The North Valley Mountain Film Festival is celebrating its 14th annual event on February 29th at the Silverton Memorial Hall. The show promises a night filled with exciting adventures taking us to local places and beyond. This year’s films touch on a variety of themes including history, climate change, personal adversities, “and straight up ‘shredding’, set against a backdrop of beautiful and wild landscapes.
Professional paraglider pilot and long time Slocan Valley local Benjamin Jordan shares his latest adventure in “The Endless Chain”. This film documents his 52-day, unsupported paragliding expedition up the entire length of the Canadian Rockies. The goal was to become the first person ever to have flown over both Banff and Jasper National Parks, covering more than 1200 km without any support.
“What If” brought to us by the Kootenay Adaptive Sports Association and regular festival contributor Jesse Schpakowski, is a documentary based upon the possibilities and undeniable relatability of disabilities and the outdoors. Two adventurers with Spinal Cord Injury, are joined by local advocates, on an adventure which takes them from Revelstoke to Nelson, by way of crank and paddle. They follow existing routes with equipment available to anyone in the Arrow and Slocan Lakes region. Showcasing what can be done and how important connection with the outdoors is to everyone. “What If” touches on the simple fact that we have all had a what if moment which could have led us down a much different path.
“Traversing the Canol” captures the history of a wild place and wilder industrial ambitions. Five female cyclists cross the indifferent yet majestic landscape of the Selwyn and Mackenzie Mountains in northern Canada as they explore the history of the region. Their route follows the historic Canol pipeline, constructed by the US Army Corps in 1943, only to be abandoned two years later. Struggling through challenging terrain and mechanical issues, the riders trace the remnants of the pipeline.
Enjoy these shows and more, starting at 7 pm on February 29th. Doors open at 6:30. Proceeds go to support the North Slocan Trails Society and their work to maintain local trails. A concession with sweets, pizza and beverages will be available.
Tickets are available at Rutabaga’s and Silverton Building Supplies (adults $10 and youth/student $5). Remember that kids 10 and under are free, but still need a ticket. Get your tickets early as this event sells out every year.
The North Valley Mountain Film Festival is once again pleased to be partnering with the Langham Cultural Center in Kaslo to take our festival on the road. The 2020 festival lineup will be shown at the Langham on March 6th and 7th. For more information on this event please go to www.thelangham.ca or phone 250-353-2661
For more information about this year’s film festival please visit northvalleyfilmfestival.com or contact us at northvalleyfilmfest@gmail.com.
