Filed under: Events, Outdoors & Recreation, The Arts
Bicycle Film Festival rolls through Montreal
The Bicycle Film Festival is set to make its first ever stop in to present a cultural phenomenon like no other. Originating in City, the festival is a voice for the most powerful and culturally relevant movement of the past decade: the urban bike movement. The BFF brings together many creative communities, including fashion, music and art as well as various bicycling communities – including fixed gear, BMX, and road cycling – over a shared passion for bike riding.
The history of this festival dates back to 2001 when founder Brendt Barbur was compelled to start the Bicycle Film Festival after being hit by a bus while riding his bike in City. Instead of being deterred by this experience, it inspired him to create a festival that celebrates the bicycle through music, art, and film. Now in its ninth year the festival is held in 39 cities worldwide. 250,000 people are expected to attend this year.
The Bicycle Film Festival kicks off August 14th at 7pm with film screenings at the National Film Board of Canada Theater (1564 St. Denis). Two shorts – Made in Queens and the animated Thoughts on My Bike will be followed by the feature film, Where Are You Go. Documenting four months on a bicycle between Cairo, Egypt and , South Africa en route with the Tour d’ Afrique, the world’s longest bicycle race and expedition, BFF Alumni the Zenga Bros. and Brian Vernor share a universal love of the bicycle with Africa’s roadside mechanics, sporting racers and curious strangers. Traveling more than 70 miles per day, 50 racers and expedition riders experienced the boundless Nubian desert of Sudan, the great majesty of Victoria Falls, and finally the cold rush of the Atlantic Ocean. The 7,000 mile expedition is a constant adventure full of playfulness and mysterious beauty, and is a testament to the endurance of human curiosity.
Later that night, at 9pm, festival participants take a Group Night Ride from the National Film Board Theater to the after party at an outdoor lounge where you can celebrate with a late night BBQ that is free for all.
On August 15th from 12pm to 6pm meet at the schoolyard on the corner of Verdun and 6th Avenues for a day of Bike Polo! From the public transit (subway), take the Metro Verdun and then a seven-minute walk to the park. From Berri-UQAM (Ciné ONF/NFB), its a12-minute subway ride in the direction of Angrignon. Don’t forget your polo bike! There will be some to borrow if you’d like to join the game.
Following the games, head back to the National Film Board Theater for Fun Bike Shorts at 6pm and Urban Bike Shorts at 8pm. Highlights include There’s a Flower in my Pedal – a rhythm of mixed media that reminds us to dust off the pedals and go for a ride; The Neistat Brothers hilarious test of Gasoline Vs. Yogurt; Lucas Brunelle films; and Anima D’acciaio – very few master frame builders are left. Join us for a portrait of Giovanni Pelizzoli, aka Ciocc. Then head for the after-party, details of which will be found on www.bicyclefilmfestival.com
On Sunday, August 16th, the festival closes with a celebration and cocktail party in-store at Little Burgundy (1127 St. Catherine West) beginning at 8pm.
To purchase tickets and see a full list of events in for the Bicycle Film Festival, please visit www.bicyclefilmfestival.com.
The Bicycle Film Festival
Dates: August 14-16, 2009
City, Province: , Quebec
Address: Various venues, see website
Tel: [514] 747 2536 x 2840
Web:
