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Banff Mountain Film Festival returns to Spokane

A still shot from the film “Boy Nomad” which premiered in Alberta last weekend as part of the Banff Mountain Film Festival. “Boy Nomad” is one of the films that may be shown in Spokane this weekend. (Courtesy)
A still shot from the film “Boy Nomad” which premiered in Alberta last weekend as part of the Banff Mountain Film Festival. “Boy Nomad” is one of the films that may be shown in Spokane this weekend. (Courtesy)
By Eli Francovich elif@spokesman.com(509) 459-5508

High adventure. Adrenaline. Introspection. Fear and awe.

All will be on display at the Banff Mountain Film Festival in Spokane this coming weekend.

The 43nd annual festival concluded last weekend in Alberta. The World Tour is on the road to show about 30 films to audiences around the world. Spokane is one of the tour’s first stops.

As in recent years the films feature high-quality footage shot by drone, camera and, in some cases, cellphone.

“The quality of the films and the editing with these independent films has gone to the next level with the availability of these easy-access cameras,” Phil Bridgers said. “We’re getting theater-quality productions done by two people on an expedition.”

Bridgers is the Mountain Gear host for the festival films. Last weekend, he traveled to Alberta for the opening weekend.

The Banff Centre staff in Banff pares down nearly 400 films to around 50 that make the cut for judging at the festival.

The Spokane lineup will be determined Friday afternoon and announced online at spokesman.com/outdoors.

As in past years, Bridgers said film selectors aim to create a “well-balanced program” that piques the interests of adventures, environmentalists and others.

Although the Spokane shows are all sold out, the films will visit Sandpoint and Coeur d’Alene in January. Tickets go on sale for both locations Dec. 1.