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Banff Mountain Film Festival returns to Powell River in January

Event usually sells out in two weeks, says organizer
Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour returns to Powell River
POPULAR EVENT: The Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour returns to Powell River on January 10 and 11, 2020. Organizer Jim Palm encourages residents to get their tickets soon, as the film festival sells out quickly. Vanessa Bjerreskov photo

Tickets for the 15th annual Banff Mountain Film Festival in Powell River go on sale November 30, and organizer Jim Palm encourages film buffs to get their tickets right away.

“We usually sell out within two weeks,” he said. “Tickets make great Christmas gifts, and many people come every year to see the films.”

The film festival will come to Powell River January 10 and 11, 2020, at Max Cameron Theatre, 5400 Marine Avenue.

“The films have changed over the years, becoming more about mountain sports, culture and the environment rather than just extreme skiing and snowboarding,” said Palm. “The quality of the films gets better every year, and there really is something for everyone.”

There will be a different lineup of films each night of the festival, as well as the usual stellar appetizers, said Palm.

“The food is produced by the Brooks Secondary dual-credit culinary program students, under the direction of their instructor from Vancouver Island University,” he added. “We have a great partnership with VIU through our various dual-credit courses. People can expect a great selection of food to start the night.”

Appetizers are included in the cost of the ticket, while wine and beer from Townsite Brewing will be available for purchase. Raffle items from a variety of local businesses will also be available, as well as door prizes from the Banff Mountain Film Festival.

“Doors open for the social at 5:45 pm,” said Palm, “and we open the doors to the theatre at 6:20 pm, but we recommend putting your jacket on your seat and coming back out to the social to enjoy the time with your family and friends.”

Local sponsors help cover the cost of bringing the film festival to Powell River, meaning the bulk of ticket, drink and raffle proceeds go to support Brooks Secondary students, including funding a food program for students in need, uniforms for sports teams, equipment for the outdoor school program and other needs in the school community.

“Our local sponsors are wonderful,” said Palm. “Without them we wouldn’t be able to keep holding the festival. We have raised over $100,000 since we started running the festival, and we use the funds raised to help students who are up against it here at Brooks.”

Palm said he has fond memories of past festivals, and is looking forward to the 2020 event.

“It’s always a good evening, and a good way to start to the year,” he said. “I always see lots of familiar faces in the audience. It really makes my heart glow every time I step on that stage to start the year to see all those people out to share their love of film, mountains and our students.”

Tickets are $25 and available starting Saturday, November 30, at the Peak office, Taws, Pacific Point Market and River City Coffee. For more information about the film festival, contact Palm at 604.414.5960 or james.palm@sd47.bc.ca.