ROCKPORT—This weekend, Maine Sport Outfitters is hosting the Banff Mountain Film Festival for its 15th year and the lineup includes 18 new films, ranging from shorts to longer features and from outdoor superhuman feats to heart-tugging documentaries.

Jeff Boggs, manager and buyer for Maine Sport Outfitters said:  “All of the films are so different and so fun. The films are inspiring, educational, sometimes emotional/controversial. They take you to places and activities you may not have been exposed to. It's a great way to spend a wintry February evening.”

On Friday, breakout films are sure to include: Caleb, a four-minute short.

“Paralyzed in a skiing accident in 2007, Caleb has defied the odds and continued to thrive in his chosen passions. Learning to kayak after his injury, Caleb is positive, inspiring and one epic human!” See film clip here.

Another is And Then We Swam, a 37 minute film.

“Most adventurers who set out to cross the Indian Ocean have some rowing experience. For two blokes from the UK, that seemed like a minor detail, not a death wish.” See film clip here.

And on Saturday, films of note include: Tumwater Solitude: “With peak flow levels in Washington’s Tumwater Canyon, Sam Grafton sets out to kayak massive waves and Class V+ whitewater.” See film clip here.

And a film that will pull the heartstrings is Tashi and the Monk:

“There's a brave social experiment taking place on a remote mountaintop in the foothills of the Himalaya. A former Buddhist monk is seeking to transform the lives of abandoned children through love and compassion. Tashi is especially vulnerable as she struggles to make friends, and learns that love can help heal even the saddest memories.” See film clip here.

With the Canadian festival in its 37th year, the Banff Center holds the festival every November in Banff, Alberta, selecting the best films to go on the World Tour that visits approximately 305 cities annually in 20 countries.

To see an excerpt of what films will be showing visit Maine Sport Outfitters event page.

Tickets are on sale for the local visitation of the Banff Mountain Film Fest World Tour, set for Friday and Saturday nights, Feb. 6 and 7, at the Strom Auditorium of Camden Hills Regional High School in Rockport. Each night’s show begins at 7 p.m. and features a different slate of films. Tickets for adults are $10 in advance and available at Maine Sport on Route 1 in Rockport and Main Street in Camden; price at the door will be $12. Student tickets are $5. For more information, call 236-7120 or 230-1284. Clips of some of the films may be seen in the Rockport store.

Kay Stephens can be reached at news@penbaypilot.com