Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour

Hot on the heels of the largest, and one of the most prestigious, mountain festivals in the world, the Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour has hit the road with stops planned in more than 285 communities and 30 countries across the globe. This year?s tour features a collection of the most inspiring and thought-provoking action, environmental, and adventure mountain films. Traveling from remote landscapes and cultures to up close and personal with adrenaline-packed action sports, the 2008/2009 World Tour is an exhilarating and provocative exploration of the mountain world. Whether you are an experienced mountaineer or an armchair adventurer, this event is for everyone. You'll see the world?s best mountain films.

For thirty two years, The Banff Mountain Film Festival has celebrated the spirit of adventure and the mountain environment. Each November, the world's best films on mountain themes draw an international audience to the town of Banff, Canada. The festival now attracts audiences of 10,000 with approximately 300 films submitted from over 30 countries. The award-winning films and audience favorites go on tour. In the third week of February, watch for the local play list and directions at www.rei.com/stores. Doors open at 6:00 PM.

The screenings of The Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour in Canada and the USA are presented by National Geographic and New Balance; sponsored by Patagonia, Deuter, OR (Outdoor Research), Yellowstone to Yukon Conservation Initiative, Polartec and Gore-Tex? Fabrics; with support from MSR (Mountain Safety Research), Resorts of the Canadian Rockies, Petzl, World Expeditions and Mountain Hardwear.

Tickets: $15, available at any REI Boulder, Denver, Englewood and Lakewood locations. Denver show tickets include parking at Park & Plaza. We anticipate the Boulder shows to sell out in advance. Boulder show proceeds benefit the Access Fund and the University of Colorado Outdoor Program. Denver show proceeds will benefit Colorado Mountain Club. Tickets purchased at the Boulder Theatre and Paramount Theatre will incur additional service charges.


Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour Film PlayList
Boulder Theater, 7:00pm

Below is our expected agenda of films. It is subject to minor change.

Tuesday, February 24, 2009
The Red Helmet
USA, 2008, 6 minutes
Directed by Tyler Young
Produced by Dave Barlia
Website: www.outdoorgames.org
Classification: General
Focus: multiple action sports
Overcome with fear, a young boy runs into the forest. He finds a magic red helmet and goes on the adventure of a lifetime. Slowly building courage, he is transformed and returns to confront his boyhood fears.

If You?re Not Falling
Award: Best Short Mountain Film
UK, 2008, 8 minutes
Directed by Paul Diffley
Produced by Dave Brown
Website: www.hotaches.com
Classification: General
Focus: rock climbing
Canadian rock legend Sonnie Trotter heads to Scotland to do battle on another ?hardest rock climb in the world?. As each day passes, he collects more and more air time: fifty-foot falls from the steep rock buttress that plunges down beneath a historic castle. ?Well, if you?re not falling, you?re not trying,? observes Trotter.
Journey to the Center
Award: Best Film on Mountain Sport
USA, 2007, 55 minutes
Directed by Jens Hoffman
Produced by Iiro Seppanen and Jeb Corliss
Website: www.journey-movie.com
Classification: General
Focus: exploration, BASE jumping, culture
Journey with three world-renowned BASE jumpers as they travel 10,000 miles to confront the mist and mystery of an old cave, an ancient culture and their own demons at the center of their dangerous mission: Tian Keng, the Heavenly Pit.
Under the Influence
USA, 2008, 12 minutes
Produced and Directed by Todd Jones, Steve Jones, Corey Gavitt
Website: www.tetongravity.com
Classification: Parental Guidance (Coarse language)
Follow the mind-blowing efforts of today?s top riders in the amazing conditions that emerged from one of the deepest winters in recorded history. This special version for the Banff tour features relentless powder in Jackson Hole and incredibly steep spines in Alaska.

Silent Snow
The Netherlands, 2007, 13 minutes
Directed by Jan van den Berg
Produced by Ann Andreasen, Sabine Groenewegen, Jacob Gelt Dekker, Henk Sannes
Website: www.drsfilm.tv
Classification: General
Focus: environment, culture
Dangerous pesticides from all over the planet are being carried to the poles by northbound wind and waves. Against a background of melting ice, two girls in northern Greenland discuss the pollution that is dramatically changing their lives.

The Last Frontier - Papua New Guinea
USA, 2008, 18 minutes
Directed and Produced by Trip Jennings
Website: www.epicocity.com
Classification: General
Focus: kayaking, exploration, culture, environment
The Epicocity crew travel to Papua New Guinea to document the island of New
Britain?s pristine water, habitat and intact indigenous culture through an exploratory
caving and kayaking expedition.

The Sharp End: Eastern Europe
USA, 2008, 17 minutes
Directed and produced by Peter Mortimer and Nick Rosen
Website: www.senderfilms.com
Classification: Parental Guidance (coarse language)
Focus: rock climbing, tower jumping, culture
A talented group of climbers explores the unique history, culture, and danger of one of the world?s most remarkable climbing destinations.