From marathon running to mountain biking, the Banff Centre Mountain Film Festival brings stories of outdoor adventure to screens across all seven continents.
Last week, the internationally renowned festival screened a handful of adrenaline-fueled films at Colorado Mesa University (CMU)’s own Asteria Theatre.
“I enjoyed the films. There was a good variety on this line up, but the main reason I go is because they are very inspirational. Watching the films usually gives me a fire to plan my own adventures,” said Marty Stevens, a first responder in Garfield County and an outdoor enthusiast.
In addition to showcasing independent filmmakers, the proceeds of the tickets sold in Grand Junction went to several different nonprofit causes. Among them were the Colorado Canyons Association, Colorado National Monument Association, Western Colorado AmeriCorps, The Colorado Plateau Mountain Bike Trail Association and CMU’s Outdoor Program and International Student Programs.
Volunteer Coordinator for the Colorado Canyons Association Morgan Rossway helped with their fundraising at the film showing.
“BANFF is always a great gathering of community to enjoy films about the activities we love in a way that gives back to the non-profits locally who steward public lands where they take place,” said Rossway.
For local outdoor aficionados, the feats documented in some of these films serve as inspiration for their own endeavors.
“[BANFF] highlights the call to adventure that’s so deeply ingrained in all of us. I always leave feeling inspired to create my own stories,” said CMU alumnus Gilon Dierks.
Among the selections for this particular screening were films featuring Swiss mountain bikers, a DIY park for young snowboarders in one of Canada’s northernmost territories and the journey of a British runner from convict to coach.
One particular film, entitled “River Mamma,” featured Colorado-based raft guide Elisha McArthur, who appeared on stage after the screening. She led a brief discussion around representation for women and in particular, mothers, in the whitewater community.
The festival also held two showings at the Avalon Theatre. To cap off the tour of the Western Slope, a screening was held at the Egyptian Theater in Delta.
