Gripped Magazine
Banff Mountain Film Festival Turns 50 in 2025
The Banff Centre Mountain Film and Book Festival, celebrating its 50th anniversary from Nov. 1 to 9, 2025, is a cornerstone of mountain culture, adventure, and storytelling. Founded in 1976 in Banff, Alberta, the festival began as a small gathering to celebrate mountaineering and has evolved into a globally recognised event, showcasing films, books, and speakers that explore mountain environments, outdoor sports, and environmental issues.
The festival was the brainchild of John Amatt, Chic Scott, and Evelyn Moorehouse, who began planning the first event during winter 1975. Held at the Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity, it draws thousands of enthusiasts for nine days of screenings, talks, and events, with a world tour extending to over 45 countries. The festival’s growth reflects its commitment to inspiring appreciation for mountain landscapes and fostering discussions on adventure, culture, and conservation.
Reviewing the festival in the Banff Crag and Canyon newspaper in 1976, local critic Jon Whyte wrote, “I can scarce think of a film orgy that developed in the audience a better communal feeling. If John Amatt can manage to gather a program half as good as this next year, he’ll have to hire security to handle the mobs.”
This year’s speakers include legendary figures like Børge Ousland, a polar adventurer; Vincent Colliard, a glacier preservation advocate; Christina “Lusti” Lustenberger, a big-mountain skier; James Balog, a photographer documenting climate change; Wade Davis, an anthropologist and author; and legendary climber Lynn Hill. For tickets and more info see here.
2025 World Tour Trailer
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