Fans of Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour will be snatching up tickets to the extremely popular event, which makes its return to Powell River this January.
Tickets for the tour’s 12th visit to the community went on sale this week. Demand is always very high, according to organizer Jim Palm.
"We always sell out well in advance," said Palm, urging those interested to purchase their tickets soon to avoid missing out.
The event will take place over two nights, Friday and Saturday, January 12 and 13, at Brooks Secondary School's Max Cameron Theatre, with different films screening each night.
Doors open at 5:45 pm, giving attendees some social time with drinks, refreshments and a raffle draw before the films screen at 6:45 pm.
"This event always brings together local outdoor enthusiasts and an audience of 400-strong to meet, socialize and enjoy each other's company," said Palm.
Locally, the tour is put on by Powell River Education Services Society and is a fundraiser for high school programs focusing particularly on local youth in need.
"The money goes a long way in the community, feeding students not getting proper nutrition at home," said Palm. "It really helps our school population and allows us to do all kinds of great things for our students."
In addition, funds raised have gone toward purchasing sports and outdoor equipment for the school, including kayaks, canoes, bikes and new team uniforms.
School District 47 superintendent of schools Jay Yule said the film festival is a solid match for the kind of programming the district has been promoting.
"This event affirms our district and community's support for outdoor-adventure learning, commitment to the environment and healthy living," said Yule.
Brooks principal Bill Rounis said he is very pleased that funds raised at the event go back to the school.
"I haven't been to the festival yet, but I've taken a look and the films look great," said Rounis. "I'll definitely be attending this year."
Films featured are the winning selections from more than 400 entries from around the world at Banff Mountain Film Festival, which launched in 1976.
The festival celebrates films and documentaries about mountain culture, sports and the environment. Each year, the Banff World Tour licenses more than 30 films featuring a range of styles and themes, including climbing, skiing, kayaking, biking, adventure, culture and the environment. The tour then visits approximately 550 communities in more than 40 countries, reaching an audience of 400,000 globally.
Local organizers can choose films best suited to their home audience and event.
"I like to see the feedback from elsewhere and work with the host who is coming here," said Palm.
Knuckleheads Winter Recreation Association vice-president Roger Artigues said the association will again be present at the event to build awareness about winter recreation opportunities in Powell River.
"It's a world-class event and a gathering of the likeminded, a night to see and be seen," said Artigues. "Our members will be the ones showing up looking all disheveled, because we've been out skiing all day."
The two-day event always signals a positive start to the new year, according to Palm.
"It's a real feel-good event and such a joy to put on because it starts the year off right," he said.
Tickets for Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour are available at Taws, Pacific Point Market and River City Coffee.
