Backcountry Film Festival Benefits Outdoor Learning

By Cameron Rasmusson
Reader Staff

There’s no shortage of opportunities to learn from nature in North Idaho. 

In fact, Selkirk Outdoor Leadership and Education officials creates entire programs based around the region’s natural grandeur. Residents have a chance to support the organization’s efforts and appreciate a few of Earth’s wonders themselves at this weekend’s Backcountry Film Festival. 

“The Abbey” is one of Backcountry Film Festival’s many offerings. Courtesy photo

Set for Friday, Nov. 30, at The Hive, the film festival features some of the year’s most breathtaking short films about winter adventure. Doors open at 6 p.m., and the show begins at 7 p.m. Tickets are $12 for general admission or $20 for VIP access and are available online or at Evans Brothers, Alpine Shop, Eichardt’s, The Hive and online. 

VIP tickets includes three raffle tickets plus access to a special event from 5-6 p.m. The raffle and silent auction, of course, are open to all, with items from major gear manufacturers, local artisans and a few special surprises on offer. For festival goers with children, a special event is prepared to keep the kiddos entertained. 

The films this year span a number of stories about mankind’s relationship to nature. “Searching For Christmas Tree” follows a professor searching for a mysterious waterfall, the location of which is completely unknown. “Blue” portrays the creativity and strength of northern women who explore winter wonderlands on bikes. “The Abbey” is “a spiritual view into any snowbird’s head waiting for the season to start.” 

While the films are great, the most important purpose of the festival is getting local underserved kids learning about themselves and the world around them through SOLE’s SnowSchool Experience, which is designed for students in grades four through 12.