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A local filmmaker's journey to capture the niche sport of ice climbing in the Okanagan will finally pay off when his documentary debuts at the Vancouver International Mountain Film Festival in North Vancouver.
Dave Mai applied for a grant from outdoor outfitter Arc'teryx, and was awarded a spot in the festival and funding to create his roughly 15-minute film.
"They really liked my pitch I guess," Mai said. "I thought it was a really good story to tell, because there's not much ice climbing to be had in the Okanagan because of our very mild winters."
Mai, who had been ice climbing himself a few times and described himself as "hooked instantly" on the experience, filmed local climbers on the hunt for spots with ice hard enough to climb.
He wanted to show the beauty of the ice pillars, and convey their impermanence.
"It was really cool to watch all these guys ascend these natural formations that will never form again like that," Mai said.
The film features music from local musician Sam Welsh, as well as narration from spoken word artist Shane Koyczan.
While the film officially premieres in North Vancouver in mid-February, Mai is also holding a by-donation Penticton screening on Feb. 24 at HooDoo Adventures, with proceeds going to the Skaha Bluffs Park Watch Society.
