Last Updated on February 24, 2026 11:02 am
BOONE, N.C. — The Banff Mountain Film Festival returns to Appalachian State University’s Schaefer Center for the Performing Arts from March 19–21.
The film lineup for each night is now available. Some highlights include:
- “The Finisher: Jasmin Paris and the Barkley Marathons” — following an ultrarunner pushing her limits.
- “Old Man Lightning” — a comedy‑comeback story about a climber, blending humor and heart.
- “Best Day Ever” — featuring adaptive mountain bikers conquering the challenges of their disabilities.
Hosted by University Recreation at App State, the festival’s World Tour — celebrating its 50th anniversary — has been making stops in Boone for 29 years, inspiring audiences with the world’s best films that highlight mountain adventure, culture and the environment.
The Road Warrior — a representative from Banff who travels to festival sites to give insight into films and their production — will be returning to App State and curating selections specifically for the university. Each night will show three completely different film screenings and will also have live music and vendors.
The festival was established in 1976 as a program of the Banff Centre of Arts and Creativity in Canada and has since become the largest international mountain film festival. This year’s World Tour is planning screenings in over 600 communities and more than 40 countries across the globe, and the screenings at App State are among the highest attended in North America.
“This festival is a highly anticipated event that has been an important part of the Boone community for over 20 years,” said Jacob Norris, App State University Recreation outdoor programs coordinator. “I believe that our audience will continue to be inspired by the diversity, enthusiasm and energy that each film highlights.”
Tickets for the festival are $15 for App State students and $20 for the general public. Tickets can be purchased online at schaefercenter.appstate.edu/tickets, by phone at (800) 841-2787, or in person at the Schaefer Center Box Office. Online tickets are limited to eight tickets per buyer. The list of films can be found at urec.appstate.edu/banff-mountain-film-festival.
Presenting partners for this year’s festival include Footsloggers Outdoor and Travel Outfitters, App State’s Department of Geological and Environmental Sciences, VPC Builders, Appalachian Ski Mountain, Bear Trail Studios and Western Carolina Eye Associates.
For more information, email theschaefercenter@appstate.edu.
