Hope Cinema is hosting an action-packed fundraiser on March 7.
The evening will showcase six to eight award-winning films from the Vancouver International Mountain Film Festival, spanning diverse topics such as mountain climbing, skiing, paddling, biking, culture, and environment. Proceeds from ticket sales will support Hope Mountain Centre (HMC) programming and trail building efforts.
“We try and show the maximum variety,” said HMC program director Kelly Pearce, adding that the films range in length from five to 40 minters. “It’s a celebration of the outdoors and mountain culture. What we’re really showing is the best of the fest.”
This is the sixth annual event in Hope, but the first time Hope Cinema will be projecting the films through a new state-of-the-art digital projector.
“Whether you’re an experienced outdoors person or not, people just get wonderful, vicarious thrills,” said Pearce. “We get a big crowd from all directions. It’s really exciting stuff. Some of it is just heart-stopping. Just when you think you’ve seen it all, someone does some crazy new thing.”
Since 1998, the Vancouver International Mountain Film Festival has evolved from a three-day event at one venue with an audience of 1,700 to a nine-day event in North Vancouver and Vancouver in several venues with live presentations, films, photography, live music, and international film and photo competitions. Additionally, it now travels to about 30 communities with the Best of the Fest Tour, and runs additional shows at the Fall Speaker Series in North Vancouver. The festival aims to illustrate experiences and cultures from all corners of the globe, bring international and local filmmakers and photographers together with international competitions, and promote positive life values and an active lifestyle.
The festival in Hope starts at 7 p.m. at Hope Cinema, with doors opening at 6:30 p.m. Door prizes will be drawn at intermission.
Advance tickets are $10 at Blue Moose Coffee House, Hope Cinema, and Pharmasave. They are also available at the door for $12.
For more information, visit www.hopemountain.org