10:00am - Feature Doc - "What Lies Behind the Trees"
Directed by Eli Coburn - 73 mins
With minimal support or funding, a small group of volunteers, take on the task of cleaning up the ever increasing illegal dumping and encampments in BC, creating a threat to human and wildlife health.
11:30 AM - Short Docs - Block #1 - 102 mins Total
"Too Close to Home"
Directed by Sarah Wray
Run Time: 14:13
Recent record-breaking wildfire seasons in British Columbia have released up to three times more carbon dioxide than all the province’s fossil fuel sources combined, transforming forests from a carbon sink into a carbon source and intensifying climate change. As fires become more frequent and destructive, communities like Kelowna and Cranbrook face growing human and economic costs. Too Close to Home explores an innovative solution: through pilot projects led by municipalities, researchers, and ranchers, the documentary examines how strategic cattle grazing—feeding grass to cows instead of fueling fires—could serve as a cost-effective tool to reduce wildfire risk and help protect our communities.
"Bringing the Salmon Home"
Directed by Teresa Marshall and Jeremy Williams
Run Time: 29:57
The mighty Columbia River once sustained the greatest salmon runs in the world, but for over 86 years dams have blocked salmon from reaching the upper Columbia headwaters in Canada. Bringing the Salmon Home follows three Indigenous Nations—the Syilx Okanagan, Secwépemc, and Ktunaxa—as they uphold their sacred responsibility to reintroduce salmon in collaboration with U.S. Tribal partners and river allies. Through first-person stories, archival footage, and vivid river imagery, the film reveals profound loss, resilience, and renewal. Blending Indigenous knowledge and western science, it explores reconciliation, self-determination, and a shared path forward for all who call the Columbia Basin home.
"Sink or Swim" (short doc)
"Sink or Swim" (short doc)
"Sink or Swim" (short doc)
Directed by Matthew Clark
Run Time - 36:42
In 1994, 15 year old Owen Vermeulen stepped off a Greyhound bus in the Downtown Eastside just as the Vancouver riots broke out. Captivated by the energy and chaos, that moment set the tone for the next twenty years of his life as a skateboarder and struggling addict. During one of many attempts to get clean, Owen met a man who would change his life. Owner of a local bike shop, Owen's friend gave him a bike of his own. Chasing his new passion for gravel endurance racing provided Owen with everything he needed to break the cycle of addiction.
Sink or Swim is a story of how, no matter how many times you may fail, you have the power to change your life.
"Climbing Kin"
"Sink or Swim" (short doc)
"Sink or Swim" (short doc)
Directed by Ivan Kulas
Run Time: 20:47
Climbing Kin: Community and Peaks of the Okanagan is an inspiring documentary that explores the rich and dynamic climbing culture in the Okanagan Valley. Through stunning cinematography and heartfelt stories, the film delves into the lives of local climbers, each with a unique perspective and a shared love for the rugged beauty of the region.
The film celebrates the human connections formed on the rock faces of the Okanagan, capturing how climbing brings people together, fosters personal growth, and strengthens our bond with nature. This is more than a film about climbing; it's a testament to community, legacy, and the powerful draw of the mountains that beckon us to reach higher.
1:30pm - Feature Doc - "Sink or Swim"
Directed by Nick Pelletier, Mitchell Kucher, Stephen Kucher - 56 mins
Sink or Swim follows ultra endurance athlete/adventurer Nick Pelletier's 4 year battle to swim the 106km Okanagan Lake in British Columbia, Canada. This film highlights Nick's early life, charity involvement, multiple failures, injuries, natural disasters, crew turmoil, death scares, and finally triumph. The film embodies the values of perseverance & resilience, and is a true testament to the will of the human spirit. It leaves the viewer wondering what big goals they could set, and ultimately achieve in their own life if they become undeniable in the pursuit of their passions.
2:45pm - Short Docs - Block #2 - 100 mins Total
"The Art of the Tease"
Directed by Clayton Arnall
Run Time: 4:52
A short documentary following burlesque performer Tina from Femme Fatale Dance as she reveals the craft and confidence behind the tease.
WARNING: THIS SHORT DOC CONTAINS VAGUE NUDITY
VIEWER DISCRETION IS ADVISED
"The Birth of a New Jazz: The House of Hope"
Directed by Trophy Ewila
Run Time: 24:37
Follow Kinfolk Nation and friends through the memories of the House of Hope; an inclusive & creative space that catalyzed a Black Arts & cultural scene in Kelowna. Inspired by the philosophy of Ubuntu - I am because you are, this art centred space created a real sense of community for IBPOC in Kelowna. The group is currently working on a musical project titled “Birth Of A New Jazz”.
"Okanagan Sasquatch Stories"
Directed by Kris Kolesnikoff
Run Time - 38:22
Okanagan Sasquatch Stories explores tales of mysterious Sasquatch encounters, sightings, and lore from the Kelowna and local Okanagan region of BC.
"Beyond The Climb - Knox Mountain Hillclimb 2025"
Directed by Giuliano Cardarelli, Nick Naylor
Run Time: 31:47
Every year, drivers from across North America gather in Kelowna, BC, to take on one of Canada’s most challenging and iconic motorsport events — the Knox Mountain Hill Climb. But this isn’t just a story about racing against the clock.
Beyond the Climb follows three racers — Garrett Mealing, Dave Stephenson, and Sherry Anthony — as they prepare for, compete in, and reflect on the 2025 Knox Mountain Hill Climb. From last-minute wrenching in the pits to the moments at the starting line, the film takes you inside the heart of grassroots racing.
Through their eyes, you’ll see more than just the speed and adrenaline. You’ll feel the community — the friendships built over years, the mutual respect, and the unshakable passion that keeps racers coming back, even when the odds are stacked against them.
4:40pm - Feature Doc - "BC is Burning"
Directed by Murray Wilson - 48 mins
This powerful documentary addresses British Columbia’s escalating wildfire crisis and the urgent need for solutions. With five catastrophic fire seasons in eight years, entire communities are at risk, emissions are soaring, and the economic toll is immense. Since 2017, over seven million hectares—larger than Ireland—have burned, routinely doubling B.C.’s annual carbon emissions and costing billions in suppression, community devastation, timber losses, and health impacts.
But within this crisis lies opportunity. The film explores how proactive forest management and policy reforms can reduce fire risk. A fact-finding journey to California highlights innovative strategies from its Wildfire and Forest Resilience Action Plan.