2023 BANFF BLUE FILM DETAILS
LAPPORTEN SKYLINE
18 minutes (contains some subtitles)
Described as the gateway to Lapland, the Lapporten Gap is one of the most photographed natural landforms in Sweden… but some of the world’s top highliners have grander ambitions. They plan to put up a two-kilometre long highline across this iconic gap between snow-capped mountains and walk across, 600m above the ground. If they succeed, it will be a new world record.
THE PROCESS
15 minutes
British climber Tom Randall is known for his commitment to training, and outrageous challenges. This time, Tom has set his mind on becoming proficient in the sport of fell running, and has a madcap idea to try and complete the previously un-attempted Lakes Classic Rock Challenge and a Bob Graham link-up in 24 hours. What lengths is he willing to go to achieve his goal and when is enough, enough?
COLORS OF MEXICO
5 minutes
Swoop from Mexico’s active volcanos to the steep and colourful streets of its historic villages in this visual feast from French mountain biking phenomenon Kilian Bron. Teaming up with adventure filmmaker Pierre Henni, the dream team capture a melting pot of the country’s most unique sights – complete with nail-biting riding – in this cinematic treat.
NORTH SHORE BETTY
12 minutes
The misty forests of British Columbia are hallowed ground for mountain bikers, and have influenced every aspect of the sport. They are also where Betty Birrell, then 45, picked up mountain biking after a career as a mountaineer and professional windsurfer. Three decades later, the single mother is a role model for her son, her friends and anyone she’s met along the way – and proof that you’re never too old to shred the trails.
DOO SAR
20 minutes (subtitled from Polish)
Two friends, two peaks, two epic ski descents. Polish athletes Andrzej Bargiel and Jedrek Baranowski head to the wildest corner of Pakistan’s Karakorum mountain range to tackle two rarely summited 6,000m peaks: isolated Yawar Shar II and the dagger-like Laila Peak. With icy conditions, narrow weather windows and near-vertical descents, there is serious beauty, but also serious risk.
FREE TO RUN
31 minutes
When the Taliban takes over Afghanistan, the basic human rights of women across the country are threatened. Mountain runner and UN human rights attorney Stephanie Case must fight to find a way forward for the Afghan women of her NGO, Free to Run, while taking on the longest and hardest ultra-trail race of her life.
ALTA
5 minutes
Glide down the slopes with some of the world’s most creative freeskiers. This action-packed short captures the essence of contemporary skiing. Join a diverse blend of urban-centric freestyle maestros, big-mountain hard-chargers and smooth powder hounds as they ride every type of terrain in the winter playground of Alta in Utah.
SAVING GLACIERS
8 minutes
Every year, glaciologist Dr Felix Keller observes the steady retreat of the Morteratsch glacier in the Swiss Alps. Determined that the melting and eventual disappearance of glaciers can be averted, Felix and his team set out to create a complex snow cabling system, recycling glacial meltwater back into snow. With enthusiasm, resilience and love for the mountains, these passionate locals are hoping to save winter for future generations.
DO A WHEELIE
6 minutes
Scottish rider Danny MacAskill joins forces with a host of amazing riders in celebration of the humble wheelie. For many cyclists, the wheelie is the first trick they learn. You don’t need an expensive bike or access to trails, and it can open doors to a whole new world. And of course, being Danny MacAskill, he takes this simple skill to a whole new level…
Please note that some of the films may contain a small amount of coarse language.