:: main competition entries

3 Clips, Canada, 2000, 18 min
Directed by: Terry Kerr
The video follows three women rock climbers as they discuss what is it that motivates their desire to climb. Although not the elite of the climbing world, their stories are honest, compelling and inspirational.

Terry Kerr previously worked as a cameraman and editor for the National Parks Service, producing wildlife documentaries, public education programs and training videos. Presently he works as an independent filmmaker and freelance cinematographer.

Showing at Centennial Theatre, Friday February 23, 7 pm.

Aiga d'en Viage, Italy, 2000, 47 min
Directed by: Sandro Gastinelli
A story of folk religious myths and beliefs of the alpine valleys in the Italian North-West.

Showing at Istituto Italiano di Cultura, Friday February 23, 6 pm.

Beyond Everest, Australia, 2000, 54 min
Directed by: Michael Dillon
The ongoing tale of Sir Edmund Hillary, now over eighty and still hard at work in the Himalayas.

Showing at Centennial Theatre, Saturday February 24, 2 pm.

Beyond Gravity, Canada, 1999, 52 min
Directed by: Aaron Black, Aaron Jackson and Sean White
Renowned mountaineer and author Greg Child narrates a journey into the lives of prolific North American climbers as they share their sport, passion and climbing lifestyles. With Peter Croft, Katie Brown, Lynn Hill, Steve House, Jo-Jo, Barry Blanchard, Aby Watkins, and others.

Black & White Productions is a collaboration of the creative efforts of Aaron Black, Sean White and Aaron Jackson

Photographer Aaron Black is based in Whistler where he shoots for sports magazines and leading snowboard and climbing companies. His work is published by Climbing, Rock & Ice, Gripped, TransWorld Snowboarding, Snowboard Canada, Sports Path, Snowboarder, Mountain Bike Action and also appears in numerous product catalogues. An intense adventurer, Aaron has climbed throughout North America and has contributed to the production of several extreme sport films. He is a graduate of the Western Academy of Photography in 1997 and the Eddie Adams Workshop in 1999.

Photojournalist Sean White works for major newspapers and magazines and is published by Sports Illustrated, Associated Press, Maclean's, Globe & Mail, Toronto Star, and National Post. His acclaimed multimedia show Himalayan High has toured museums and theatres across Canada and his images are displayed in museums and galleries. A passionate climber, Sean has made ascents in the Himalayas, Rockies, Squamish, Coast Range, Cascades and Vancouver Island. He is a graduate of the Western Academy of Photography in 1997 and the Eddie Adams Workshop in 1999.

Independent filmmaker and stills photographer Aaron Jackson is based in Vancouver where he spends equal time behind his camera and in front of his non-linear editing suite. Aaron recently photographed and produced "5mm Canada", the first Canadian surfing film which is nominated for Cinematography of the Year by Surfer Magazine. He shoots stock photos for Tony Stone Images and commercial images for outdoor sports equipment manufacturers. Aaron is published in Climbing, Rock & Ice, Surfer, Snowboard Canada, Wax, Extreme, Coast, and Natural Woman

Showing at Centennial Theatre, Friday February 23, 7 pm.

The Black, USA, 1999, 7:30 min
Directed by: Neil Michaelis
The Black is the story of two Australian base jumpers traveling to the Black Canyon in the Western U.S. in search of big air. The film reveals the infinite rush that resides within brief 10 second free falls, and why it is worth chasing it again and again!

Showing at Centennial Theatre, Saturday February 24, 7 pm.

Butterfly, USA, 2000, 80 min
Directed by: Doug Wolens
Living 60 m off the ground in an ancient Redwood tree for two years, Julia "Butterfly" Hill captured the hearts and minds of the world by showing us that one person can make a difference.

Showing at Planetarium, Saturday February 17, 7 pm.

Christmas Syndrome , Kyrgysztan, 2000, 30 min
Directed by: Evgeny Kotlov
This is a cinematographic story about mountains and city life, filmed during three years of winter ascents of the Free Korea Peak in the Northern Tien-Shan in Kyrgysztan.

Showing at Centennial Theatre, Saturday February 24, 2 pm.

Columbia, Canada, 5 min
Directed by: Mark Karlstrom
Backcountry skiing and snowboarding in the Selkirk Mountains of Canada

Director Mark Karlstrom Mark is 28 years old, born in Summerland B.C. He has been making videos and films since the age of 17 and is currently working on his ski guide certification. He enjoys rock climbing, mountaineering (ascents in the Bugaboos, Selkirks, Purcells, Rockies, Southern Alps, and the St. Elias range), sailing, swimming, reading, and playing music. He currently works as a waiter, silviculture worker and in snow safety. Mark's goals relating to film making include traveling the world looking for adventure.

Showing at Centennial Theatre, Friday February 23, 7 pm.

Disaster on the North Face of Eiger, Germany, 1997, 48 min
Directed by: Gerhard Baur.
This is a story of two young mountaineers who, driven by incredible ambition, have planned a ropeless ascent of the North Face of Eiger. A re-enacted true story set on the background of Baur's previous reconstructions of the Eiger first ascent tragedy.

Director Gerhard Baur: Gerhard Baur has worked since 1971 as a freelance producer, writer and cameraman. His work includes production for the major German TV stations and film companies. Gerhard Baur belongs to a society of internationally experienced mountain film directors. He has made numerous documentary dramas and television plays in the Alps, for which he received prizes at International Festivals.

Showing at Centennial Theatre, Sunday February 25, 7 pm.

Downwalling, Czech Republic, 1999, 20 min.
Directed by: Luboš Slavík and Jaromír Zid. Twisted new climbing trends at the sandstone areas of the Czech Republic.

Showing at Centennial Theatre, Saturday February 24, 7 pm.

Equilibrium, Great Britain, 2000, 25 min
Directed by: Mark Turnbull
Equilibrium is the remarkable documentary of a month in top English climber Neil Bentley's life, building up mentally, physically and tactically for an attempt at the rock climb he has dedicated three years of his life towards achieving, which would become England's hardest traditional rock climb if ascended, the first and only grade E10 on gritstone. A deep and very personal insight into his motivations, fears and obsession, this film explores the tension building up to Neil's attempt, both on the rock and in his daily life, and the strong relationship forged with Rob Scaife, who as the chosen belayer, will have the unenviable task of sprinting with the rope to save Neil's life if he should fall.

This is an intimate and revealing tale of friendship, dedication and personal strength, a stark and sometimes chilling account of the very cutting edge of world climbing. A film from multiple award winning, young English film maker Mark Turnbull, with a commissioned soundtrack from composer Chris Mann

DIRECTOR MARK TURNBULL
Twenty nine year old English film maker Mark Turnbull has been climbing since the age of seventeen. His love of new rock and exploration has led him to pioneer close to 100 new climbs of all grades (up to E7) in England but also abroad in Norway and the deserts of Jordan.

Mark first picked up a video camera in 1993 whilst at university in Bristol, and has since expressed his love of climbing in through film making. After moving on to documentary film school in 1995 (where he made 'Under the Sky, Above the Sea'), he has worked on programmes such as 'Pennine Rock with Chris Bonington', 'Johnny Dawes' Best Forgotten Art video and the 'British Bouldering Championships' for Sky Sport. 1998 Saw release of 'Hard Grit' , co-produced with Richard Heap (in the partnership of Slackjaw Film), which went on to pick up eight international awards and shocked audiences worldwide with it's disturbing account of dangerous cutting edge climbing. Since Hard Grit, Mark has made mountain films for the British Mountaineering Council, more climbing for Sky Sport as well as non-climbing programmes, and has worked both as an editor, and cameraman for national news-programmes and adverts. Equilibrium' signals a return to the pure climbing documentary.

Showing at Centennial Theatre, Saturday February 24, 7 pm.

Great Trango: A Granite Mile High, USA, 2000, 44 min
Directed by: Michael Brown
After two years of dreaming and scheming, a team of top big wall climbers descend upon a remote corner of Northern Pakistan, known as the Karakoram Range, in order to pluck the prize of a first ascent. Their objective: Great Trango Tower. Arguably the tallest alpine wall in the world, this 20,600' tower holds a secret gem- an unattempted northwest face rising abruptly from the Baltoro Glacier 6000' below. Climbing capsule style, the three man team of Alex Lowe, Mark Synnott, and Jared Ogden quickly learn that sheer strength and climbing skill is not enough to will them to the summit. Aside from the objective dangers of climbing- weather, rockfall, and poor rock quality- the team must contend with emotional and physical dangers which very nearly cost them the climb. Hitting the wall in more ways then one, this team ultimately unites against all odds to achieve their dreams and claim the prize of Great Trango.

Produced by American Adventure Productions, Inc

Showing at Centennial Theatre, Saturday February 24, 7 pm.

Hidden Pleasures, Canada, 2000, 25 min.
Directed by: Mike Kinraid.
A local Bike movie, based out of the Kootenays of BC. This movie was made to capture the true and real meanings of what mountain biking is all about. Featuring riders from the area that live for the sport. The goal of this film is to make you want to get out on your bike, and ride with your Bros and have a good time.

"Hidden Pleasures. This is one of the better films of the year. Shot on location in the Kootneays. Mostly the Nelson area, this film embodies the love to ride. Unlike the "plastic" feel of some of the other mountain biking films, Hidden Pleasures really brings it home. Every time I watch this tape I get the feeling of what it is like to rip it up with my buds and instantly I crave the feel of my grips and the wind in my face. I can only attribute the difference of this film to the fact that it is filmed and produced by the riders. If I ever make a film I would want it to convey the same essence and atmosphere that I see in Hidden Pleasures." www.pinkbike.com

"Hidden Pleasures is a film about mountain biking in the Kootenays and big freeriding lines, not to mention the phenomenal local rider talent. Filmed in the 1999/2000 season, Mike Kinrade worked over the winter of 1999/2000, editing and re-editing, eventually creating 4 different versions. "I kept wanting to improve on it, but decided that I had to make a choice and pick the last one or the movie would never get done." All shots are within an hour and a half radius of the hometown of Nelson, BC.
"I wanted to have something with a good soundtrack, good different editing, good timing and lots of soul, so that when you're finished watching it, all you want to do is get out and enjoy the ride!"
Rossland Adventure Lifestyle Film Festival

About the Filmmaker Mike Kinraid:
Mike began filming with a fellow Nelsonite Jeremy Grant in 1997 on the local ski hill. He is 19 years old. He is a producer of MPF Productions as well as an editor, director, and a rider in the movie, and has no plans of slowing down.

Showing at Centennial Theatre, February 22, 7pm.

A Higher Calling, USA, 2000, 45 min
Directed by: Neal Michaelis
A Higher Calling is the story of six friends, all paraglider pilots, whose goal is to fly cross-country together as a group through Western Nepal.

Showing Saturday February 24, 2 pm.

The Mandala, USA, 2000, 3:45 min
Directed by: Josh Lowell
Chris Sharma climbs one of the most difficult boulder problems in the East Sierras.

Showing at Centennial Theatre, Saturday February 24, 7 pm.

Millennium 2000, Italy, 1999, 15 min
Directed by: Francesco Santullo
The second edition of Millennium features more of the best mountain still pictures of the recent years. Twelve sections reveal fresh stories flowing together through the common language of photography.

Showing at Centennial Theatre, Friday February 24, 7 pm..

The Most Extreme Ways to the Grossglockner, Austria, 2000, 10 min.
Directed by: Thomas Miklautsch
Two of the most renowned Austrian mountain guides are heading towards the peak of the highest Austrian peak, leaving the base camp at 4 am.

Director Thomas Miklautsch: New World Spirits is a group of extreme athletes and cameraman who always in search of adventures and experiences that are unique and spectacular to be mastered only by the greatest effort and risk of life. Thomas (born: Oct. 1971) is the founder of New World Sports, which has produced films and videos since 1994. "Camanchaca" and "Bohemians" belong among his previously awarded titles.

Showing at Centennial Theatre, Saturday February 24, 7 pm.

Mount Baker, We Have Always Lived Here, Canada, 2000, 44:39 min
Directed by: Roy Folkman
The subject of this documentary is the Sto:lo people of B.C.'s Fraser Valley and their spiritual and cultural ties to Mount Baker.

Showing at Centennial Theatre, Saturday February 24, 2 pm.

Mountain Dancing, USA, 2000, 5 min
Directed by: Dana Buckland
Dana Buckland, aka "POV pilot", dances with the Chugach mountains in Alaska - a spiritual flight, as the mountain energy dances with him.

Showing at Centennial Theatre, Saturday February 24, 2 pm.

Mysterious Mamberamo (Tajomné Mamberamo), Slovakia, 2000, 65 min
Directed by: Pavol Barabáš
This film documents a difficult and dangerous adventure into unknown and sometimes hostile territory in the Western parts of New Guinea.

Showing at Planetarium, Friday February 16, 7 pm.

No Strings Attached, Canada, 2001, 25 min
Directed by: Brian Goldstone
British Columbia is known for its abundance of extreme mountains." No Strings Attached" takes place on the little pieces that fell off said mountains.It is the latest and last version of an extreme bouldering video shot in the summers of 1999 and 2000. In this extreme video we get an insight into extreme climbers enjoying their chosen extreme sport. A shorter version of the video played at last years VIMFF as well as being chosen as a finalist at the 2000 Banff Mountain Film Festival.

Brian Goldstone is a filmmaker and photographer based out of Squamish, B.C.. He directed and co-produced "No Strings Attached" and produced "Five Days in Squish", the winner of Best Film on Mountain Biking at the 1999 VIMFF. Brian works in the Media Program at Capilano College as the T.V. Lab Technician.

Showing at Centennial Theatre, Friday February 23, 7 pm.

North Shore Extreme IV, Canada, 2000, 35 min
Directed by: Todd Fiander
Big rocks and hard knocks on the North Shore of Vancouver, "…the most incredible, frightening, bowel-loosening, intense riding on the planet!"

Showing at Centennial Theatre, February 22, 7pm.

Oceans, Mountains, and … Golden Coins (Mari, monti, e … gettoni d'oro), Italy, 1999, 52 min
Directed by: Sandro Gastinelli
Seventy years of Italian mountain history as seen through the eyes of Piero Tassone.

Showing at Istituto Italiano di Cultura, Friday February 23, 6 pm.

On Snow, Canada, 2000, 10 min
Directed by: David McMahon
On Snow tells the story of kindred spirit, athleticism, lifestyle, and adventure across a Canadian winterscape. The film mixes modern cross-country skiing and breathtaking action-tracking cinematography with a rocking sound track, to craft its own funky and highly caffeinated style.

David McMahon has followed an eclectic career in computer engineering, multimedia design and videography. At the same time he pursued a passion for athletics which saw him become the National Biathlon Champion, and third in the World in the summer variant of the sport. Lise Meloche, the principle skier in "On Snow", is an exercise physiologist, instructor and pro-elite xc racer.

Showing at Centennial Theatre, Friday February 23, 7 pm.

POW - Posse of Women, Canada, 2000, 7 min
Directed by: Curtis Robinson
Four West Coast women perform in the magnificent mountains of British Columbia in a short comedy with powder, action and stunts. The riders in P.O.W. - Posse of Women include Laura Sliva, Greta Schell, Lori Glazier, Rachel Richards, and Kathy Watanabe. The film was shot on a Sony trv_900 3CCD mini D.V Camera, and A Sportcam Point of View Camera during the 1999-2000 winter.

About the Filmmaker: Curtis Robinson
P.O.W. - Posse of Women is Curtis Robinson's first film. It was made while Curtis lived in his van, touring B.C. in search of powder to ride and to film. Curtis is currently working with Terry Schmidt of Spindrift Productions on a crash and burn flick, as well as on a new mountain biking film that has been so far called Helibiker.

Showing at Centennial Theatre, Friday February 23, 7 pm.

Resident Bruise, USA, 2000, 7 min
Directed by: Randy Waldschmidt
A snowboarding and skiing wipeout extravaganza.

Showing at Centennial Theatre, Friday February 23, 7 pm.

Robert Fulton's Pilot Notes - The Journal of a Solitary Aviator, USA, 1999, 28 min
Directed by: Vladimir Van Maule
Legendary aerial photographer Robert Fulton flies over just about every peak, river, glacier, volcano and jungle of the Andes in South America. At times suggestive of the writings of Saint-Exupéry's aviator days, this is a film that goes to the heart and muscle of flight and photography.

Director Vladimir Van Maule

Born in Praque, Czech Republic, and trained in classical art, Vladimir brings a unique visual style to every production. Working in the business since 1975, he has perfected his craft by shooting and directing films around the world. His credits list TV spots, feature films, a television series, broadcast specials, documentaries and dozens of industrial programs. His work has taken top honors in the prestigious Chicago Film Festival, and he has earned Clio and Addy awards for his work on commercial projects.

Recent projects include a PBS documentary "Sartre By Himself", (a US/French co-production), "A Portrait Of Jiri Kolar" made for Czech television, "A Dream Of Hiawatha", a visual treatment of the Symphony From The New World by Antonin Dvorak, and a feature film "Bloodbeat".

Vladimir also owns and pilots a Cessna 182 aircraft, with a special camera wing-mount to accommodate either film or video cameras for aerial cinematography.

Showing at Centennial Theatre, Sunday February 25, 7 pm.

Searching Patagonia, USA, 2000, 5 min
Directed by: Mark Carroll
Visual images from Patagonia, where rugged mountains and harsh elements contrast with a delicate beauty.

Director MARK CARROLL: An avid scuba diver and outdoors person, Mark Carroll earned degrees in both marine biology and photojournalism from Boston University in 1995. Certified as a Smithsonian Scientific Research Diver and a NAUI Rescue Diver, Mark recently worked as a camera assistant with National Geographic Television shooting on the wreck of the USS Arizona and with NOVA in the Judean Desert. Mark has jammed his camera into sharks' mouths and traveled 3,000 feet beneath the ocean as an online correspondent for the Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institution.

Although computers are an integral part of his work, Mark still considers himself a wilderness photographer. His photographs have appeared in Smithsonian Magazine, Backpacker, in conjunction with the United Nations Environment Program, at the Banff Center for Mountain Culture, and at the '98 World's Fair in Portugal. Since branching into multimedia, Mark has produced an independent CD-ROM, as well as a web-based wilderness journal. His interactive work received recognition for its art design at the International Wildlife Film Festival, and has been exhibited at other festival venues, including galleries in New York and Japan. Last year, he was presented the AV Video and Multimedia Producer "Top100 Producers" award at a ceremony at the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art.

Showing at Centennial Theatre, Saturday February 24, 7 pm.

Ski Everest, Slovenia, 2001, 40 min
Directed by: Toma Drozg
Documentary of the first complete ski descent of Mt. Everest by Davo Karnicar of Slovenia.

Showing at Centennial Theatre, Sunday February 25, 7 pm.

Skilletto, Canada, 2000, 5 min.
Directed by: Derek Westerlund.
Take a ride with World Champion unicyclist Kris Holm as he performs mind-blowing stunts and death defying maneuvers on the West Coast of B.C.

Showing at Centennial Theatre, February 22, 7pm.

Splinter, Great Britain, 2000, 4 min
Directed by: Ben Pritchard
A short film about Malcom Smith climbing the hardest wood boulder problem in the UK.

Showing at Centennial Theatre, Saturday February 24, 7 pm.

Tragedy and Triumph on Firecracker Hill, USA, 2000, 9 min
Directed by: Gus Gusciora
A satire of mountain climbing "expedition" films. From barstools to the top of a hill, this film pokes fun at somewhat formulaic serious expedition movies we see so much of.

Showing at Centennial Theatre, Saturday February 24, 7 pm.

Unfinished Business, USA, 2000, 11:00 min
Directed by: Josh Lowell
Chris Sharma on one of the hardest rock problems in Ceüse, Southern France.

Showing at Centennial Theatre, Saturday February 24, 7 pm.