Showcasing the year’s most daring feats of courage and tales of human resilience
Sedona, AZ — The Sedona International Film Festival is proud to present the Northern Arizona premiere of the Kendal Mountain Tour showing Jan. 16-22 at the Alice Gill-Sheldon Theatre.
Prepare for an unforgettable night of adventure as the Kendal Mountain Tour comes to life! Join us on a cinematic journey through the world’s most breathtaking landscapes with a selection of award-winning films showcasing the year’s most daring feats of courage and tales of human resilience.
Whether you’re a seasoned explorer or simply someone who appreciates the majesty of nature, this tour promises to ignite your sense of adventure and leave you with a renewed appreciation for the planet we call home. Get ready to be thrilled, inspired and moved at the Kendal Mountain Tour — where adventure begins at your doorstep.
Kendal Mountain Tour lineup includes:
Rods, Rolls & Reality on the Soča
Swapping paddles for rods, this crew of kayakers attempt to put the hook in the right spot. Under the emerald waters of Slovenia’s Soča River hides an endemic trout, creating both a classroom and a playground for misadventure.
Body of a Line
In this animated documentary, Madaleine Sorkin undertakes an intimate and creative journey to climb the most difficult rock climb above 13,500 feet in the world: the Dunn-Westbay Direct (5.14 a/b) on Longs Peak (Neniisoteyou’u) in Colorado. Captured entirely in real life, this film kaleidoscopes 7229 frames of original artwork, music and poetry. It’s a climbing film unlike anything you’ve seen before.
Darkhorse
In today’s era of outdoor adventure sports, where social media followers, engagement and ‘likes’ have shaped the industry, an important question remains unanswered: If a snowboarder rides a steep, exposed line in the Whistler backcountry and no one sees it or hears it, did it really happen? Joe Lax would put this age-old philosophical debate to rest— “Who cares?” “Darkhorse” is an observational documentary following Joe Lax, a 44 year old Pemberton local, who’s created a life defined by snowboarding, family and wildfire. Despite his accolades amongst the mountains over the last two decades, he remains one of the most accomplished backcountry riders you’ve never heard of. And he’s happy to keep it that way.
Elladj
“Elladj” is a short documentary following the remarkable journey of Elladj Balde, a Canadian figure skater who found his voice and fan base through wild ice skating. After facing rejection from competitive figure skating, Elladj embarks on a soul-searching quest to express himself artistically. Exploring the thrilling world of wild ice skating, Elladj defies conventions and pushes the boundaries of his craft. As he captivates audiences with his unique performances, he garners a devoted following and inspires a new generation of artists. The documentary sheds light on the personal struggles Elladj encountered and the societal challenges faced by athletes of color in figure skating. The film celebrates Elladj’s resilience, passion, and unwavering spirit, leaving viewers inspired to embrace their uniqueness and pursue their dreams
Wild Aerial
Blending techniques from the disparate worlds of mountaineering and acrobatics, adventure aerialist Sasha Galitzki performs gravity-defying routines in subzero temperatures, all without being ‘tied in’. Her aerial adventures require immense physicality, sound risk-assessment, and unwavering confidence much like free soloing — only with flips, spins, and occasional splits. “Wild Aerial” follows Sasha to dramatic ice-bound locations in Banff and Jasper National Parks where she overcomes extreme cold and dizzying heights to draw attention to the beauty and fragility of Canada’s mountain landscapes. The film culminates with Sasha’s most ambitious routine performed outdoors, which she dedicates to all those affected by the Jasper wildfire on July 24, 2024.
Mr. Cato
An elementary school teacher vying for the Olympics in BMX Flatland brings inspiration to his students through the art and perseverance of the sport he loves.
Granny Grommets
Every Friday morning, the Granny Grommets meet at Middleton Beach to catch a wave, turning the tide on what becomes expected of us as we age.
Kendal Mountain Tour will be shown at the Alice Gill-Sheldon Theatre Jan. 16-22. Showtimes will be Friday, Saturday, Wednesday and Thursday, Jan. 16, 17, 21 and 22 at 6:30 p.m.; and Monday and Tuesday, Jan. 19 and 20 at 3:30 p.m.
Tickets are $12, or $9 for Film Festival members. For tickets and more information, please call 928-282-1177. Both the theatre and film festival office are located at 2030 W. Hwy. 89A, in West Sedona. For more information, visit: www.SedonaFilmFestival.org.