The annual Banff Mountain Film and Book Festival wrapped up in Banff early last month, and some of the best films from this year’s celebration of mountain adventure and culture are arriving in Vernon just after Christmas.
Vernon Search and Rescue is holding its 24th annual Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour at the Vernon Performing Arts Centre, Dec. 29 and 30 at 7 p.m.
“The Banff festival is Vernon Search and Rescue’s only major fundraiser. We use proceeds from ticket sales to purchase new equipment, update our existing gear (radios, GPS units, dry-suits, climbing ropes etc.), and for on-going training upgrades,” said Nikki Sims, the unit’s Banff Mountain Film Festival coordinator.
Different films are scheduled for both nights, with a selection from the best of the festival, including some award winners (a list was not available at press time) to be screened.
This year’s Grand Prize winner, Shepherdess of the Glaciers (France, 2016, 74 min.), is the story of Tsering, one of the last shepherdesses in the far northern mountains of Ladakh, India.
Living alone at 5,000 metres above sea level with her 300 goats, the film shows her world of icy loneliness and friendship with her animals.
Some of the other category winners include The Accord (Iceland/USA, 2016, 19 min.), winner of the Creative Excellence Award; Boys in the Bugs (USA, 2016, 18 min.) winner of Best Film - Climbing; China: A Skier’s Journey (Canada, 2016, 16 min.), winner of Best Film - Snow Sports; Metronomic (France, 2015, 16 min.), winner of Best Film - Mountain Sports; Northbound (Norway, 2015, 11 min.), winner of Best Short Mountain Film; Shift (Canada, 2016, 28 min.), People’s Choice Award.
Tickets for both Banff screenings in Vernon are now sold out, with a waiting list available at www.ticketseller.ca.
For more information about the Banff festival, visit www.banffcentre.ca.