If it’s autumn in the mountains, it’s time for all those climbers who haven’t embarked on road trips to the warm rock of Utah, Colorado and California to settle into chairs right here in the Bow Valley to be inspired by some of the most exciting and creative climbing stories ever captured on film.
And while the Banff Mountain Film and Book Festival doesn’t kick off until Oct. 29, the Rocky Mountain Section (RMS) of the Alpine Club of Canada has teamed up with the BMFF to present a showing of two favourite films from pervious festivals for its monthly public gathering on Tuesday, Oct. 11.
In The Swiss Machine, Ueli Steck tells of his record-breaking ascents in his home mountains, Switzerland’s Alps, accompanied by stunning aerial footage that captures him racing up 2,500-metre alpine faces. When he joins Alex Honnold in Yosemite, Steck sets his ultimate goal: to take his one-man alpine speed game to the largest, highest walls in the world.
Also playing, AZADI: Freedom takes a look at Kashmir in the wake of the violent militant insurgence of the 1990s through the lens of skiing. The unique role that skiing is playing in rebuilding tourism in Kashmir is explored using cinematography, animation and the story of local characters.
“The ACC’s Rocky Mountain Section is hosting these two films in collaboration with the Banff Mountain Film and Book Festival to celebrate the long association of the Alpine Club with the festival,” said RMS member Miles Tindal. “The Ueli Steck film will appeal to climbers and anybody who enjoys watching extreme sports – the aerial footage of Ueli speed-soloing the north face of the Eiger had me holding my breath. AZADI: Freedom is a more contemplative film, and introduces us to some of the characters and contrasts exposed by bringing mountain recreation to a remote community in Kashmir.”
Both films, Tindal added, should help local mountain enthusiasts become excited about the upcoming BMFF, the largest festival of its kind, which is taking place in Banff for 35th consecutive year Oct. 29 through Nov. 6.
The ACC RMS Mountain Film Night takes place at the Canmore Seniors Centre on Oct. 11. The event, which begins at 7 p.m., is free and open to the public. Beer and wine are available for $3. Bring your own popcorn.
