Banff Mountain Film Fest heads back to Durban

Last year I was invited to the first Banff Film Festival held at Ster Kinekor in Gateway.

Not knowing what to expect, I was glad for the popcorn and refreshments to keep me busy just in case I got bored. Well, bored I was not. Amazed, awed, and exhilarated – I walked out of the cinema with stars in my eyes and wondering if I would have the guts to perform some of the feats I witnessed.

In its 10th year of screening in South Africa, and second in Durban, The Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour is brought to SA by Cape Union Mart and is screened at Ster Kinekor cinemas in Durban, Cape Town, Johannesburg, Port Elizabeth and Pretoria.

The festival has visited 44 countries to choose a selection of films based on exploration, adventure, culture the environment – and more and more people are coming out to watch them.

Eleven award-winning films that were nominated by audiences will be shown in SA. From a 2-minute action-packed kayaking video “Into the Ditch” to a 37-minute documentary “And then we swam”, the films are meant to be entertaining, inspiring as well as thought-provoking.

Adventure junkies will immediately recognise well-known adventurers like mountain biker Danny MacAskill, kayaker Rush Sturges and Alex Honnold who climbs desert towers.

Last year Cape Union Mart launched a South African adventure film competition. Called The Cape Union Mart Adventure Film Challenge, this competition encourages SA filmmakers and adventurers to capture and celebrate local outdoor culture.

The festival will air the SA winning submission at all showings around the country.

If you’re an adrenalin junkie, there is just no way you can miss the Banff Film Festival World Tour, which will be on at Ster Kinekor, Gateway, from October 30-31. Shows start at 8pm and all 11 films are shown at each screening.

Tickets are available from September 9 and can be purchased directly through Ster Kinekor.

You can also book online at www.sterkinekor.com or call Ster-Kinekor Ticket line.Ticket prices are the same as a standard Ster-Kinekor ticket.

Visit the Banff website for more details www.banff.co.za

To preview clips of the 11 movies that will be aired visit the website

http://www.banffcentre.ca/mountainfestival/worldtour/films/