Skip to content

Kimberley's Kalum Ko makes Banff Film Fest finals

18-year old student already has impressive film credits
69260kimberleydailyScreenShot2013-10-02at8.11.11AM
Bruce Kirkby paddles into Victoria Harbour.

For over 37 years, the Banff Mountain Film and Book Festival has showcased a selection of films from around the world during a nine day Festival that takes place annually in Banff. A pre-selection committee narrows down over 350 entries to approximately 70 finalists. The selected films are then viewed by international film jury and shown to the public during the Festival, taking place this year from October 26 to November 3.

Having a film chosen as a finalist for the prestigious festival is a big deal for any film maker, no matter his or her experience. But just imagine what it means to an 18-year old from Kimberley.

Selkirk grad Kalum Ko, who is currently studying Sciences at the University of British Columbia, Okanagan, recently learned that his film “The Questions We Ask” has been chosen as a finalist  for this year’s Banff Mountain Film Festival.

The Questions We Ask follows another well-known Kimberley adventurer, Bruce Kirkby, as he crosss from Vancouver to Victoria on a paddle board.

“Adventure is curiosity,” Kirkby says in the film.

Following Kirkby in a kayak were Kimberley’s Dave Quinn, who took still photos, and Kalum, who filmed the entire journey, then created the film.

The 150 kilometre journey began in English Bay, crossed the Georgia Strait, and wound through the Gulf Islands before winding up in Victoria Harbour.

“ The trip was unforgettable,” said Kalum, whose resume includes work as DP, AC, Colourist, & Editor for Sherpas Cinema, Tourism Kimberley, St. Eugene Resort & Casino, PROS Pricing, Waxroom Creative, Bootleg Golf Course, Dirtbag Festival, and Dartmoor Bicyles.

“It is a huge honour to have this short film, “The Questions We Ask” selected as a Banff finalist. We plan on entering many other mountain film festivals in Europe and North America.”

Kalum knows he has been incredibly fortunate to have been nurtured in his passion by people right here in Kimberley.

“I’ve been so lucky in my short film career to have so many incredible mentors in film and outdoor pursuits, to name a few Kevin Sheppit, Bruce Kirkby, Dave Quinn, Pat Bates, Jen Meens, Chris Ferguson, Pat Morrow and my parents.”

“he remarkable thing I always reflect on is not the individual talents of people such as these but the community we live in,” said dad Jeff Pew. Kalum has had unbelievable mentors from such a young age. It’s unreal. We’re so lucky. It’s an amazing community where if you have a passion, there’s always people who want to nurture/mentor it.”

The Questions We Ask will be released on the web after its premiere at Banff. You can learn more about Kalum’s work at kalumko.com

 



Carolyn Grant

About the Author: Carolyn Grant

I have been with the Kimberley Bulletin since 2001 and have enjoyed every moment of it.
Read more