After attending our local screening of the Banff Mountain Film Festival we got rather excited and out of nowhere Jon became some sort of pretentious film critic, so in advance, we apologise.

1.Tashi and the Monk – By far my favourite film on display this year. This movie tells the story of a Tashi, one of many abandoned orphans at the Jhamtse Gatsal Children’s Community; and Lobsang Phuntsok, a monk and founder of the school. The film evokes all emotions and is simply stunning. I liked it so much, I bought the DVD.

2. Into the empty quarter – This story is about overcoming adversity and pushing the body to its absolute maximum. Two friends attempt to follow in the footsteps of their heroes by crossing the empty quarter – one of the most hostile and unforgiving environments on the planet… And on a budget. The film really gives an insight into the pure suffering that the lads go through, and when they get to the end of their journey you are right there with them.

3. Valley uprising: Stonemasters – This film offers something slightly different as it’s in a documentary form. We love to learn about the cultures of our forefathers and what an exciting time it was in the Yosemite Valley – involved with a counterculture that loved to climb the faces of mountains… and the faces of authority.

4. Mending the line – This film tells the story of 90 year old Frank Moore and his battles with post-war life. A sensitive man, he talks from the heart of his struggles and alludes to the therapy and catharsis that he has drawn from fly fishing all his life.

5. Touch – Not your average paragliding film. The spectacular, extraordinary and downright cheeky flying tour of The Alps and Greek mountains. Exciting to watch.

6. All my own stunts – Meet Rob Jarman: a somewhat unsuccessful downhill mountain bike veteran turned stuntman. A great watch of his journey through the highs, and particularly the lows, of his career.

7. Into the ditch – We put this in just because it looks like great fun!

8. Arctic swell – We love photography here at Bee Outdoors, and the shots that Chris Burkard captures are out of this world. This is the story of his journey to the arctic to take photos of some slightly barmy cold water surfers.

That concludes our round up of this rather marvelous event. We will be checking back in next year with our next batch of favourites!