For those who prefer being outdoors, we have the film festival for you (but warning: It will require you to be indoors).
The 5 Point Adventure Film Festival, which showcases awe-inspiring adventure films and a deluge of activities for outdoor sports enthusiasts of all ages, comes to Pittsburgh Saturday, February 3 from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. at ASCEND Pittsburgh located at 2141 Mary Street in the South Side.
Here’s everything you need to know about this one-of-a-kind festival.
- This is the first-ever one to be held in Pittsburgh.
The film festival originates in Carbondale, Colorado. Phil Mollenkof, Creative Director and Owner of Cultivate, knew the ‘Burgh had to be its next location.
“We [Cultivate] do all of the branding and marketing work for the festival,” said Mollenkof, “and decided it was time for Pittsburgh to host the festival.”
- Pittsburgh is the perfect city for the festival.
But it wasn’t just convenience that made Pittsburgh a good fit. The city’s landscape is great for cycling, stand-up paddleboarding, and more.
“We actually have a lot of green spaces within our city limits, and the topography of Pittsburgh makes for a great variety of terrain for running and biking,” said Mollenkof. “We have some of the best whitewater paddling in the country within a couple of hours drive.”
- Three local companies are sponsoring the event.
The festival is a collaboration between three local organizations ASCEND Pittsburgh (premier climbing, yoga, and fitness facility), 3 Rivers Outdoor Company (coming spring 2018), and Cultivate marketing and branding creative firm.
“We also did all the branding work for 3 Rivers Outdoor Co., and had also worked with ASCEND Pittsburgh in the past, so it was a natural fit for all three of us to be the main sponsors.”
- Pittsburgh is filled with outdoor adventurers.
We may be known for our black-and-gold fandom, but we’re also very into greenery.
“There is a very tight knit community of outdoor adventurers in Pittsburgh, who are incredibly passionate, and want others to join in. They just need places to interact and gather within the city.”
- The festival celebrates two new facilities and more to come.
In 2017, ASCEND Pittsburgh fitness facility opened (and is where the festival will take place). The space includes a rock-climbing gym with more than 10,000 square-feet of Walltopia climbing walls, rope climbing on a 24-foot-tall wall, plus cross training classes and equipment, including yoga.
In spring 2018, 3 Rivers Outdoor Company and its independent outdoor gear shop will open in Regent Square and will feature new and used apparel for outdoor adventure necessities.
“We think these two places will be key in providing spaces for outdoor adventure people in Pittsburgh to gather and interact, and for new people looking to get involved in outdoor adventure to come and meet others.”
The one-day February 3 event will feature food trucks, local beer, climbing and other activities (obviously), a raffle with outdoor gear prizes, and a specially selected group of outdoor adventure films determined by the 5Point Film Festival.
The festival is an all-ages event, and tickets will cost $5 in advance online, $10 at the door. Proceeds from the event will be donated to local outdoor non-profit organizations Southwestern Pennsylvania Climbers Coalition.
For more information or to purchase tickets, visit http://5pointpgh.com/.
