SHAWVILLE May 30, 2018
On May 25, adventure seekers piled into the auditorium at Pontiac High School for an evening of adrenaline-spiking, vertigo-inducing films.
Six features were shown in total, for a total run time of a little over two hours, with an intermission in between. Teacher Jordan Kent explained that the event was a partnership with the Ottawa Adventure Film Festival, which was held for the first time in 2017.
“Festivals like this … they have their main event and they go on tour. We’re at three locations this year,” he said. “It’s meant to get the outdoor adventure community together. I hope to do it again and build it.”
The films selected for this screening were some standouts, including 40 Winters by Sheenboro resident Simon Donato and Drew Goldstack, which won Best in Show, as well as Jondachi by festival organizer and Ottawa resident Mike McKay, which won Best Ottawa Film.
“I’m raising money for the outdoor clubs here at the school,” Kent said, adding that some of the activities for students like canoeing or climbing can be on the expensive side. “All the proceeds go to that.”
Several local rafting and outdoor adventure companies had booths set up throughout the lobby and attendees could browse the possibilities for their own excursions in the Pontiac. There were several prizes and trips raffled off during the intermission, donated by the the companies in attendance.
The screening kicked off with Where the Wild Things Play, directed by Krystle Wright, which was billed as an homage to adventurous ladies.
Next was a longer piece directed by Kelly Milner called SHIFT, which focused on a project in Carcross, Y.T. where Indigenous youth have transformed trails on their traditional land into a mountain biker’s paradise.
Next came a personal work from professional climbing photographer Tommy Day, entitled At What Price, in which he speaks bluntly about the difficulties faced by a creative working in the age of social media.
Jondachi was a physical and metaphysical journey through the jungles of Ecuador with some stunning footage of whitewater kayaking on the Jondachi River.
From South America, viewers were taken to the Rocky Mountains for 40 Winters, which followed Donato and two pals as they attempt to traverse the Mt. Rundle ridge between Canmore and Banff, Alta. in a single day, in the winter.
Following the break, attendees took in a 50 min. feature directed by Kent Allison, aptly entitled Lunatic, which followed one man’s quest to become the oldest Canadian to reach the South Pole.
Kent was grateful for the support from the community, as well as the staff members who helped make the screening happen.
