Celebrating the 20-year history of the exhibition, artists Jessica Maceda, Byron Tenesaca-Guaman, and Alicia Green will be welcomed back to the AMPC to share their work. Jessica Maceda will share images, spanning more than a decade, documenting the landscapes of the area through the lens of a local community member. Byron Tenesaca-Guaman’s work highlights the “system of reciprocity that exists between humans and the mountains” in his homes of an ancestral community in the Ecuadorian Andes and the Cherokee Mountains of Southern Appalachia. Through candid portraits and action photography, Alicia Green’s work uplifts the local skater scene.

Representing the future possibilities of the competition and expanding Appalachian narratives, artists Raymond Thompson Jr., Ant M. Lobo, and Wendy Ewald have been invited to share their work. In his series, Appalachian Ghosts, Raymond Thompson Jr. “recontextualizes and re-presents archival photographs” documenting the construction of Hawks Nest Tunnel, built “to divert the New River near Fayetteville, WV,” and brings forth the importance of African-American narratives. Ant M. Lobo’s work shares intimate photographs and writings that share their experience revisiting Black Mountain College’s Lake Eden campus. Artist and educator Wendy Ewald will be exhibiting images from her series, Portraits and Dreams, which offers a unique methodology for empowering communities to tell their own stories through work created by her students in Letcher County, KY.

The 20th AMPC anniversary invitational exhibition will open at the Turchin Center for the Visual Arts on Friday, March 3, 2023 with a public reception from 5 – 9 PM. The photographs will be on view through June 3, 2023. The AMPC exhibition is hosted in conjunction with the BANFF Film Festival at Appalachian State University. As part of the 20th AMPC anniversary celebrations, there will be public programming at the Turchin Center on Saturday, April 1, 2023 that will highlight the history of the AMPC programming in Boone as well as showcase current topics explored by Appalachian photographers:

12:00 – 1:00 pm Panel discussion with exhibiting artists – Celebrating Appalachian Photography.

1:30 – 3:00 pm Portfolio Walkthrough with participants from the 18-19th Annual AMPC.

3:00 – 4:00 pm – Documentary screening of Portraits and Dreams by Wendy Ewald.

4:00 – 6:00 pm – AMPC Private Reception.

Mark your calendars to participate in a community celebration of Appalachian visual heritage and identity. There will be a People’s Choice Award that will begin on March 3, 2023, the day the show opens and will close on March 31, 2023, the day before the reception, so be sure to cast your vote!

The Appalachian Mountain Photography Competition is made possible through the generous sponsorship of the Mast General Store. Additional support comes from Appalachian Voices, Bistro Roca, the Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation, Footsloggers Outfitters, Peabody’s, Stickboy Bread and Smoky Mountain Living.

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The opening will feature images from the 10th annual competition’s 46 finalists, as well as a chance for visitors to cast their votes for the coveted AMPC People’s Choice Award.

People’s Choice voting officially starts March 1, and a kiosk will be available at the opening for attendees to cast their votes. In addition, voting will be available online until 5 p.m. on May 17.

The finalists’ images will be on display at the Turchin Center for the Visual Arts from March 1 through Aug. 16.

A panel of jurors selected the finalists’ photos from more than 800 submissions. The jurors will soon return for the final round of judging to select category winners, award special mention honors and select one image as Best in Show.

According to contest organizers, the AMPC has grown into one the region’s most prestigious photography competitions, with 2012’s images having been viewed by more than 10,000 people at the Turchin Center.

A partnership between Appalachian State University Outdoor Programs, the Turchin Center and the Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation, “AMPC celebrates the unique people, places and pursuits that distinguish the Southern Appalachians and attracts entries from across the United States,” a competition spokesperson said.

Outdoor Programs promoted the first AMPC in 2004.

“Our mission is to promote discovery through human-powered adventure, and photography is an active process of discovery,” said Rich Campbell, associate director of Outdoor Programs. “By promoting photography, we are encouraging people to go out and engage with the world around them.”

Proceeds from the annual competition are used to support students who wish to experience Student Outdoor Learning Expeditions (SOLE) at Appalachian State University.

SOLE trips are 10- to 55-day active educational adventures of discovery, where students spend extended time exploring rugged and remote wilderness and become immersed in new and exciting cultures – domestically and internationally – while gaining academic credit.

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These films focus on themes of environment, culture, and adventure in the mountains and represent the best of the best. Hundreds of entries were submitted from around the world, and Outdoor Programs has selected films for this viewing that will not only educate, but will also inspire and entertain.

Online ticket sales for Banff can be purchased through Farthing Auditorium, or if you’re in downtown Boone, NC, you can pick up your tickets at Footsloggers Outdoor and Travel Outfitters. Tickets are $9 (students can grab tickets at $7).

Check out the Banff Mountain Film Festival trailer for 2010-2011:

For more information on the Banff Mountain film festival and to see clips of other films available for viewing, please visit their website.

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The tour is scheduled to be in Boone March 26 – 27, with the films showing at 7:30 pm at Farthing Auditorium on the campus of Appalachian State University. Tickets are currently on sale at Farthing Auditorium and Footsloggers in Downtown Boone for $7 (students) and $9 (all others). Hope to see you there!

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This year’s screenings have been selected to entertain, educate, and inspire you. Be sure to watch the jaw dropping action highlighted in this year’s trailer.

Trailer for the 2008-2009 Banff Mountain Film Festival

More Movies On This Year’s Tour

“Red Gold”
People’s Choice Award 2008-2009 Banff Film Festival

At the headwaters of the two largest remaining sockeye salmon runs on the planet, a proposed mine may require the largest dam ever constructed to contain the toxic runoff. Native, commercial, and sport fishermen oppose the proposed Pebble Mine, while mine officials argue the case for development. At stake is a unique way of life that would not exist if the salmon didn’t return with Bristol Bay’s tide.

“Mountain Town: The Cowboy and the Park Goddess”

Isabelle Fallardeau is a young woman whose passion for snowboarding and penchant for power tools has led her to a career as one of the world’s only female terrain park builders. Mac Smith is a lifelong rancher, environmentalist and ski patrolman who experienced personal tragedy and triumph while leading the development of Aspen’s Highlands Bowl.

Banff Mountain Film Festival Partners, Sponsors, and Vendors

Banff Film Festival is Presented By Footsloggers Outdoor and Travel Outfitters. For 13 years, Footsloggers has partnered with ASU’s Outdoor Programs to bring the screening to Boone.

Sponsors for this year’s festival include:

Peabody’s Wine & Beer Merchants
Gideon Ridge Inn at Blowing Rock
Bistro Roca
WNCW 88.7 Radio
Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation
Virtual Blue Ridge
Appalachian Ski Mountain

Additional support has been made possible by the following businesses and organizations:

Deuter
North Carolina Outward Bound
Rock Dimensions
Mountain Alliance
Acupuncture Healthcare Clinic
Dragonfly Theater & Pub

Festival-goers will be able to enjoy coffee from Bald Guy Brew and live music while enjoying the goods and services of local and regional vendors.

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