ROCKPORT—In the last few years it seems as though one had to slog through sleet and snow just to make it to the Banff Mountain Film Festival, held annually at the Strom Auditorium at Camden Hills Regional High School in Rockport.

For lovers of extreme outdoor sports and daring filmmaking, this is a treat to have in Rockport as the festival is shown in 40 countries across the globe.

This year’s lineup includes 17 new films spread over two nights, ranging from shorts to longer features and from outdoor superhuman feats to heart-tugging documentaries.

Jeff Boggs, manager and buyer for Maine Sport Outfitters, runs the festival every year. This year, Boggs predicts they’ll be able to squeeze in two shows in between snow storms.

“The feature films have a nautical theme this year," he said.

There are also two dog-centered films he thinks audiences will love.  Since the film festival is taking place both weekend nights, he’s got a few film favorites he recommends:

Friday Night

Sea Gypsies: The Far Side Of The World

The vessel is Infinity, a 120-ft hand-built sailing ketch, crewed by a community of wanderers. The journey – a 12,800-kilometre Pacific crossing from New Zealand to Patagonia, with a stop in Antarctica, weather permitting.

Boggs said: “This film epitomizes the spirit of adventure.featuring a crazy crew sailing from New Zealand to Patagonia via the wild winter seas off Antarctica. I'm looking forward to settling into my seat and watching all the films, but this one gets my blood pumping!”

Dog Power

Get a fascinating view of the world of dog-powered sports and the special bond between dogs and their humans. Both share a passion for living, working and playing together outside in different forms of the sled-dog and musher relationship.

Saturday Night

 Four Mums in a Boat

When four middle-aged working British mums announced they wanted to row the Atlantic Ocean, their families thought they had lost their minds.

Ace and the Desert Dog

For his 60th birthday, adventure photographer Ace Kvale and his dog, Genghis Khan, set out on a 60-day trek in Utah’s canyon country.

 Maine Sport Outfitters is selling tickets online until Thursday night. Or you can buy them in person at Maine Sport in Rockport and Camden.Go to www.mainesport.com, click on "Buy Your Banff Tickets Online Now!" For more info on the lineup visit: Banff Mountain Film Festival films.

Kay Stephens can be reached at news@penbaypilot.com