It's that time again: The 10th Edinburgh Mountain Film Festival.
This year, the lineup was looking amazing and with a rare completely free weekend, Emily and I went all in and bought full weekend tickets. My Dad was also keen to come over and check it out as we had told him so much about it.
Last year, the Friday night session was at the EICA but this year every session was to be held at the George Square Lecture Theatre; a large venue with great facilities. Herbie's flight was delayed from the Isle of Man so he had a bit of a mad dash from the airport but only missed a couple of minutes of the first film that was changed due to some 'technical difficulties'.
THE FILMS
OF WET AND WILDNESS
A short film by Paul Diffley that follows a group of kayakers exploring some rapids in Spain. The film is short but highly atmospheric and poetic; featuring dramatic narration and stunning HD slow-motion images of kayaking tricks.
A brief portrait of the current life and routine of Nick Bullock. Now a professional climber, Nick left his full-time job in the prison service to focus solely on climbing and adventures. I had already seen the film online and his latest book (also called Echoes) is next on my reading list. But I was more than happy to see the film on the big screen as it is one of the most inspiring short films I have seen this year and has matched up with my own thinking and direction of late. A brilliant short film.
HIDDEN GULLY
This short film was made by a couple of Scottish skiers who made a ski ascent of Hidden Gully, a grade II climb on Aonach Mor. It was clear that these guys were quite accomplished skiers and they had some great footage of scottish skiing as well as some of their runs in the Alps earlier in the year. Their message was: sometimes the best adventures are in your own back yard!
I BELIEVE I CAN FLY (FLIGHT OF THE FRENCHIES)
This was only a small portion of this full-length film that follows a group of French folk who travel to Norway for some BASE-jumping and high-lining. This film had some stunning footage and was also very amusing, with the personalities of the individual characters really shining through. The highlight was a clip of one chap free-soloing on a high-line - crazy stuff but very entertaining.
THE LECTURE
BORGE OUSLAND - AGAINST ALL ODDS
I must say: I was really looking forward to hearing about Borge's adventures to both the North and South poles and I didn't really know much about the guy. He didn't disappoint. Borge came across as a very interesting and humble chap, who I could have listened to all night. He spoke of various adventures that he had embarked upon including: successfully reaching the North pole in winter and walking across the Arctic Circle solo. The highlight for me was his story about arriving at the North pole and seeing a helicopter land in front of him and out stepped an Arab Sheikh who had also decided to visit the North pole that day! A riveting talk - certainly one of the best speakers I have heard.
I must say: I was really looking forward to hearing about Borge's adventures to both the North and South poles and I didn't really know much about the guy. He didn't disappoint. Borge came across as a very interesting and humble chap, who I could have listened to all night. He spoke of various adventures that he had embarked upon including: successfully reaching the North pole in winter and walking across the Arctic Circle solo. The highlight for me was his story about arriving at the North pole and seeing a helicopter land in front of him and out stepped an Arab Sheikh who had also decided to visit the North pole that day! A riveting talk - certainly one of the best speakers I have heard.
