Six award-winning films and the insights of a world-class endurance athlete are on the agenda as Vancouver International Film Festival makes a stop at the Kelowna Community Theatre on Saturday, Oct. 19.
The 13th annual ‘Best of the Fest’ Tour will feature films on mountain culture, skiing, biking, climbing, paddling and outdoor adventure from around the world. In addition, American endurance mountain biker Sonya Looney will be sharing her experiences while competing this year at the Yak Attack in Asia, the highest mountain bike race on earth.
Taking place in the mighty Himalaya, comprising of eight stages, covering 400 km and with a total altitude gain of over 12,000 metres this race throws every obstacle under the sun at the adventurous riders daring to take it on.
It’s one of the toughest mountain bike stage races on the world calendar. “When I discovered there was a 10-day race across the Annapurna region and I would have to hike my bike in the snow over 17,769 feet, I was very intrigued,” Looney said. “When I found out no woman had done it, I had to go. In 2012, I was the first woman to win and complete the 10- day race. I went back this year to do it again. The breathtaking views of the Himalaya, the challenge of remote areas, the spirited Nepalese, and the experiences in the teahouses along the journey made this a race that changed my life.”
Looney lives in Boulder, Colo., but spends some of her time in Kelowna to be with her boyfriend, Matt Ewonus. Lloney can be followed on her Facebook account at www.facebook.com/looney.ca, on Twitter @looneysonya, or her web site www.sonyalooney.com.
Advance tickets for the Kelowna VIMFF Best of the Fest are $15 each, or $20 at the door.Tickets for the 7 p.m. show are available at: Outdoor Adventure Gear, AG Outdoor Superstore, Fresh Air Experience, Fresh Air Concept, ONE Board Shop, Beyond the Crux, Kelowna Cycle, True Outdoor, Wild Mountain, Mosaic Books, Leo’s Video and Cycle Path.
The annual film fest is held each year in partnership with The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Program.
For more information, visit www.vimff.org
