Banff ‘Radical Reels’ hits the Panida main stage with a bang

By Cameron Rasmusson
Reader Staff

If you’re already jonesing to shred some powder, no one can blame you. But while you’re waiting for the snow to hit the slopes, the next best thing is just around the corner: insane footage of outdoor sports fanatics taking on the craziest challenges the world has to offer.

That’s right. The 2015 Banff Mountain Film Festival’s Radical Reels tour is coming to Sandpoint, and at 7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 3, at the Panida Theater, you can catch the insane footage for yourself. This selection of high-energy films featuring skiing, biking, riding and paddling should get you in the mood to take on the natural world for yourself.

This weekend marks the twelfth year since Banff Mountain Film Festival tested the waters for the Radical Reels tour with a little help from local organizer Michael Boge. According to Boge, Sandpoint was one of only six cities to be selected for the pilot program.

“[Film festival officials] really just loved the energy and enthusiasm in Sandpoint,” said Boge.

This year brings eight films covering a range of stories in the world of adrenaline sports. In “All My Own Stunt,” for instance, Rob Jarman battles to reclaim his place at the top of the downhill mountain bike and professional stuntman fields after a near-fatal accident. “Desert Ice” takes audiences to the high-desert slot canyons of Utah for ice climbing. And “Little Red Bus,” a film that Bogge said pushed even Banff’s comfort zone, follows French alternative athletes’ crazy adventures while traveling Europe in their bus.

“Even Banff thought it was a little out there, but I think the audience in Sandpoint will really get it,” Boge said.

What film will end up being the local favorite once Radical Reels continues to its next stop? Only time will tell, so be sure to scoop up a ticket before they’re all gone. Advanced tickets are available at Eichardts, Outdoor Experience and Burger Express, and in Bonners Ferry at Zip’s. If any tickets remain, they will be sold at the door.

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