Fab short films from the great outdoors will feed your appetite for adventure
Aiming for adventure but a little too cold just now to go out and do it yourself? Or perhaps you’re out climbing in all types of weather? Either way, this month sees the return of the jaw-dropping, spellbinding cinematic treat that is the Banff Mountain Film Festival – a collection of the best documentary films about people pushing their boundaries, with fantastic, challenging landscapes guaranteed.
The festival embarks on a world tour every year and this is its tenth anniversary. Taking place over three months, the tour stops by at the Corn Exchange on 15 and 16 February.
The films in the tour are selected every November from hundreds of entries by a committee in Canada’s Rocky Mountains. It features two collections of new films (one each night at the Corn Exchange) from the most intrepid filmmakers, starring pioneers and explorers in the wildest corners of the planet.
Film highlights include This Mountain Life, featuring Martina and her 60-year-old mother, Tania, on an epic ski crossing from Vancouver to Alaska that took six months through relentless mountain wilderness. RJ Ripper is a fascinating blend of mountain sports, scenery and culture, as mountain biker Rajesh (RJ) Magar explores his homeland, Nepal – from the chaotic streets of Kathmandu to the Himalayan mountains beyond.
And for those who can’t get out of bed to do Parkrun, meet 97-year-old George Etzweiler. He started competing in the annual 7.6 mile race up Mount Washington when he was 69. The star of For the Love of Mary, he carries something special in every step: the memory of his late wife of 68 years, Mary.
Tour director Nell Teasdale says: “We guarantee that the tenth anniversary atmosphere at the shows will be buzzing – and that audiences will go home inspired to have an adventure of their own as well.”
Tickets are £16.50, £29 for both evenings, £15 concessions, with films given a 12A rating.
