As another winter rolls around, I always mark the date in the calendar for the annual Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour.

This year's film festival saw over 380 films submitted from 36 countries.

The world tour selection presented 7 captivating films from skiing, canoeing, surfing (a different way!), rock climbing and cycling.

The screening kicked off with festival winner for Best Film: Snow Sports, Imagination: Tom Wallisch. Imagination was inspired by JP Auclair segment from 'All I Can' and follows Tom Wallisch as he creates the beauty of a child's daydreams to be a skier as he uses a city features to do some crazy tricks in the snow.

Next up was Loved by all: The story of Apa Sherpa. Apa Sherpa has climbed Mt Everest 21 times, more than anyone else. This short documentary highlights the challenges Nepal's rural people face to seek an income as a high altitude porter instead of dreams made possible through education and knowledge. A beautiful piece!

The third film of the night was Dugout which follows British mates Ben Sadd and James Trundle as they decide to travel to the Amazon and live with a local community and build a canoe from scratch and explore the Amazon in their own canoe. We see the two friends struggle this difficult environment and challenging conditions. This was my favourite film of the night.

This was followed by french film Surf the line from a group a flying frenchies as they take surfing a whole new level.

After the intermission break we were introduced to film-maker, Olivia Page (with a live Q & A) and screening of the Australian film Winter on the blade, this film was set during the wettest winter on record and trying conditions as the team attempts to summit Tasmania's Federation Peak. The conditions looked epic!

Next up was Pedal, which follows Hera Van Willick from the Netherlands as she shares her story cycling solo and self-supported through 40 + countries so far. The stories you can share from an adventure like that!

The final film of the night was Stumped by film maker and climbers, Cedar Wright and Taylor Keating. The film follows climber Maureen Beck who was born missing her lower left arm. Maureen doesn't let this stop her tackling tough climbs and pushes herself to the limit. A fun filled adventure!

This year's films selections for the Banff World Tour was a more balanced range of films compared to last year and showcased compelling stories from people and their sense of adventure and love of the outdoors. Mark the calendar for next year's event.

Find out more about Banff Mountain Film Festival and International World Tour.