to perform together and with a diverse cast of visiting musicians. Through playing in this setting, the band grew into a richly nuanced and fun group, weaving the classics with obscure covers and fresh original music to create a unique musical tapestry. The band went through many editions throughout the years, but always lay on the foundation of Grahame Lesh, Ross James, Alex Koford, & Jason Crosby. Around their prolific individual musical output, they would always come back together as members of the TFB. 

A communal bond brought the band members back together in 2022 - a real need to make music together again. Over time, the group’s music has developed organically, merging and fusing each musician’s influences into a hard-charging sound rooted in the communal/collective, telepathic, exploratory spirit of the Grateful Dead. This is a new twist on the band, and we are excited to see where it takes us. What began as a house band for Phil’s Terrapin Crossroads has turned into something much more, and we're excited to take the unique Terrapin Family Band sound into this next era as we explore new musical grounds.

ERIC KRASNO

Eric Krasno is a highly acclaimed musician, producer, and influential figure in the music industry, known for his contributions to funk, jazz, and soul. Co-founder of the influential soul & funk bands Soulive & Lettuce, Krasno helped pioneer a sound that blends jazz improvisation with infectious grooves. His collaborations and productions span a diverse range, from hip-hop luminaries like The Roots and Talib Kweli to soul icons such as Aaron Neville and Chaka Khan along with rock icons like the Rolling Stones, Dave Matthews Band and Tedeschi Trucks Band.

In addition to his roles as a performer and producer, Krasno has served as musical director and contributed to numerous charity events, passionately using his talents to support various causes like Love Rocks NYC & The Tipping Point. His versatility extends to the world of film, where he served as a producer on the acclaimed documentary "Take Me To The River."

Notably, Krasno's songwriting talents were recognized with a Grammy Award for a song he wrote and produced for the soundtrack of "Take Me To The River," further cementing his status as a respected and innovative force in music.

Eric Krasno continues to push creative boundaries while remaining deeply committed to creating music that resonates on a profound level with audiences worldwide.