WBRL’s Banff Centre Mountain Film Festival Returns to McMurray In-Person
Adventure lovers will be delighted to learn that the Banff Centre Mountain Film Festival World Tour is returning to Fort McMurray on September 16 and 17 in-person. Hosted by the Wood Buffalo Regional Library (WBRL) the event will take place at Keyano Theatre.
This year marks the Library’s 26th year hosting the festival, which is also their fundraiser. The line-up will include 14 movies, suitable for all ages - beginning at 7:30 p.m., on both days.
Nicole Andrews, Marketing Coordinator, WBRL, has been with the association for 11 years. She shares more on the festival.
“The event is well-loved in town and a great fundraiser for the Library. It’s cool to host this film festival as it demonstrates we are so much more than books.”
“The Banff Centre Mountain Film Festival World Tour is the best of the best films that come to the yearly Banff Centre Mountain Film Festival. Every year it blows my mind how creative filmmakers are and the stories they tell, and this year is no different. You may think you’ve seen one climbing film, you’ve seen them all – but that is not the case (and I’m sure the guests who come year after year would agree with me!),” enthused Andrews.
Festival aficionados will notice a marked difference this year due to COVID, the absence of a Road Warrior, who travels with the festival, hosts, and introduces the films. Instead, the films will be introduced by the filmmakers.
“The festival always has a great balance of high adrenaline adventure and cultural films. In Pathfinder – Life Beyond Fear, your heart will be in your throat as you watch slackliners traverse between two colossal cliffs in Norwegian mountains – lit only by the northern lights. In Cholitas, you’ll watch five Indigenous Bolivian women climb the highest peak in the Americas as an act of liberation and empowerment,” continued Andrews.
She thanked event sponsors, and emphasized the festival is not just for a niche audience.
“I can’t talk about the festival without thanking our long-time sponsors. Northland Forest Products Ltd., is our presenting sponsor and Country 93.3 & Rock 97.9, our supporting sponsors. They’ve helped us bring this festival to the community for many years.”
“I hope people will take this opportunity to have a little taste of normal for a night out. Also, don’t think it’s not your thing just because you aren’t an outdoorsy-person. I am absolutely not the target audience as the idea of mountain and adventure sports is terrifying, but there’s something to be said about getting second-hand adrenaline rush watching these athletes on the big screen. It is pure entertainment no matter your interests.”
As per the provincial mandate, masks are required in the theatre. There is bubble seating, which ensures there will be at least one empty seat between your party and another.
Visit Keyano.ca/theatre for tickets, which will be available until show time. Or, call the Box Office at 780-791-4990.
