Between catching the next wave and shredding the slopes, an adventure seeker’s gotta’ relax. In true Rad Season fashion, we’ve found the best film festivals around the world – with a focus on action and adventure flicks. These 7 festivals perfectly capture the essence of the adrenaline chase. From mountain climbing to colossal wipeouts, these adventure-focused film festivals are just the fix you were looking for before the next season begins.
Larry Shiu, Cascade Mountain, Banff National Park
Dates: October 31 – November 8, 2020
Location: Banff, Alberta, Canada
Find your next muse at the Banff Mountain Film + Book Festival. Nine days of inspiration from filmmakers, authors, and photographers take over this picturesque Canadian mountain town. Catch one of the countless expedition films, and if you’re lucky, a Q&A with the producers following the film.
Website: Banff Mountain Film + Book Festival
Dates: Various
Location: Various locations throughout Australia
Leave the blankets and popcorn at home; the Radical Reels Tour is as close as you can get to the real deal. The tour across Australia features nine adrenaline (and sometimes anxiety) inducing short films. The most extreme base jumps, stunts, and sports fill the screens for eager thrill-seekers to enjoy.
Website: Radical Reels
Dates: May 15-25, 2020
Location: Virtual
Mountainfilm has just the inspiration you need to start your next journey. Focusing on culturally and politically impactful documentaries, the Mountainfilm festival in the Colorado mountain town of Telluride has inspired a myriad of attendees to explore the world around them and take action. Never underestimate the power of good film.
Website: Mountainfilm
Dates: TBA
Location: London, England
In addition to the weeklong surf film showcase, the London Surf Film Festival hosts a variety of community and social happenings. Join like-minded surfers and fans for sold out viewings of the best in surf production. Don’t be surprised to bump shoulder with the big names in the business.
Website: London Surf Film Festival
Dates: TBA
Location: Various locations around the world
Travel to the fringes of the universe during this worldwide, immersive film experience. Stop in Boulder, Colorado during the U.S. leg of the tour for craft brews, workshops, family & kids shows, and massive outdoor gear giveaways. Score.
Website: Adventure Film Festival
Dates: Canceled in 2020
Location: Sheffield, England
With over 100 action/adventure movies in the lineup, there is certainly no shortage of extreme sport action. Sheffield Adventure Film Festival is known for its friendly nature; no need to partake in any of the sports to have a good time. Catch any of the award winning flicks jam-packed into the weekend, then grab a beer with your new friends.
Website: SHAFF
Dates: February 29, 2020
Location: Galway, Ireland
While it may have grown in size since its 2012 inception, the Irish Adventure Film Festival has kept its three core promises: inspire people to take their own adventures (no matter how small), honor the filmmakers and athletes that bring their vision of the outdoors to us, and add meaningful value to our partners. Oh, and did we mention it’s in Ireland?
Website: Irish Adventure Film Festival
If you’re looking for an excuse to travel the world and meet the top thrill-seekers and adventurers in the industry, this is it. While these may be far from the local movie theater date night, what they lack in popcorn, they make up for in experience.
Have you attended any of the film festivals above? Let us know what you thought in the comments below!
Last updated on Apr 23, 2020Have you subscribed to our Newsletter or Podcast? Listen to us on Apple Podcast and Spotify and follow us on Facebook, Instagram Twitter and YouTube.