The Fernie Mountain Film Festival is back for another year. Taking place this weekend, the eighth annual small town festival will entertain audiences with adventure-filled films for three nights at the Fernie Community Centre.
The festivities kick off tonight with Local Film night, giving Elk Valley natives a chance to show off their movie making skills. Local films are being accepted right up until the night of the festival. The favourite will be awarded a $500 cash prize and the coveted Best Local Film award.
Friday night’s feature film is a presentation from Bernice Nottenboon on climate tipping points. She became the first woman on skis to reach the North and South Poles, as well as the Siberian 'Cold Pole', and traversed Greenland's ice cap in just one year. A part-time Fernie resident, Nottemboom will speak on Friday night about her film Tipping Points, as well as her experiences as a climate change journalist and professional adventurer.
Come back on Saturday night to experience The Last Great Climb. The film tells the incredible story of Leo Houlding, Sean Leary, Jason Pickles, and filmmaker Alastair Lee as they attempt an unclimbed route on the granite tower of Ulvetanna on Queen Maud Island, eastern Antarctica.
Both Friday and Saturday evenings will also include a variety of short films, jam-packed with action and inspiration.
Returning for a second year is the Fernie Mountain Social. With the community centre doors opening at 6 pm on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, festival goers are welcome to come early to enjoy tasty snacks from Corner Pocket, Le Grand Fromage, Freshies, and Stanton's Local Cookhouse, as well as B.C. Wine and beverages from Fernie Brewing Company.
Keeping in mind audiences of all ages, be sure to bring the whole family to Saturday afternoon’s free kid's matinee, happening at 4 pm.
The films will begin all three evenings at 7 pm. Tickets are available online or at the door. For the full festival lineup, ticket sales, and more information, visit www.ferniefilmfestival.com.