Epic mountain stories to be shown in Geelong

Set against the jaw-dropping backdrop of Antarctica, French documentary "Of a Lifetime" follows the renowned De Le Rue snowboarding family as they navigate the frozen slopes of the white continent and the raw unpredictability of nature. Photo: JEROME TANON

A COLLECTION of award-winning short films and documentaries celebrating human endurance and the spirit of adventure will screen in Geelong later this month, as part of mountain culture-themed film festival touring across the country.

The screening will feature seven inspiring and adrenaline-filled independent films totalling almost three hours of viewing and will transport audiences to some of the most remote and untamed landscapes on Earth, from the Dolomites to the frozen slopes of the white continent.

With a mix of precision, creativity and fearlessness, world-renowned cyclist Fabio Wilmer trades dirt trails for one of the most challenging downhill slopes in the world in *The Strief*. Photo: SUPPLIED

Highlights include 109 Below, an American short film that follows a daring rescue attempt in the unforgiving wilderness of Mount Washington after two climbers are suddenly engulfed in a blizzard; and French documentary Of a Lifetime, which follows the renowned De Le Rue snowboarding family as they navigate the extreme terrain of Antarctica.

The carefully curated line-up of films has been selected from the finalists in last year’s Banff Mountain Film Festival, a prestigious international film competition held in Canada each October.

Steve Karczewski reshapes the meaning of perseverance in American short film *2 Legs is Too Easy*. Photo: TAMARA SUSA

With 55 screenings planned across the country, including a stop at Geelong’s Village Cinemas on May 20, film festival director Jemima Robinson said this year’s tour was the most ambitious to date.

“We’re making these remarkable stories more accessible than ever to Australian audiences,” Ms Robinson said.

“But it’s not all extreme sports – there is something for even the armchair adventurer in this year’s program.”

For tickets, head to banffaustralia.com.au