Bringing the wild outdoors into the heart of the city, the Sheffield Adventure Film Festival returns to the Showroom Cinema from 22-24 March.
A carefully curated three day programme of the latest short-form and feature length outdoor adventure films, from around the world to the big screen. More than 100 films across five screens, presented by the British Mountaineering Council.
The festival received 100s of submissions from filmmakers across the globe, and this year’s selection represents the world of outdoor adventure in all its forms. There are dedicated sessions for climbing, running, mountain sports, water, snow, and cycling, as well as those that celebrate a spirit of adventure often found in surprising people and places. Highlights include a number of premieres and special events including live music, filmmaker Q&As, and a series of Adventure Activism-inspired itineraries.
Adventure Activism
ShAFF say: “Without doubt, now is the time for taking action for our planet and our future. Increasingly, people are finding hope through that action, a feeling that’s reflected in many of this year’s films. As people who love the outdoors, we understand the buzz to be found in weathering adversity and standing up for our passions and beliefs. In 2019 ShAFF wants to celebrate this spirit and empower adventurous people to take action like never before. This year, we want to take our audiences on a journey and inspire them to take the next step to a better future. So we’re bringing people face-to-face with inspirational adventure activists, showing films which tell stories of powerful environmental action and giving festival-goers the chance to experience being the change themselves.”
Bringing the The Outdoor City together
ShAFF is a headline event of the Outdoor City Weekender, over a single weekend visitors to Sheffield will be able to combine watching ShAFF’s programme of high octane, enquiring, and thought provoking films with a unique showcase of live events like the Howard Street Dual and Magnificent Seven bike races. Whatever your adventures during the day, everyone is invited to come together for a festival-themed drink at the free Saturday night Weekender party in the
Showroom bar.
Festival director Matt Heason says: “With films like Free Solo and Dawn Wall bringing adventure to the attention of the world, ShAFF is more relevant than ever whether you’re a seasoned explorer or just discovering your first taste of outdoor adventure. Now in it’s 14th year, ShAFF provides an opportunity for the people of Sheffield to come together to celebrate the strong spirit of adventure and love of the outdoors this community shares. This year we are exploring the positive impact we can have on our planet and the people around us, and our Adventure Activism itineraries are a great way to plan an action packed and rewarding
weekend.”
Alex Messenger, head of communications at the BMC, says : “The BMC is proud to support Sheffield Adventure Film Festival in 2019. Here at the BMC, we promote the past, present and future of climbing, walking, and mountaineering, and we look forward to working with ShAFF to bring this alive in film. And, to celebrate our 75 th year, all BMC members can get 15% off tickets.”
Go beyond the films with free festival experiences
ShAFF is as much about the adventure as it is about the films. As well as inspirational screenings we have a whole weekend of experiences lined up which will leave you hungry for your next challenge. Get hands-on on the water with the Great Sheffield River Clean-up, let your little ones rip on our free MTB skills sessions or pick up tips from the experts on everything from fell running to bikepacking and gear repair. Check out the events on offer, including action-packed itineraries for our runners, families, and waterways tribe. With exhibitions from ShAFF partners in the Outpost, guided breakfast and evening runs hosted by Up and Running, as well as the ever-popular kit sale, there is always something to entertain between film sessions.
Family Friendly
Young people are the most powerful voices speaking out for the planet today. ShAFF is bringing together young people who have used their passions to stand up for the planet and help other people do the same. Our Young Adventurer experience will allow young people to follow their stories, join in the debate, have a go at a range of activities from plogging to craftivism, to give them the tools and inspiration to take the next steps for the future – as well as watch some of the
most inspiring films the festival has to offer. Look out for the family friendly certified screenings in the Young Adventurer and Adventure Bites sessions throughout Saturday 23 and Sunday 24 March. At the Outpost (based in the Showroom Workstation), free family-friendly activities including climbing, slacklining and caving will be provided by the Youth Hostel Association (YHA).
Become a ‘Friend of ShAFF’ for exclusive benefits to you and the community
ShAFF recently launched an opportunity for individuals to become Friends of ShAFF. By signing up to monthly micro-payments, Friends can earn exclusive discounts and benefits regular festival goers can’t access. Rewards range from t-shirts and BMC memberships to 10% off festival tickets, and access all areas passes. Not only do individuals benefit from supporting the festival they love, but so will the local community. Income generated will help inspire young
people who can’t get to ShAFF by taking events into schools, ensuring that although the festival happens once a year, the benefits carry on all year round.
Have your say
Visitors to ShAFF will be able to rate the films they have seen using Boom Beam to help select the ShAFF People’s Choice Award, sponsored by Street Food Chef. With the aim of cultivating greater festival engagement between all those attending – in 2018 we achieved 48% engagement – the web app offers audiences the opportunity to give feedback, as well as providing recommendations of what to watch.
The full ShAFF 2019 programme can be viewed via the ShAFF website. Tickets go on sale via the Showroom Cinema website 12:00 noon Friday 1 February. Can’t wait or want a taste of what to expect? There’s the Best of ShAFF 2018 screening on 4 March or if you can’t make the weekend plus an early preview of the Best of ShAFF 2019 at Regather on 14 March and Cycle to the Cinema on 20 March.
