5 Local Films You Shouldn’t Miss at 2020’s Vancouver International Mountain Film Festival

Every February since 1998, outdoorsy Vancouverites have flocked to the theatres to take in a slate of adventure flicks at the Vancouver International Mountain Film Festival. Known as VIMFF to locals, 2020’s festival runs February 21st to March 1st. It includes 70 films, 3 workshops, and 28 speakers at 35 separate events spread over 10 different Vancouver-area venues. Buy tickets online at the VIMFF website, as shows sell out fast.

With so many films from around the world to choose from, deciding what to see can get a little overwhelming. But if you’re looking to celebrate flicks with a local connection, here are our picks for Vancouver and British Columbia related films.

Howe Sound

Follow stand-up paddleboarder Norm Hann as he shows us how the waters of Howe Sound are recovering from decades of mining pollution. The film is full of gorgeous scenery that will make you want to get out on the water and experience it yourself.

Where to watch it: Beautiful British Columbia Show, Tuesday, February 25, 2020, 7:30 pm at the Kay Meek Theatre in West Vancouver

3 Wheels Under the Sun

This film follows two Vancouver-based cyclists who participated in a solar-powered bike race from France to China in 2018. Follow along as they build a solar tandem tricycle from scratch, then face challenges along the grueling race route.

Where to watch it: Biking Around the World Show, Wednesday, February 26, 2020, 7:30 pm at the Rio Theatre in East Vancouver

Be a Man of More Words

North Shore Rescue volunteer and retired firefighter Erik Bjarnason dealt with deep depression after a traumatic climbing accident on Mount Logan. Erik reached out for help and he wants this film to show other men that it’s ok to talk about mental health.

Where to watch it: Beautiful British Columbia Show, Tuesday, February 25, 2020, 7:30 pm at the Kay Meek Theatre in West Vancouver

Run With the Ghosts of Giants

Vancouver-based trail runners Hilary Matheson, Adam Campell, and Hailey van Dyk team up with big tree activists to bring awareness to an endangered grove of old-growth trees on Vancouver Island.

Where to watch it: Trail Running Show, Sunday, February 23, 2020, 7:30 pm, at the Centennial Theatre in North Vancouver

In Our Nature

Explore the way that humans interact with the tenacity, creativity, and strength of nature in this beautifully shot mountain bike film from director Michael Sousa. The landscape of British Columbia’s coastal rainforest is the real star, with the riders getting second billing.

Where to watch it: Beautiful British Columbia Show, Tuesday, February 25, 2020, at 7:30 pm at the Kay Meek Theatre in West Vancouver, or Best of Mountain Sports Show, Monday, February 24, at 7:30 pm at Brewhall in Vancouver and Thursday, February 27 at 7:30 pm at the ROX Theatre in Richmond.