Kruder Siblings conquer iconic Verzasca Dam
second edition, attracted 24 of the world's best…
Teplice nad Metují, August 25-28, 2016
A traditional, yet every year a bit different – such is the end of the summer holiday in Teplice nad Metují. Attracting mountaineering and other outdoor sports enthusiasts, the fest, properly called the International Festival of Mountaineering Films, has already become an integral and highly sought-after part of the end of August.
IMFF (MHFF) is a competitive festival of amateur films from around the world with climbing and other sports. This festival in Teplice nad Metují has had a long tradition and gained great popularity, both in Czech and foreign visitors finding pleasure in extreme sports, especially those enjoyed in the great outdoors. The date of the festival has firmed up for the last weekend of August, writing an imaginary full stop at the end of the sentence of the two-month holiday.
This year, on its 23rd anniversary, the festival offers a programme with a wide range of activities and a lot of fun again.
Besides around 40 films in the competition to be seen in two projection rooms, there are two exhibitions. The first presents photographs by Ivo Sedláček, a famous Czech climber, and the latter introduces works by Vítek Ludvík, a professional belonging to the top extreme sports photographers.
One of the great attractions of the event is a number of talks with interesting guests whose experiences take the listeners to distant places, far from the world of ordinary mortals. This year, these talks will include Pete Whittaker and Tom Randall, a unique crack climber partners, known rather as Wide Boyz.
Another event not to miss is a lecture by Polish high-altitude climber Adam Bielicki. And more remarkable figures are to be announced soon.
The festival also includes a great number of supporting events. There are sports events, such as the cup in bouldering, championships for various age categories, run in the area of the (La Sportiva Cross), and a lot of competitions, such as Adrex Trickline, Hang Climber, Crack or Blindfold Climbing. It is also possible to try to test and improve a range of skills or just relax with friends in Kafírna, above the castle wall. In addition to the main star of the music programme, Anna K., concerts of bands Vyhoukaná sowa and Pumpa take place on Friday. On Saturday, there are concerts of bands Queens of Everything, Abraxas and Echt!.
On Sunday, the final section of the festival includes a church service in the memory of deceased climbers, drawing spectators' tickets by lot and final award ceremony where winner films will be announced by the international jury. Within this part, shortly after lunch, traditional "Oscar-like" Boryš wooden figures carved in the workshop of Petr Kysela in Machov will be officially awarded to the winners.
If you fancy some adrenaline, meeting famous Czech and foreign climbers and absorb incredibly powerful energy and chill-out atmosphere, Teplice nad Metují is the right place where to direct your steps on the last weekend in August.
Note down the date August 25-28. We are looking forward to see you at the festival. For fresh information, go to www.horolezeckyfestival.cz or the facebook profile.