since moving to lawrence, my friends have been raving about the BANFF Mountain Film Festival. tyler even went so far to say that it was the "best thing lawrence has to offer each year."

personally, i get skeptical about such claims.

for the last two years i have been in oklahoma city during the fated weekend. i only know this because each year it falls on the birthday weekend of John, Kyle & Micah, and this year i am missing celebrating in OKC with them (sorry i'm not there fellas...).

and so, last night i went to the first of two evenings of the film festival. it was 3 hours of shorts & documentaries about amazing athletes pushing themselves to the limit of physicality while tackling some of the most challenging (& beautiful) natural obstacles of the world. i can't recall a time i have been so terrified to watch someone else risk all the while being captivated and inspired. on top of all the amazing cinematography & stories, it is one of the most engaged and active crowds i've seen as the entire theater would erupt in applause at successes and shudder at failures.

(I should probably at least mention the drunk guy behind us who kept screaming "whhhooooooooo" at the most unspectacular of moments while missing cheering for the dramatic feats...)

i'm not sure if i'll go back tonight, but only because a friend wants me to go check out the Huff n' Puff Hot Air Balloon Festival and that sounds pretty cool.

but, really you should probably go, if you're in the area. here's a little video to whet your appetite...

and yes, for the record, Tyler is right...