The Boulder International Film Festival (BIFF) is set to host its Adventure Film Program (AFP) next weekend, running from April 10th-12th, at Grace Commons Church (1820 15th St., Boulder). This year’s program features 25 new adventure films, 30-plus filmmakers and athletes, and four Call2Action panels focused on critical issues in the adventure community. The films cover a wide range of outdoor disciplines including rock climbing, skiing, highlining, mountain biking, river running, conservation, and wildlife exploration.
The centerpiece of the program is The Dark Wizard, a multi-part documentary from Sender Films (known for The Alpinist, The Dawn Wall, and Valley Uprising) chronicling the life of climber Dean Potter. The film explores Potter’s free soloing, BASE jumping, wingsuit flying, and highlining through a portrait of an athlete who pushed risk to its limits. Local filmmakers Peter Mortimer and Nick Rosen will attend screenings on Friday at 7pm (Parts 1 and 2) and Saturday at 7:30pm (Parts 3 and 4).
Also screening is Old Man Lightning, which follows bouldering legend John “Verm” Sherman as he attempts, at 57, to re-climb Yosemite’s Midnight Lightning. The film pairs with Frozen Frames: Murphy’s Yellowstone, a look at 76-year-old wildlife photographer Tom Murphy’s winter expeditions into Yellowstone.
Girl Climber documents Boulder’s Emily Harrington on her ascent of El Capitan. Harrington and director Jon Glassberg are expected to attend. Other films include Snow Leopard Sisters, a Himalayan conservation story, and The Balloonists, based on a record-breaking around-the-world balloon expedition.
Screenings begin on Friday at 10am, with an Opening Night reception running from 5:30 to 6:30pm at Grace Commons featuring lite bites and non-alcoholic drinks before the 7pm screening of The Dark Wizard. Entry is free with a BIFF or AFP pass or a ticket to the film. Later Friday night, the Adventure Film Party moves to the Velvet Elk Lounge (2037 13th St.) from 9pm to midnight, with filmmakers, music from DJ TAC, and limited capacity.
Individual tickets are $19 plus fees. BIFF and AFP passholders attend all events free. Full schedule and tickets are available at biff1.com/adventure. The program will close with the Johnny Copp Adventure Film Award, honoring the best film in the program.
