Banff Mountain Culture

Every year Banff Canada puts on a mountain life festival, usually around the end of October and beginning of November. The point of the festival is to, well, highlight the mountain and outdoor culture that exists through various means. One of my favorite outcomes from the entire process is the film festival World Tour and the Radical Reels sections. Probably because those are the few bits of the festival that I actually get to see since they tour around the US for our viewing pleasure (and a few brief moments of giggling at the Canadian accents).

Highlights for me this year from the World Tour:

• Aweberg - Nothing prepares you for the sound as these guys try to climb icebergs. The sheer crack heard not only sounds vaguely like bones breaking, it also instinctively signals to your brain "get off".


• Teton Gravity Research - These folks consistently put out amazing quality videos. Great locations, some tightly tied in musical selections, and pushing the "being there" feel of snow pr0n. Hey TGR if you're ever looking for some help shooting, let me know!


• Asimet - Although I thought this one was a bit long, the actual story telling mechanism was brilliant and the trip itself outstanding. Although I kind of wish they included more of the inter-personal fights that I'm sure occurred at many points.

I've often thought of putting together a submission, and each year I never get around to actually making a full video. The Mountain Festival World Tour is essentially done now, but the Radical Reels will start up later this fall. I high suggest checking it out when it comes through town.