From February 21 – March 4, the Vancouver International Mountain Film Festival will be screening a lineup of inspirational, thought-provoking stories featuring special guest speakers and filmmaker intros, plus a program of expert-led filmmaking and outdoor workshops to grow your skills. The VIMFF is available to stream worldwide from February 21 – March 23. Gather your friends, grab your snacks, and soak up some adventure inspiration with their curated collection of world-class mountain films.

Going East

33 mins | Germany | 2024
GENRE: Snowsports
LANGUAGE: English

Synopsis
How far can buses, trains, and your own two feet take you? Last winter, Silvia Moser, Max Kroneck, Joi Hoffmann and Loic Isliker set out to answer that question, skiing their way through Eastern Europe while relying solely on public transit. Follow along as the team encounters everything from deep days weaving through the trees of Tarvisio to high-alpine sunset laps in Romania, finding depth in the unexpected, and a newfound appreciation for the moments in between.

SAMA

(سما, Arabic VERB: soared, rose, climbed).

North American Premiere
26 mins | Germany | 2024 | LANGUAGE(S): Arabic | SUBTITLES: English

Synopsis
Hiba, a Syrian refugee, and Sabine, a Lebanese citizen, live in the Bekaa Valley, Lebanon. In a country where tensions between Syrians and Lebanese are escalating, the two girls share their past experiences and the social barriers they faced while pursuing their passion for climbing through the Swiss NPO ClimbAid.
We witness Hiba and Sabine’s deep connections to their traditional families as they strive for independence. Despite feelings of disappointment and helplessness, their commitment to ClimbAid grows stronger. This dedication propels them to become influential female leaders.
As they navigate their personal challenges, we see the significant impact climbing has on the local community, fostering peace and resilience in a challenging societal context.