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Three Days of World-Class Adventure Films, Filmmakers, Discussions and
Community Events in the Heart of Boulder
BOULDER, CO — The Boulder International Film Festival (BIFF) is proud to announce the return of its highly anticipated Adventure Film Program (AFP), taking place Friday, April 10 through Sunday, April 12, 2026, at Grace Commons Church (1820 15th St., Boulder).
A signature “festival within the festival,” the Adventure Film Program showcases 25 of the world’s best new adventure films, alongside 30+ filmmakers, athletes, and film subjects in attendance, and four Call2Action panels focused on critical issues in the adventure community.
Deeply rooted in Boulder’s outdoor culture, the program celebrates stories spanning rock climbing, skiing, highlining, mountain biking, river running, conservation, glaciers, and wildlife exploration.
🎬 Watch the 2026 Adventure Film Teaser
A Boulder Gathering for the Adventure Community
The Adventure Film Program begins Friday, April 10, at 10:00 AM and runs throughout the day with a full slate of screenings, setting the tone for a packed weekend of films, conversations, and community.
That evening, celebrate the Adventure Film Program Opening Night from 5:30–6:30 PM at Grace Commons Church, featuring lite-bites, mocktails, and NA beer, followed by a screening of Sender Films’ “The Dark Wizard.” Entry is free with a BIFF or AFP pass or a ticket to the film.
Later that evening, adventurers come together for the Adventure Film Party at the Velvet Elk Lounge (2037 13th St.) from 9 PM to midnight. Attendees can meet filmmakers, explorers, and artists while enjoying music from DJ TAC, plus drinks and appetizers. Entry is free with an Adventure Film Pass, BIFF pass, or ticket stub, and space is limited.
Spotlight Films: “The Dark Wizard” & “Old Man Lightning“
Anchoring the 2026 program is “The Dark Wizard,” a powerful multi-part documentary series from Sender Films (“The Alpinist,” “The Dawn Wall,” “Valley Uprising“) chronicling the life of legendary climber Dean Potter. Through free soloing, BASE jumping, wingsuit flying, and highlining, the film reveals a brilliant yet tortured athlete who transformed risk into art. Local filmmakers Peter Mortimer and Nick Rosen, along with producers and special guests, will be in attendance for screenings of two episodes on Friday at 7 PM, and two episodes on Saturday at 7:30 PM.
Also featured is “Old Man Lightning,” following bouldering legend John “Verm” Sherman as he attempts, at 57, to reclaim his past by re-climbing Yosemite’s iconic Midnight Lightning. Battling age, injuries, and time itself, Verm embarks on a gritty, humorous comeback driven by legacy and stubborn determination. “Old Man Lightning” will be screened along with “Frozen Frames: Murphy’s Yellowstone,” about 76 year-old wildlife photographer, Tom Murphy, who goes deep into Yellowstone in winter to help protect what is still wild.
Alongside films like “Girl Climber,” many screenings will offer a rare opportunity to see and meet some of adventure’s most influential figures in person.
Featured Films & Boulder Connections
The program features a diverse slate of films and stories, including:
- “Girl Climber” — Following Boulder’s own Emily Harrington on a career-defining ascent of El Capitan, with in-person guests including Harrington and director Jon Glassberg
- “Snow Leopard Sisters” — A powerful conservation story from the Himalayas, highlighting resilience and mentorship
- “The Balloonists” — A gripping true story of a record-breaking around-the-world balloon expedition
- “Beyond Parallels” / “Best Day Ever“” — Stories of endurance, adaptive sport, and community-driven adventure
Adventure Film Program Schedule Highlights
Friday, April 10
- 10:00 AM — “Time and Water“
- 12:15 PM — “Beyond the Gates” / “Rogatkin” / “Trango“
- 2:30 PM — “The Balloonists“
- 4:45 PM — Adventure Shorts 1
- 7:00 PM — “The Dark Wizard” (Parts 1 & 2)
Saturday, April 11
- 10:00 AM — “Snow Leopard Sisters“
- 12:15 PM — Adventure Shorts 2
- 2:30 PM — “The River“
- 5:00 PM — “Girl Climber“
- 7:30 PM — “The Dark Wizard” (Parts 3 & 4)
Sunday, April 12
- 1:30 PM — “Beyond Parallels” / “Best Day Ever“
- 4:00 PM — “Frozen Frames: Murphy’s Yellowstone” / “Old Man Lightning“
Tickets & Information
All Adventure Film Program events are free for BIFF and AFP passholders, with individual tickets available for $19 + fees.
Honoring Adventure Film Legacy
The BIFF Awards Ceremony & Closing Night will include the Johnny Copp Adventure Film Award, honoring the best film in the program and celebrating the legacy of Boulder climber Johnny Copp, a beloved pioneer in adventure filmmaking.
About the Boulder International Film Festival
Named one of the 25 coolest film festivals in the world by Moviemaker Magazine and celebrating its 22nd year in 2026, the Boulder International Film Festival (BIFF) brings films and filmmakers from around the world to Boulder, Colorado, for a four-day celebration of the art of cinema. BIFF attracts more than 25,000 film enthusiasts, media, and industry members annually, and this year takes place from April 9 to 12. AFP Sponsors are: Alpine Bank, Meteorite, Chautauqua, Velvet Elk Lounge, WhistlePig Whiskey, A-Lodge, Birdcall, The Post, Best Day Brewing, Tweedle, and The Spot Bouldering Gym. For tickets and more information, visit biff1.com, and follow BIFF on Instagram and Facebook.
