The Fifth Annual Adventure Film Festival, from November 12-14, 2009, premieres the most exciting and inspiring award-winning independent films from around the world. The festival is dedicated to all aspects of adventure— from serious exploration to environmental heroism to gripping tales from the edge of the believable.

Presented by Patagonia, this three-day festival features over 20 high caliber films handpicked by the Adventure Film Selection Committee from over 200 entries submitted from around the word. At the best venues in town, including the historic Boulder Theater and the intimate B-Side Lounge, the eclectic lineup features exploration, surfing, climbing, biking, skiing, as well as films that tackle environmentalism, global awareness, and social issues. There will also be an Adventure Filmmaking Workshop designed to inspire the audience to create outdoor films of their own. Discussions with top outdoor filmmakers, photography exhibits, gear giveaways, live music, and fundraising for non-profit organizations enrich the community experience. 

 This year’s festival will to pay tribute to the late Jonathan “Jonny” Copp, Adventure Film’s co-founder and visionary who was killed in an avalanche in western China this past spring, during an expedition to make a first ascent of the 6800-meter Mount Edgar. This year’s festival will present a special episode from the new National Geographic series ‘First Ascent: Point of No Return,’ which documents the final days of elite climbers Jonny and his partner Micah Dash, and Sender Films’ cameraman Wade Johnson. Jonny’s passing reminds us all of the spirit of Adventure Film—

the belief in the power of the story, especially the narrative of adventure and awakening to change and challenge the world we live in.

With over 5,000 attendees in 2008, the Adventure Film Festival goes on with the support of filmmakers, sponsors, non-profits, partners, volunteers—all adventurers—who believe in the message: “Make your own legends.”

After the Boulder event, Adventure Film will mobilize the 2009 award winners to audiences across the US, and internationally to Chile, France, and South Africa. 

Adventure Film is partnered with Leave No Trace, an international non-profit dedicated to conscious recreation and environmental education. Adventure Film and Leave No Trace’s missions and direction have coincided to promote “Activism through Adventure.”

The Jonny Copp Foundation is dedicated to providing opportunities to bring creative expression and adventure to life. They offer grants, outreach programs, exhibits, and a forum that stimulates individual creativity, intellectual promise and the spirit of adventure. The goal is to enable individuals to realize their full potential while creating positive change for themselves, and others around the world.

Adventure Film was created in 2004 by adventurers, filmmakers and artists wishing to spread the creativity, enthusiasm, and activism inherent to outdoor adventure. Adventure Film celebrates, supports and ties in with those who wish to inspire and fire the creative kilns of transformation and awareness.

For press photos, trailers, tour schedule, tickets and details, visit: www.adventurefilm.org

Festival Passes are on sale now for $50 at Boulder Theater Box Office (303.786.7030)