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Daniel Wilfred is a Wagiläk man from Ngukurr, in remote Northern Australia. He was born in Nhulunbuy, skin name, Wamut. He’s a ceremonial leader for the Wagiläk people, singing Manikay and playing bilma at ceremonies in Ngukurr, Numbulwar, Groote Eylandt and surrounding areas. He co-leads celebrated Australian quintet, Hand to Earth, with Sunny Kim, and Peter Knight, and together with his brother David Wilfred has been collaborating and touring for almost 15 years, sharing his songs and culture with people around the world. Recently he has performed with Hand to Earth at venues and festivals including Lincoln Centre (NYC), Pierre Boulez Seal (Berlin) Jazztopad Festival Poland, Bimhuis (Netherlands), Vancouver Jazz Festival, and Jeonju Sori Festival (Korea). Daniel is also a regular performer with the Australian Art Orchestra and was the recipient of the 2019 Arts Fellowship by the Northern Territory. Together with David, he was also awarded the NT Luminary Award for ‘cultural leadership’ at the 2020 Art Music Awards.

Photo by Sarah Walker

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From the film Champions of the Golden Valley, photo by Ben Sturgulewski

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November 3, 2024 - BANFF CENTRE, ALBERTA - The Banff Centre Mountain Film and Book Festival is delighted to announce Champions of the Golden Valley as winners of the Grand Prize in the 2024 Banff Centre Mountain Film Competition and the Audience Choice Award!.

Champions of the Golden Valley merges the spirit of a classic underdog sports story with the heartfelt portrait of a community finding hope amid disrupted dreams. Unveiling a breathtaking, lesser-known side of Afghanistan, the film offers an uplifting exploration of what it truly means to be a champion in all its forms.

Set against the backdrop of Afghanistan's remote mountains, a newfound passion for skiing draws young athletes from rival villages together. With little more than makeshift wooden skis and a deep determination, their devoted coach, Alishah Farhang, orchestrates a ski race that fosters unity and momentarily transcends the hardships surrounding them. However, their aspirations soon face the harsh realities of their country’s turmoil.

The 2024 Banff Centre Mountain Film Competition jury members are: Award-winning journalist and former President of the Toronto Film Critics Association Brian Johnson (Canada); Disney Latin-America composer and sound designer Joaquín Gomez (Argentina); Film Programming Director for the Ladek Mountain Festival Kasia Biernacka (Poland); Founder of GRIT&ROCK and holder of two Guinness world records Masha Gordon (Russia); and climber, community advocate and founder of Flash Foxy Shelma Jun (United States). Jury Member Joaquin Gomez abstained from the Grand Prize deliberations due to his involvement in the film.

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“The current state of global unrest, the increasingly destructive effects of climate change (and the impending election, if you’re American like me), can leave us overwhelmed and at times guilty for finding delight in the mountains. This film reminds us we are multitudes: joy and grief, hope and despair, coinciding in times of political crisis and persecution. There are beautiful wide-ranging shots that juxtapose the stark black and white present to the bright colorful images looking back, almost wistfully, at an enchanted past memory. One gets a sense of unfettered freeness in the pockets of snow. The lasting impact of the fleeting moment in time can be felt as the ski program continues to be resilient, to foster the joys of being in the mountains, and its sparkling feeling of hope.”

Source

Shelma Jun, 2024 Film Competition Jury

See the full list of winners here

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Champions of the Golden Valley | Grand Prize $5000 - Sponsored by Rab

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Grand Prize
$5000 - Sponsored by Rab

Champions of the Golden Valley
(USA, 2024, 81 mins)
Director: Ben Sturgulewski
Producer: SturgeFilm, Tideshift Studio, Katie Stjernholm, Baktash Ahadi

In the remote mountain villages of Bamyan, Afghanistan, a newfound passion for skiing attracts young athletes from rival ethnic groups to the slopes. With minimal gear and makeshift skis, the determined ski coach Alishah Farhang organizes a thrilling ski race that fosters camaraderie, joy, and triumph. "The ultimate underdog story." –Variety.

– Shelma Jun, 2024 Film Competition Jury

Jury Member Joaquin Gomez abstained from the Grand Prize deliberations due to his involvement in the film.

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109 Below | Best Film: Adventure $3000 - Sponsored by Kahtoola

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From the film 109 Below, photo by Cam Riley Stept Studios

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Best Film: Adventure
$3000 - Sponsored by Kahtoola

109 Below
(USA, 2023, 14 mins)
Director: Nick Martini
Producer: Stept Studios, Sarah Stewart, Ben Osborne, Lex Hinson

109 Below tells a tale of resilience and grit when elite rescue volunteers go out of their way to save the lives of strangers.

“Adventure is such a loaded word. Going on an adventure sounds so unabashedly bright and positive. Charting a new line to the summit. Braving the elements. Testing your courage. Pushing your stamina beyond the pale. Riding the edge of risk. But as we all know, in the mountains there’s a fine line between adventure and misadventure. It’s one thing to risk your own life, or that of a partner—and something else again to risk the life of a total stranger who is not even on the mountain.

Here is a film that’s not about the momentary thrill of an adventure, but also its harrowing consequences. Without judgment or sentimentality, it brings the dangerous work of mountain rescue teams into stark focus by telling the intimate story of a hiker who owes his life to the death of a man he never knew. Directed with empathy and gravitas, the narrative spans decades of moral reconciliation in a mere 14 minutes, while opening up a debate it can’t hope to resolve.”

– Brian Johnson, 2024 Film Competition Jury

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The Giants | Best Film: Environment $3000 - Sponsored by ANEW Climate

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Best Film: Environment
$3000 - Sponsored by ANEW Climate

The Giants
(Australia, 2024, 91 mins)
Director: Laurence Billiet, Rachael Antony
Producer: General Strike, Matchbox Pictures, Laurence Billiet, Rachael Antony

The Giants explores the intertwined fates of trees and humans in this cinematic portrait of Australian environmentalist and gay icon Bob Brown. From a seedling to forest elder, The Giants interweaves Bob’s extraordinary life with the story of the ancient forests he is fighting for, featuring award-winning cinematography and stunning animation. Prepare to be inspired.

“Australia is home to some of the most ancient forests and tallest trees in the world. They are being destroyed in wildfires and are logged mercilessly, at a catastrophic rate. The film speaks for these phenomenal living beings with the help of the creative, almost surreal and very immersive animations that make us feel like we’re wandering through the tree's canopy.

The botanical narration is interlaced with a human story, also tightly connected to the trees, metaphorically and literally wrapped around their trunks, branches and roots. Conservationist and LGBTQ+ activist Bob Brown couldn’t care more about the ecosystem of Australia and of the entire world. Along with the personal struggles and political career of the Greens leader, the film also recalls the history of environmental protests under Bob Brown’s charismatic leadership.”

– Kasia Biernacka, 2024 Film Competition Jury

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Big Water Theory | Best Film: Mountain Sports $3000 - Sponsored by NRS

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From the film Big Water Theory, photo by Jules Domine

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Best Film: Mountain Sports
$3000 - Sponsored by NRS

Big Water Theory
(France, 2024, 83 mins)
Director: Emile Dominé
Producer: AADO Media, Emile Dominé, Jules Dominé

Follow kayaking superstar Nouria Newman and two childhood friends as they navigate one of the world’s most challenging sections of whitewater – the Rondu Gorge of the Indus River in Pakistan. Documenting Nouria's attempt at completing the first female descent of these unbelievable rapids, Big Water Theory is set against the stunning backdrop of the Karakoram mountains and highlights the irreversible nature of the sport.

“This film skillfully examines the anatomy of extreme sports, where even one little error can have irreversible consequences. It delivers a masterclass in risk-taking, elevating kayaking to an art form that demands extraordinary precision and courage. Like matadors reading the next move of a wild animal, the protagonist and her team navigate the deadly rapids of the Indus River, executing a series of breathtaking, narrow escapes. To an untrained eye, it might all seem a bit mad—like purposefully skiing down an avalanche-laden slope. This quest keeps the audience on the edge of their seats through the entirety of the film. The characters are like “river whisperers,” with an unmatched ability to read complex water movements. Ultimately, this is a story of small humans bravely facing vast nature—tiny figurines in plastic kayaks amid the foaming, powerful waters of the Indus, seemingly on the brink of disaster yet miraculously making it down the rapids unscathed. Is it luck or skill? Mostly the former, with just a touch of the latter.”

– Masha Gordon, 2024 Film Competition Jury

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Mongolia, Valley of the Bears | Best Film: Mountain Culture $3000 - Sponsored by Happy Yak

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From the film Mongolia, Valley of the Bears, photo by ZED

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Best Film: Mountain Culture
$3000 - Sponsored by Happy Yak

Mongolia, Valley of the Bears
(France, 2023, 88 mins)
Director: Hamid Sardar
Producer: Lato Sensu Productions, Muriel Barra

In Mongolia,Taiga forests and pure waters have kept an entire population nomadic for thousands of years. In the last 30 years, the rich natural resources have fallen prey to illegal hunters and miners, who are often locals. Appointed ranger Jal Tumursukh, a former hunter, now enforces the law of environmental protection, attempting to end poaching but in the process also threatens cultural tradition.

“Mountain culture is a world of passionate extremes. It can be a playing field or a war zone. A meeting ground where nature is loved or feared, conquered or revered—a wilderness where people fight over the right to consume nature, or protect it. Our winning film explores these conflicting agendas without presenting simple solutions, but by framing an extraordinary story in an exquisite setting that looks like nowhere else on Earth.

It’s a movie of many genres. A cinematic spectacle that distills poetry from landscape. An eco- documentary too complex to be doctrinaire. A character drama with a trickster protagonist. A western about an enforcer who fights an outlaw band of poachers by recruiting warriors from their ranks.

This year’s Mountain Culture Award goes to a film that takes this ever-expanding niche of cinema to new heights. Masterfully written and directed by Hamid Sardar, the winner is Mongolia, Valley of the Bears.”

– Brian Johnson, 2024 Film Competition Jury

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Adra | Best Film: Climbing $3000 - Sponsored by Arc'teryx

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From the film Adra, photo by Lena Drapella

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Best Film: Climbing
$3000 - Sponsored by Arc'teryx

Adra
(United Kingdom, 2023, 53 mins)
Director: Emma Crome
Producer: Coldhouse Collective, Harriet Sykes

Llanberis is the diamond at the heart of North Wales and is the epicentre of climbing in the UK. Adra gently gifts us a sense of home, community, and belonging as local climbers Zoe Wood and Lewis Perrin Williams take us on a nostalgic journey, exploring how this place has impacted the lives of the climbers who have lived, worked, and played in this beautiful corner of Cymru over the last century.

“Flamboyant, colorful, and laden with a distinctly irreverent British humor, this film explores the legacy of British climbing through the stories of self-proclaimed misfits on a philosophical quest for bolder things. It captures the authentic climbing culture born in the slate quarries and on the sea cliffs of Wales, one of the wettest places on Earth. Rooted in the rebellious spirit of the 1980s Thatcher era, the film’s characters passionately speak of the ethics of climbing— leaving no gear behind and the principle of “never falling off” the railway nuts used for protection. With lyrical and stylish visuals, the film’s technicolor archival frames weave a love letter to the spirit of climbing from one’s heart and to a place British climbers call home.

This year’s Climbing Film Award goes to a film that distills this sense of deep longing, masterfully directed by Kylie Zarmatti and produced by Outlands Productions and Sense Grave.”

– Masha Gordon, 2024 Film Competition Jury

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Best Wild Days | Film: Snow Sports $3000 - Sponsored by American Alpine Club

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Banff National Park, photo by Paul Zizka

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Best Film: Snow Sports
$3000 - Sponsored by American Alpine Club

Wild Days
(France, 2024, 90 mins)
Director: Yohan Guignard
Producer: L'Endroit, Pascal Barneville

Four friends from Savoie have a crazy idea: 50 days of self-sufficiency in Alaska's Denali massif. Wild Days takes us overland on a gruelling overland journey to a place where time drifts, spirits wander off, and where friendships are created and then tested by commitment.

“This self-filmed journey does a remarkable job of capturing the raw moments that occur in an expedition - the child-like thrill at the start of the journey; the tensions between different personalities, each with their own expectations and hangups; the staggering emotion at the sheer beauty of a moment that feels impossible to process; and the moments of self-doubt, uncertainty, frustration that have you questioning one’s (self-imposed) goals. It highlights our desires to push the boundaries of our sport, to consider other ways of challenging yourself, such as hauling dry suits and rafts on a toboggan behind you to achieve a fully human powered expedition into the Denali massif.”

– Shelma Jun, 2024 Film Competition Jury

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Ashima | Best Feature Film $3000 - Sponsored by Grangers

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From the film Ashima, photo by Kenji Tsukamoto

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Best Feature Film
$3000 - Sponsored by Grangers

Ashima
(United States, 2023, 87 mins)
Director: Kenji Tsukamoto
Producer: Gray Hat Films, Kenji Tsukamoto, Minji Chang, Roy Choi, Dave Boyle

Ashima is an intimate portrait of elite rock climber Ashima Shiraishi as she travels to South Africa to try to become the youngest person in the world to climb a V14-graded boulder problem. Accompanying Ashima is Poppo, an eccentric, hermit-like, retired avante garde dancer, who also happens to be her father.

“This film is a very subtle, intimate and tender portrait of a young climbers’ family relationships and of a teenager searching her own path through life. The film shows unique coaching methods of her father, the parental expectations and the young person learning self-discipline and self-confidence.

The creators achieved a beautiful zen style throughout the entire film. With remarkable cinematography, static frames and calm, almost ceremonial pace of narration the film is very intense emotionally but far from being overdramatized.

The film director shared with us a profound, nuanced story that makes us think about our own style of parenting and the relationships within our own families. In this case parental love together with the young climber’s determination made the impossible possible.”

– Kasia Biernacka, 2024 Film Competition Jury

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The Bird in my Backyard | Best Short Film $3000 - Sponsored by DU/ER

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From the film The Bird in my Backyard, photo by Ryan Wilkes

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Best Short Film
$3000 - Sponsored by DU/ER

The Bird in my Backyard
(Canada, 2024, 20 mins)
Director: Ryan Wilkes
Producer: CBC, Trochilus Films, Ryan Wilkes

The Bird in my Backyard follows a window salesman turned hummingbird expert as he documents the secret lives of the hummingbirds that nest in his urban backyard.

“As global citizens, we must recognize the importance of transcending the limiting and nationalistic perspectives that can insulate us from one another. Through all these films, we can break down barriers, that’s where I believe the real power of storytelling resides. I would like to thank and congratulate all filmmakers for the great work behind creating such inspiring films and all the organizers of Banff Film Festival and the audience that completes this perfect combination.

Filmmaking is about stepping outside of ourselves, like the Greek concept of ecstasy, which invites us to transcend our own perspectives and truly engage with the world around us.

This film beautifully reflects the notion that sometimes the most profound discoveries are hidden just outside our back door.

Even though his subject of study may be tiny, his passion and enthusiasm are immense. With a childlike curiosity, we explore the fascinating secrets hidden in our own gardens, revealing a world that is often overlooked.

The cinematography is breathtaking allowing us to discover an invisible reality for the naked eye, complemented by an exquisite soundtrack and sound design that takes us deeper into this adventure. The balance achieved between dialogue and voice-over presents an emotional experience, encapsulating feelings of admiration, dedication, and a deep enthusiasm for nature.

It reminds us that for a genuine connection with nature we don’t have to journey far to become a life-changing experience.

This remarkable film introduces us to the secretive and captivating world of the hummingbirds.”

– Joaquín Gomez, 2024 Film Competition Jury

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The Smoke that Thunders | Creative Excellence Award $3000 - Sponsored by Core Values

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From the film The Smoke That Thunders, photo by Caleb Roberts

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Creative Excellence Award
$3000 - Sponsored by Core Values

The Smoke that Thunders
(Canada, 2024, 4 mins)
Director: Caleb Roberts
Producer: Caleb Roberts

Aiming to paddle the fabled Minus rapids at the base of Victoria Falls on the Zambezi river, Ben Marr’s biggest challenge is to access them by trekking upstream. A total assault on the senses awaits as the force of the river speaks for itself.

“This film masterfully allows the powerful sounds of nature to dominate the experience, through the raw and unfiltered essence of the elements.

It takes us on an intimate journey, where the thundering rush of the falls speaks volumes more than any scripted dialogue could. The filmmaker’s confidence in the water’s voice, drives the film with an outstanding sound design connecting us with the beauty of the landscape and the adrenaline of the adventure.

This rough approach evokes an authenticity that connects us viscerally with the experience.

A short masterpiece that has the ability to encapsulate the spirit of adventure in its purest form.”

– Joaquín Gomez, 2024 Film Competition Jury

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Champions of the Golden Valley | Audience Choice $3000 - Sponsored by 11th Hour Racing

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Audience Choice

$3000 - Sponsored by 11th Hour Racing

Champions of the Golden Valley
(USA, 2024, 81 mins)
Director: Ben Sturgulewski
Producer: SturgeFilm, Tideshift Studio, Katie Stjernholm, Baktash Ahadi

– Shelma Jun, 2024 Film Competition Jury

Jury Member Joaquin Gomez abstained from the Grand Prize deliberations due to his involvement in the film.

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The Last Observers | Special Jury Mention

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From the film The Last Observers, photo by Maja K Mikkelsen

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Special Jury Mention

The Last Observers
(United States, 2024, 25 mins)
Director: Maja K Mikkelsen
Producer: Patagonia Films, Adam Mikkelsen

For decades, every third hour around the clock, every day of the year, Karin Persson and Lennart Karlsson have gone outside to observe and record the weather. At one of the last manual weather stations on the planet, there are no days off.

“This film invites us to pause and witness the passion found in dedication which shines through every shot.

Observation, the beginning and preliminary phase of every learning experience, might seem a passive action, but hides within a transparent respect for nature and its rhythms.

The music and colors work together harmoniously, creating a magical atmosphere without any needs of flashy visuals or intense sound effects.

In a world where multitasking, fast achievements and constant external validation seems to be a common denominator, observation is a forgotten behavior, and this is a reminder for us today: we often forget to observe before acting.

It conveys not only the endless love and tenderness between them but also the deep passion and dedication for what life has led them to do, captured by the intimate view of their daughter’s eyes.”

– Joaquín Gomez, 2024 Film Competition Jury

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Sadpara | Special Jury Mention

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From the film Sadpara, photo by Gabriele Canu

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Special Jury Mention

Sadpara
(Italy, 2024, 51 mins)
Director: Gabriele Canu
Producer: feelms, Gabriele Canu

Sadpara is a journey through the heart of Pakistan’s mountains that explores the bond that unites its people with the high lands. What emerges is the simple routine of a small community, strong and pristine in character, set against the immensity of the Karakoram landscape.

“Iconic big mountains are most often associated with big expeditions, big objectives and big dreams. But what about those whose lives are inseparably intertwined with them? This film is a love letter to homeland, tradition, and what people featured in this stunning film call a “simple life.” They are not concerned with the epic achievements and projects of the individual so central to modern athletics in the mountains, but with sustaining the land and their community in an era where the new generations feel the pressure to depart in search of the economic opportunities of city life.

For its outstanding snapshot of this unique and intimate mountain community, we award a Special Jury Mention to Sadpara.”

– Shelma Jun, 2024 Film Competition Jury

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Located in the Canadian Rocky Mountains, the Banff Centre Mountain Film and Book Festival is a globally recognized event and tour celebrating the beauty, adventure, and culture of mountains globally. The nine-day festival will be held from October 26 through to November 3 this year and features over 70 events, bringing films and stories of adventure and exploration from around the world to Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity in Banff, Alberta. The festival showcases live events with adventurers, authors, photographers, and filmmakers sharing their inspiring stories.

Online films are available in Canada and the United States from November 6 to 13.

Please visit banffcentre.ca/film-fest for more information.

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Media Contact

Interested in reporting on this or any other Banff Centre story? Members of the media can reach out to communications@banffcentre.ca for more information.

Media Release

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Community Meal. Photo by Dahlia Katz.

Audience Members are invited to join us for cocktails at 5:30 PM in the Vistas Dining Room.

Community Meal Menu

Buffet service will begin at 5:30 PM, and the community meal will officially start at 6:00 PM.

Beverages

Complimentary non-alcoholic hot and cold beverages are available. Alcoholic beverages may be purchased at an additional cost.

Soup

Tomato Dhaniya Shorba (GF, DF, NF, Vegan)

Cold Selection

Vegetarian

Aloo Chaat (Potato Salad) (GF, DF, NF, Vegan)
Kabuli Chana Salad (Chickpea Salad) (GF, DF, NF, Vegan)
Corn and Bean Sprout Salad with Pomegranate (GF, DF, NF, Vegan)

Non-Vegetarian

Tandoori Chicken Salad (GF, NF)

Hot Selection

Vegetarian

Vegetable Jalfrezi (GF, DF, NF, Vegan)
Steamed Basmati Rice (GF, DF, NF, Vegan)
Aloo Gobi (GF, DF, NF, Vegan)

Non-Vegetarian

Mutton Do Pyaza (GF, NF)
Pork Vindaloo (GF, DF, NF)
Old Delhi Style Butter Chicken (GF, contains nuts)

Dessert

Selection from our Pastry Shop, including:

Rasmalai (GF)
Gulab Jamun (NF)

Dietary Information

GF – Gluten-Free DF – Dairy-Free NF – Nut-Free Vegan – Contains no animal products

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Join us before Mahabharata: The Journey Begins for a community meal at Vistas Dining Room, with a welcome by director Ravi Jain.

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Mahabharata: The Journey Begins

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Community Meal Menu

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Book Overnight Package

Join us for an extraordinary evening with cocktails, a pre-show community meal, and an open rehearsal showcasing highlights from Karma (Part 1) of Why Not Theatre’s internationally celebrated Mahabharata. Hailed as “a triumphant success” by the Toronto Star and “a stunning world premiere” by the The Globe and Mail, this epic production takes audiences on a journey through profound themes and captivating storytelling.

Following the rehearsal, join adaptors and creators Ravi Jain and Miriam Fernandes for a Q&A, where you’ll explore the artistic vision and themes of Mahabharata.

After its acclaimed world premiere at the Shaw Festival in Niagara-On-The-Lake in March 2023 and a celebrated tour to the Barbican in London, Mahabharata will continue its journey from the Banff Centre to Australia, Toronto, Ottawa, and an additional yet-to-be-announced stop.

Why Not Theatre’s Mahabharata was made possible through the support of the Canada Council for the Arts and the Ontario Arts Council as well as the National Arts Centre’s National Creation Fund and remounted with the generous support of Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity.

Image of Miriam Fernandes in multiple costumes

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Join us for an open rehearsal with highlights from Karma (Part 1) of Why Not Theatre’s epic, internationally celebrated production, Mahabharata.

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Free

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Banff Centre Artist/Practicum/Staff Only

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Age 16+. Audience discretion is advised.

Event Tags

Winter

Theatre/Drama

Performance Date

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Saturday, January 25, 2025 - 19:30

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Location

Jenny Belzberg Theatre

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About Mahabharata

Mahabharata Key Crediting

Created and written by Ravi Jain and Miriam Fernandes, using poetry from Carole Satyamurti’s "Mahabharata: A Modern Retelling"
Directed by Ravi Jain
With Associate Director Miriam Fernandes
Original concept developed with Jenny Koons
A Why Not Theatre Production
Toronto run presented by Canadian Stage with Why Not Theatre
Ottawa run presented by the National Arts Centre
Originally commissioned and presented by the Shaw Festival
In association with Barbican, London

Mahabharata is a contemporary take on a Sanskrit epic that is more than four thousand years old and foundational to Indian culture. This gripping story of a family feud explores profound philosophical and spiritual ideas. Why Not Theatre’s large-scale retelling stars a cast entirely of performers from the South Asian diaspora and presents a complex hybrid of cultures, balancing East and West, traditional and contemporary. Mahabharata is a visually stunning spectacle presented in two parts that takes audiences on a journey through the past in order to write a thrilling new future.

Highlights from Mahabharata: Karma (Part 1),The Life We Inherit

King Janamejaya is holding a ritual sacrifice in which he will kill all the snakes in the world to avenge his father’s death. In hopes of ending this cycle of revenge, a storyteller is summoned to tell King Janamejaya the tale of The Mahabharata. The storyteller tells of the rival Pandava and Kaurava clans and the choices that lead to their infamous Game of Dice.

Through playful narration, classical Indian dance, and a live band, the ensemble tells the stories of humans struggling to build a just world in the face of competition, jealousy, and rage. Exploring the themes of storytelling, ecocide, and dharma (empathy), Part 1 begins Mahabharata’s epic journey that asks, “When everyone believes they are right and their opponents wrong, how can one end a spiral of revenge?”

Plan Your Visit

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Before the Performance: We invite the audience to join us for cocktails (cash bar) at 5:30 PM, followed by a community meal at 6:00 PM in Vistas Dining Room with a welcome from director Ravi Jain.

Optional Overnight Package: For a complete experience, guests can book an optional overnight package, including a one-night stay at Banff Centre Hotel and breakfast.

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Léa Flowers Nelson is the recipient of the 2024 Mountain Spirit Award.

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BANFF CENTRE, ALBERTA - The Banff Centre Mountain Film and Book Festival is thrilled to announce Léa Flowers Nelson as the recipient of this year’s Mountain Spirit Award.

This prestigious award recognizes young individuals, between the ages of 15 to 25, who seek to initiate positive change to celebrate, protect and advocate for the outdoors.

Léa is known in her community for her unwavering passion and commitment, consistently pushing herself to grow and inspire those around her. Since grade 10, she has been an integral member of the Canadian Rockies Youth Network (CRYN), a youth-led organization dedicated to promoting Indigenous perspectives and empowering young people across Alberta to take meaningful action against the climate crisis.

Last summer, Léa participated in the Girls* on Ice Canada Illecillewaet expedition, an experience that deepened her commitment to environmental stewardship. Alongside her expedition work, she plays a vital role in the CRYN administration team and co-leads her school’s environmental club, fostering a culture of sustainability among her peers.

Léa’s dedication and leadership serve as an inspiration to her community and beyond.

To learn more about this year’s finalists and the competition, visit https://www.banffcentre.ca/banff-mountain-spirit-award.

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Online films are available in Canada and the United States from November 6 to 13.

Please visit banffcentre.ca/film-fest for more information.

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Media Contact

Interested in reporting on this or any other Banff Centre story? Members of the media can reach out to communications@banffcentre.ca for more information.

Media Release

Description

“Paint gold in the part of me that is broken. Let my faultline shine, these golden precious scars are fine, divine, and mine.”

Joe and his dog Mister lose their home, and facing separation, head into the world for one last grand adventure together. The world seems broken, but Joe sees magic in the mundane, beauty amidst brutality, and life in the lost and lonely. He and Mister encounter Mother Nature, Santa Claus, Jesus and the Tooth Fairy, witness a troupe of homeless players in a cardboard theatre, and show a disenfranchised teen how to jump over the moon in a playground rocket ship. A seemingly simple tale of a simple man, Wonderful Joe is a love letter to imagination, hope, and the art of filling broken hearts with gold.

Ronnie Burkett brings this story to life with his signature style of beautiful puppetry and solo performance, with a glorious score and soundscape by John Alcorn.

"Ronnie Burkett’s solo puppet show about gentrification and aging hit me like a train when I saw it in October. Burkett’s puppets have always been breathtaking, but Wonderful Joe was particularly special for its writing, with piercing allusions to the condo-ification of downtown cores across Canada. The story of Joe and his dog, Mister, will haunt me forever, as will the final scene, in which Joe offers parting advice to a young schoolgirl named Getty. If I had to pick only one favourite piece of theatre from this year, Wonderful Joe was it." – Aisling Murphy, BEST OF 2024: Best theatre of 2024 from Toronto, Stratford and Shaw, The Globe and Mail

“Wonderful Joe is, true to its name, wonderful. It’s pure magic from a veteran puppeteer bringing to life some fantastical characters to tell an important story.” — Edmonton Journal

"The new Ronnie Burkett show Wonderful Joe delights!” —Toronto Star

"A moving puppet extravaganza!" —The Globe and Mail

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Page Summary

Ronnie Burkett brings Wonderful Joe to Banff with his signature stunning puppetry, laugh-out-loud humour, and masterful performance.

Exhibition

Free

Donation

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Banff Centre Artist/Practicum/Staff Only

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Licensed

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Age Restrictions

This production is intended for adult audiences only, ages 16 and up. Children under the age of 16 will not be admitted.

Event Tags

Winter

Wonderful Joe

Theatre/Drama

Performance Date

Date

Saturday, March 1, 2025 - 19:30

Audience View Micro Site URL

https://tickets.banffcentre.ca/Online/mapSelect.asp?BOset::WSmap::seatmap::performance_ids=31C555CB-DCF9-4A36-A8C8-DA43943CF417

Location

Margaret Greenham Theatre

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Credits and Creative Team

WONDERFUL JOE was created with the support of
The Explore and Create Programme of the
Canada Council for the Arts.

Co-commissioned by Stanford Lively (Stanford CA, USA),
UCLA’s Center for the Art of Performance or CAP UCLA (Los Angeles CA, USA)
and TO Live (Toronto ON, Canada)
With developmental support from Theatre Network (Edmonton AB, Canada)
In collaboration with Ronnie Burkett Theatre of Marionettes (Toronto ON Canada).

Created and performed by: Ronnie Burkett
Music composition and lyrics: John Alcorn
Lighting design: Kevin Humphrey
Production manager/artistic associate: Terri Gillis
Stage manager/technical director: Crystal Salverda
Associate producer: John Lambert
Marionette and costume design: Ronnie Burkett
Costumes: Kim Crossley
Puppet studio: Alexander Mantia, Aidan Sparks, Angela Talbot, Dina Meschkuleit, with Martin Herbert, Andy Hayward, Shanna Miller, Justin Mezzapelli, and Brigitte Sampogna
Shoes: Camellia Koo
Marionette controls: Greg Ballora (after Luman Coad)
Marionette stringing: Marcus Jamin
Majordomo: Robbie Buttinski
Scenic construction: Shop Dogs, Montreal
Scenic painting: Daniel Barkley
Model and drafting: Aidan Sparks
Music production, arrangements, vocals, keyboards, and digital programming: John Alcorn
Featured vocals: Coco Love Alcorn
Mixing and mastering: Jeff Wolpert, Desert Fish Studios

Ronnie Burkett Theatre of Marionettes is exclusively represented by John Lambert & Assoc., Montreal, Canada (www.johnlambert.ca).

Biographies

Ronnie Burkett – Creator and Performer

Ronnie Burkett

Ronnie Burkett has been captivated by puppetry since the age of seven and began touring his shows around Alberta at the age of fourteen. Ronnie Burkett Theatre of Marionettes was formed in 1986, continuously playing on Canada’s major stages, and as a guest company on numerous tours abroad. Ronnie received the 2009 Siminovitch Prize in Theatre, The Herbert Whittaker Drama Bench Award for Outstanding Contribution to Canadian Theatre, a Village Voice OBIE award, and four Citations of Excellence from the American Center of the Union Internationale de la Marionnette. In 2019, Ronnie Burkett was appointed as an Officer of The Order of Canada and in 2024 he was awarded Canada’s Governor General’s Performing Arts Award for Lifetime Achievement.

John Alcorn – Music Arrangements and Production

John Alcorn

John Alcorn is one of Canada’s premiere jazz vocalists, delivering his distinctive renditions of jazz standards on the most prestigious bandstands and concert stages across Canada. His list of citations and acknowledgements in music and theatre include both Jazz Report (Male Vocalist of the Year) and Dora (Outstanding Music) awards. As composer, lyricist, musical director, arranger and producer, he has collaborated with numerous significant Canadian theatre artists, including Daniel MacIvor, Deanne Taylor, Sky Gilbert, Theresa Tova, and Tomson Highway, and eight collaborations with Theatre of Marionettes.

Crystal Salverda – Stage Manager

Crystal Salverda

With over 30 years in the entertainment industry, Crystal has been blessed to work both across the country and internationally stage managing some wonderful productions. She has had the pleasure of working with Ronnie fo the past 11 years. She has also worked with companies such as Blyth Festival, Kidoons Network, Calgary Stampede, Necessary Angel, Soulpepper Theatre, Canadian Stage, Harold Green Jewish Theatre, just to name a few. Other work experience includes Operations for Field of Dreams and Little League Classic (BaAM Productions), Sales Manager (Westsun), Concert Stage Manager (Marquis Entertainment).

WONDERFUL JOE: Created and performed by Ronnie Burkett (Feb 28)

Computed Sort Date

1740882600

Description

“Paint gold in the part of me that is broken. Let my faultline shine, these golden precious scars are fine, divine, and mine.”

Ronnie Burkett brings this story to life with his signature style of beautiful puppetry and solo performance, with a glorious score and soundscape by John Alcorn.

“Wonderful Joe is, true to its name, wonderful. It’s pure magic from a veteran puppeteer bringing to life some fantastical characters to tell an important story.” — Edmonton Journal

"The new Ronnie Burkett show Wonderful Joe delights!” —Toronto Star

"A moving puppet extravaganza!" —The Globe and Mail

Images

Image

Page Summary

Ronnie Burkett brings Wonderful Joe to Banff with his signature stunning puppetry, laugh-out-loud humour, and masterful performance.

Exhibition

Free

Donation

Off

Banff Centre Artist/Practicum/Staff Only

Off

Licensed

Off

Age Restrictions

This production is intended for adult audiences only, ages 16 and up. Children under the age of 16 will not be admitted.

Event Tags

Winter

Wonderful Joe

Theatre/Drama

Performance Date

Date

Friday, February 28, 2025 - 19:30

Audience View Micro Site URL

https://tickets.banffcentre.ca/Online/mapSelect.asp?BOset::WSmap::seatmap::performance_ids=689ED410-AE8B-441C-AF96-F249DB00E626

Location

Margaret Greenham Theatre

Expandable Content

Credits and Creative Team

WONDERFUL JOE was created with the support of
The Explore and Create Programme of the
Canada Council for the Arts.

Ronnie Burkett Theatre of Marionettes is exclusively represented by John Lambert & Assoc., Montreal, Canada (www.johnlambert.ca).

Biographies

Ronnie Burkett – Creator and Performer

Ronnie Burkett

John Alcorn – Music Arrangements and Production

John Alcorn

Crystal Salverda – Stage Manager

Crystal Salverda

WONDERFUL JOE: Created and performed by Ronnie Burkett (March 1)

Computed Sort Date

1740796200

Description

“Paint gold in the part of me that is broken. Let my faultline shine, these golden precious scars are fine, divine, and mine.”

Ronnie Burkett brings this story to life with his signature style of beautiful puppetry and solo performance, with a glorious score and soundscape by John Alcorn.

“Wonderful Joe is, true to its name, wonderful. It’s pure magic from a veteran puppeteer bringing to life some fantastical characters to tell an important story.” — Edmonton Journal

"The new Ronnie Burkett show Wonderful Joe delights!” —Toronto Star

"A moving puppet extravaganza!" —The Globe and Mail

Images

Image

Page Summary

Ronnie Burkett brings Wonderful Joe to Banff with his signature stunning puppetry, laugh-out-loud humour, and masterful performance.

Exhibition

Free

Donation

Off

Banff Centre Artist/Practicum/Staff Only

Off

Licensed

Off

Age Restrictions

This production is intended for adult audiences only, ages 16 and up. Children under the age of 16 will not be admitted.

Event Tags

Winter

Wonderful Joe

Theatre/Drama

Performance Date

Date

Thursday, February 27, 2025 - 19:30

Audience View Micro Site URL

https://tickets.banffcentre.ca/Online/mapSelect.asp?BOset::WSmap::seatmap::performance_ids=A9B28854-6C33-432D-864A-083CE93361C4

Location

Margaret Greenham Theatre

Expandable Content

Credits and Creative Team

WONDERFUL JOE was created with the support of
The Explore and Create Programme of the
Canada Council for the Arts.

Ronnie Burkett Theatre of Marionettes is exclusively represented by John Lambert & Assoc., Montreal, Canada (www.johnlambert.ca).

Biographies

Ronnie Burkett – Creator and Performer

Ronnie Burkett

John Alcorn – Music Arrangements and Production

John Alcorn

Crystal Salverda – Stage Manager

Crystal Salverda

WONDERFUL JOE: Created and performed by Ronnie Burkett (March 1)

Computed Sort Date

1740709800

Description

Join us for an evening of original creations by Ballet Edmonton’s talented artists. This special performance features the innovative artistry of Ballet Edmonton’s Artistic Director, Kirsten Wicklund, alongside acclaimed choreographers Emilie Leriche and Anne Plamondon. This mixed program highlights the diverse talents and unique perspectives that shape Ballet Edmonton’s original repertoire. Experience contemporary ballet that resonates with creativity and expressive depth.

Image of ballet dancers from Ballet Edmonton's performance of Meteorite.

Page Summary

A showcase of visionary works of Ballet Edmonton’s Artistic Director, Kirsten Wicklund, alongside celebrated choreographers Emilie Leriche and Anne Plamondon.

Exhibition

Free

Donation

Off

Banff Centre Artist/Practicum/Staff Only

Off

Licensed

Off

Event Tags

Dance

Winter

Performance Date

Date

Saturday, March 8, 2025 - 19:30

Audience View Micro Site URL

https://tickets.banffcentre.ca/Online/mapSelect.asp?BOset::WSmap::seatmap::performance_ids=820EC33A-AB9F-4912-A783-24FF632AC2BB

Location

Jenny Belzberg Theatre

Expandable Content

Ballet Edmonton

Ballet Edmonton is a contemporary ballet ensemble under the leadership of choreographer and Artistic Director Kirsten Wicklund. Our vision is driven by a passion and curiosity to explore new ideas. As we continue to evolve, we commit ourselves to fostering contemporary dance with a focus on the creation of new work while highlighting a diverse range of artistic voices for audiences across Canada. Our repertoire contains nationally and internationally recognized and emerging choreographers with distinct voices. We contribute to the evolution of ballet in Canada by expressing the unique narratives of the artists whose creations we support and bring to life.

Ballet Edmonton has commissioned new creations by Canadian and International choreographers, including Gioconda Barbuto, Joshua Beamish, Serge Bennathan, Ethan Colangelo, James Gregg, Shay Kuebler, Emilie Leriche, Rachel Meyer, Andrea Peña, Anne Plamondon, Diego Ramalho, Ihsan Rustem, Anya Saugstad, Dorotea Saykaly, Kirsten Wicklund, and Wen Wei Wang.

Computed Sort Date

1741487400

Description

Deaf public speaker, Nathan Jesper, has arrived at his venue desperately late. As he launches into his speech, he soon realizes that things are not what they seem.

Written and performed by Deaf actor Chris Dodd, Deafy is a tragicomedy that blends ASL, the spoken word and surtitles, while leading you on an unexpected journey of what it really means to belong.

"(Nathan) is droll, wry, a master of the eye roll/shrug combo, a guy who’s in touch with the absurdities of his world.” – Liz Nicholls, 12th Night

“A play that reaches out to be more than just the sum of its parts.” – Beer Tent Reviews

“…visceral, compelling and instructive.” – Edmonton Journal

Image of Chris Dodd from his play Deafy.

Page Summary

Written and performed by Deaf actor Chris Dodd, Deafy is a tragicomedy that blends ASL, the spoken word and surtitles while leading you on an unexpected journey

Exhibition

Free

Donation

Off

Banff Centre Artist/Practicum/Staff Only

Off

Licensed

Off

Age Restrictions

Strong adult language, themes of bullying and self-harm. Recommended for ages 14+.

Event Tags

Winter

Theatre/Drama

Performance Date

Date

Saturday, February 1, 2025 - 19:30

Audience View Micro Site URL

https://tickets.banffcentre.ca/Online/mapSelect.asp?BOset::WSmap::seatmap::performance_ids=6979E391-20AD-45B6-8455-F1232E01CDB2

Location

Margaret Greenham Theatre

Expandable Content

Chris Dodd

Chris Dodd is a Treaty 6 based (Edmonton) award-winning Deaf actor, playwright, accessibility advocate and Governor General Innovation Award finalist. He is the founder and artistic director of SOUND OFF, Canada’s national festival devoted to Deaf performance. Chris holds a degree from the University of Alberta’s Drama program and has been working within Edmonton’s theatre community, and across Canada, for over 25 years. His play, Deafy, has been touring across Canada since 2021 and recently had its first international performance in the Netherlands in October. The play has been published by Playwrights Canada Press as part of the anthology, “Interdependent Magic: Disability Performance in Canada”. Notable performances include the role of Alphonse in Ultrasound at Theatre Passe Muraille. Recent film credits include the role of Odin in the feature film, Finality of Dusk. In 2019 he was the recipient of the Guy Laliberté Prize for innovation and creative leadership by the Canada Council for the Arts.

About Deafy

Deafy was created with support from the Edmonton Arts Council and developmental support from Workshop West Playwrights' Theatre (Edmonton, AB), in collaboration with Follow the Signs Theatre (Edmonton, AB).

Written and performed by: Chris Dodd
Director: Ashley Wright
Stage Manager: Jessy Ardern
Lighting Designer: Sarah Karpyshin
Associate Lighting Designer / Surtitles: Rory Turner
Sound Designer: Dave Clarke
Movement Coach: Ainsley Hillyard
Vocal Coach: Joshua Meredith
ASL Coach: Amorena Bartlett

Computed Sort Date

1738463400

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