Banff Film Festival Returns to FHS Feb. 27

Locals will get a chance to view a diverse sample of award-winning films from around the globe Monday, Feb. 27, when the Banff Film Festival returns to Farmington High School.

The mountain-themed film festival is held annually in Banff, in the Canadian Rockies, and features entries from numerous countries. The best entries are selected, then shared with people around the world when then festival goes on tour.

Farmington is one of four Connecticut locations screening the festival and all are sponsored by North Cove Outfitters. In addition to bringing the films to a wider audience, the festival serves as a fundraiser for local organizations. All proceeds from the Farmington High School screening benefit Farmington Recreation.

“I’m very excited about the program,” said Priscilla Peale, Farmington Recreation Director. “It’s very special for me — I had an opportunity to go to the film festival in Banff a few years ago. I’ve seen them in Manhattan and here in Connecticut, too.”

Peale said that once people attend the festival, they’ll usually come back every year.

“It’s really exciting. The tour gives people an opportunity to view mountain-related films about culture, adventure and climbing from all over the world,” Peale said.

Only a selection of the films on tour will be shown at the festival in each location. The showing will last from about 7 p.m. to 10 p.m., Peale said.

“They could be as short as 3 minutes, 6 minutes, or as long as an hour. There’s a wide variety of films. We’re so pleased to be involved with this program and it helps us as a fundraiser to help support some of our programs.”

Tickets are available by contacting North Cove Outfitters, 75 Main Street, Old Saybrook, CT at 860-388-6585. Tickets are $15 and are also available at the door.