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The VIMFF arrives in Rossland

The Vancouver Internationl Mountain Film Festival (VIMFF) made it’s debut in Rossland last weekend.

Chris Stedile

Rossland News

The Vancouver Internationl Mountain Film Festival (VIMFF) made it’s debut in Rossland last weekend, offering real, rugged films showcasing the life and times of mountain hobby enthusiasts.

Two full nights of clashing seasonal films at the Miner’s Hall went off without a hitch, according to organizer Sean Ennis.

The first night, April 17, presented summer films, while the following evening displayed a series of winter productions.

“I’ve always enjoyed mountain films and going to mountain film festivals so it’s nice to bring that kind of event to the community,” Ennis said. “Especially with such a responsive community as Rossland.”

When it comes to these types of films, Rosslanders are usually hooked.

The feature film for Friday night was Sufferfest 2: Desert Alpine. Two ambitious climbers, Alex Honnold and Cedar Wright set out to with the goal to traverse 45 of the American Southwest’s most iconic Desert Towers, via their most difficult routes.

“I love watching films like this,” said one attendee, “It’s much more than what you’d ever get at a theatre. This is real life and real adventure. Something that people in Rossland can easily connect with, what with the mountains in our backyard.”

The winter films showcased the following night saw a smaller attendance but still enough to fill a good amount of seats. The previous night saw close to 45 people while maybe 30 made it out the following afternoon.

One of the films that made a particular impact was AfterGlow; a short film featuring powder enthusiasts racing down the hill, their clothes alight with a glowstick-esque shimmer.

The summary reads, “Night. It’s the hour of infinite possibility. Follow the likes of Pep Fujas and Eric Hjorleifson, Chris Benchetler and Daron Rahlves as they take to Alaskan spines and BC pillows, shredding the biggest and boldest lines ever ridden at night.”

The feature film of Saturday evening was The Little Things, a snowboarding and environmental activism movie.

Door prizes were awarded at each event, donated by the folks at Powderhound.

Ennis is from Winlaw originally but has lived in Rossland for several years now and still finds the town of Rossland to be an extremely welcoming place when trying to organize events.

“Every place and business was just so responsive,” he said, “even putting up posters, every business you walk into is incredibly supportive.”

Ennis said the event went really well and he believes the films were all well received. Any Rosslanders that enjoyed or may have missed this showing should keep an eye out for a fall event as well.

The VIMFF society states they seek to advance appreciation of films and film-making while inspiring, informing, and educating the public in these areas.

By presenting unique outdoor and mountaineering films that illustrate experiences and cultures from all corners of the globe, VIMFF aims to bring communities together and promote positive values and active lifestyles.