The Fernie Alpine Resort Ski Patrol let the cat out of the bag at the 5th annual Fernie Mountain Film Festival. CARCA, or ‘Canadian Avalanche Rescue Cat Association’, is a priceless short film by Adam Baily that highlights the Hollywood caliber talent of Steve Ruskay and his feline friends. The film won the coveted ‘Best of Locals Night’ on Thursday night and took home $500. That’s a lot of kitty litter.

Several other Fernie film makers also brought our mountains to life on the screen. The audience shivered in their seats from the avalanche of delectable powder footage and got dirt under their fingernails as uber talented young bikers blasted off the dirt jumps with impossible style. Nic Genovese has established himself as a serious film maker with an eye for natural beauty and an ability to uniquely capture the action on film. Nic is diligent in showcasing some of Fernie’s finest mountain community events. Dillon Siggers, with his third submission to the festival, displayed massive growth in talent and a mature attention to detail in his short film. We look forwards to watching this talented young athlete and filmmaker become a force of nature in all seasons.

The Fernie public nominated Heiko and Linda Socher for the 2nd annual Fernie Mountain Culture Award. This award is given to a person or persons who have demonstrated long term commitment in their contribution to mountain life in the Elk Valley. It can include people making contributions in mountain sport, mountain environment, mountain culture, mountain art, or mountain science. Linda Socher received the award amid hushed confusion as Heiko had pulled a Houdini and was nowhere to be found.

The film line up this year included two feature films and a varied selection of short films . The Edge of Never was shown on Friday and tells the true story of skiing’s big mountain tribe. A deeply interpersonal and moving human story that stays true to the roots and core values that define the culture of skiing. ( by Peter Schweitzer and William A. Kerig)

Saturday the audience wet their pants watching Crossing the Ditch. Two men, one treacherous ocean. Crossing of the Tasman sea by kayak! 3318 km, 62 days.

FMFF is proud to offer a free film makers workshop this spring. FMFF would like to give back to the community and hopefully motivate some new film making talent – stay tuned for details!

FMFF is grateful to all of our sponsors: Teck, College of the Rockies, BC Hydro, CP Catering/Red Tree Restuarant, Park Place Lodge/The Pub, Best Western, Red Tree Lodge, Evolution Fitness, City of Fernie, Fernie Wilderness Adventures, Fernie Physio, Island Lake Resort Group, Ski Base, Gear Hub, Central Hotel, Tourism Fernie, Fernie Alpine Resort, Fernie Brewing Co., Straight Line, Wildsight, Giv’er Shirtworks, Dave Couse Photography, Edge of the World and Ascent Helicopters.

‘Dedicated to filmmakers who spark awareness of mountain cultures, fragile environments and the passion and perseverance of global explorers”