Fab 5: Epic moments await as Banff Mountain Film Festival powers back to Reading’s Hexagon

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Reel Rock Riders on the Storm, one of the films showcased by the Banff Mountain Film Festival 2026 Picture: Drew Smith
Reel Rock Riders on the Storm, one of the films showcased by the Banff Mountain Film Festival 2026 Picture: Drew Smith
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A night of thrilling adventure is being promised by the Banff Mountain Film Festival team when they return to Reading’s Hexagon Theatre this February.

There will be not one, but five different adrenaline-packed films to enjoy, covering epic pursuits that will amaze, dazzle and may encourage people to get up out of their seats and have a go themselves.

With extreme climbing, kayaking, and mountain biking among the coming attractions, the Banff Mountain Film Festival will inspire and showcase some of the most remote and special parts of our planet.

Each of the five breathtaking documentaries is introduced by a compère and includes a free prize giveaway where people can win goodies from the tour’s partners that will help them plan their own outdoor experiences. 

The films are chosen from hundreds of entries to the Banff Mountain Film and Book Festival, held every November in the Canadian Rocky Mountains.

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Last year, the festival celebrated its 50th anniversary.

The UK and Ireland tour is now in its 17th year, and is visiting more than 50 locations this spring and autumn, including Reading’s Hexagon Theatre, based in Queens Walk.

The Banff Mountain Film Festival tour director, Nell Teasdale, is looking forward to returning to The Hexagon to showcase these new films.

“Immerse yourself in a night of gripping adventure – up on the big screen,” they said.

“The Banff Mountain Film Festival showcases the year’s most inspiring stories of adventure, with cutting-edge expeditions, extraordinary human resilience and the enduring magic of wild places.”

“Whether you’re a seasoned adventurer or simply love great storytelling, this year’s films offer something for everyone.”

Film highlights include:

Gabon Uncharted

Kayaker navigating turbulent waterfall rapids - a scene from Gabon Uncharted
Adrian Mattern paddles rapid down on Ivindo river, Gabon Picture: David Sodomka / Red Bull Content Pool

Four elite whitewater kayakers embark on a 12-day descent of the mysterious Ivindo River in Gabon, Central Africa.

Battling towering waterfalls and treacherous rapids, this is a story of friendship, teamwork and passion. A high-stakes adventure revealing the gritty reality behind the veneer of social media.

The Finisher

Person sitting near a blocked gate from The Finisher, one of the films in the Banff Mountain Film Festival 2026
British runner Jasmin Paris and her groundbreaking completion of the Barkley Marathons

The extraordinary story of British runner Jasmin Paris and her groundbreaking completion of the Barkley Marathons, a race known for its extreme difficulty, cryptic rules and unpredictable conditions.

Only a handful of runners have ever completed the course, and none have been women.

The Finisher chronicles Jasmin’s three-year journey of preparation and brutal scenes from the race itself in this monumental achievement. 

Mandala

Mountain biker riding through rocky archway
Mandala tells the story of a group undertaking an epic bike ride through Nepal

A spellbinding mountain bike journey through Nepal, from the bustling streets of Kathmandu to the vertiginous mountain paths of the Himalayas.

 Starring legendary French mountain biker Kilian Bron, who is passionate about finding the balance between culture and sport, Mandala is a visual and sensory work of art.

Where can I see the Banff Mountain Film Festival (Red Programme) and how do I get tickets?

The Banff Mountain Film Festival (Red Programme) will be screened at Reading’s Hexagon Theatre on Saturday, 7 February, from 7.30pm.

The five films have a 12a certificate, so they can be viewed by families.

Tickets cost £19, or £17 for concessions or groups of six upwards. There are a maximum of six tickets bookable online, those needing more than this are invited to call the Reading Arts box office for more details.

Those who need wheelchair access or have additional needs are also encouraged to call the box office.

For more details, or to book, log on to https://whatsonreading.com/venues/hexagon/whats-on/banff-mountain-film-festival-world-tour-red-programme-26, or call the Box Office on 0118 960 6060.

For more information on the Banff Mountain Film Festival, log on to: www.banff-uk.com.

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