Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour coming to Maine, Jan. 30-Feb. 9

The Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour — a show of new, award-winning short films on outdoor adventure, extreme sports, nature and mountain culture — is traveling to four Maine venues starting Jan. 30 in Ellsworth.

Each fall, the world’s premiere mountain films, books and speakers come together for nine days in Banff, Alberta. Thousands of people attend the festival to be inspired by stories of remote cultures, ambitious adventurers and amazing outdoor athletes.

The annual festival began more than 35 years ago and is now one of the flagship programs of The Banff Centre, “the largest arts and creativity incubator on the planet.” More than 8,000 artists, leaders and researchers participate in multidisciplinary programs at the center each year.

© KENNAN HARVEY Chosen for the signature image of the 2014 Banff Mountain Film and Book Festival, this image is of Will Gadd ice climbing a newly formed pillar on the right side of Lake Louise Falls, Banff National Park, Lake Louise, Alberta, Canada.

© KENNAN HARVEY
Chosen for the signature image of the 2014 Banff Mountain Film and Book Festival, this image is of Will Gadd ice climbing a newly formed pillar on the right side of Lake Louise Falls, Banff National Park, Lake Louise, Alberta, Canada.

Immediately after the festival ends in November, a selection of the best films go on tour around the globe, traveling to 40 countries and reaching more than 390,000 people at over 840 screenings. Maine has long been a destination for the tour, thanks to local outfitters and businesses that support the event each year.

The 2014/2015 Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour schedule in Maine is as follows:

ELLSWORTH — Banff is scheduled for 7 p.m. on Jan. 30-31, and 2 p.m. on Feb. 1 at The Grand at 165 Main Street. The event is sponsored by Cadillac Mountain Sports. Different films will be shown each night. On Jan. 30, the films will focus on mountain culture; on Jan. 31, the films will focus on sports; and on Feb. 1, the films will be the “Best of Banff.” Tickets — which are available at Cadillac Mountain Sports at 32 High Street in Ellsworth — are $14 for each night. For information, call Cadillac Mountain Sports at 667-7819 or the Grand Auditorium at 667-9500.

BANGOR — Banff is scheduled for 7 p.m. on Feb. 3-4 at the Gracie Theatre at Husson University. The event is sponsored by Epic Sports. Different films will be shown each night. Tickets — which are available at Epic Sports at 6 Central Street in Bangor — are $15 each night. Purchase tickets for both nights and save $5. For information, call Epic Sports at 941-5670.

ROCKPORT — Banff is scheduled for 7 p.m. Feb. 6-7 at the Camden Hills High School Strom Auditorium. The event is sponsored by Maine Sport Outfitters. Different films will be shown each night. For information, call 236-7120. Tickets are $12 for adults ($10 in advance at Maine Sport Outfitters) and 45 for students. Tickets are good for one show.

PORTLAND — Banff is scheduled for 7 p.m. on Feb 8-9 at State Theatre at 609 Congress Street. The event is sponsored by Chestnut Mountain Productions. Tickets for each night are $17 in advance (students $14 with school ID) or $20 at the door (students $17). Purchase tickets in advance at Allspeed Cyclery & Snow at 72 Auburn Street in Portland; Nomads at 100 Commercial Street; or The Cross Insurance Arena by phone at 800-745-3000 or online at www.statetheatreportland.com. For information, call 215-932-9161.

 

Aislinn Sarnacki

About Aislinn Sarnacki

Aislinn is a Bangor Daily News reporter for the Outdoors pages, focusing on outdoor recreation and Maine wildlife. Visit her main blog at actoutwithaislinn.bangordailynews.com.