Every year, the scruffy, down jacket wearing outdoor types from around the country descend upon our city for the Sheffield Adventure Film Festival. Now entering its 11th year, (ShAFF) promises to be extra special as it will be the beating heart of the Sheffield Outdoor Weekender – a series of coordinated events across the city to celebrate outdoor sports.

However, you do not have to have scaled the heights of El Capitan in Yosemite or plunged off Niagara in a barrel to appreciate these films. If you prefer your adventure in a comfy seat with a beer in hand, we have our picks of the films at the festival to check out at the Showroom Cinema on 11-13th March.

FOR THE MOUNTAIN LOVER – Meru

This film was the fourth highest grossing documentary in the USA last year but only has a select number of screenings here in the UK so this one is definitely not one to be missed. Meru charts the adventures of a band of climbers as they attempt to scale the Shark’s Fin on Mount Meru – a route which has seen more failed attempts than any other ascent in the Himalayas. The route pushes the group to the very limit as they contend with unpredictable weather, brutal injuries and climbing at the highest difficulty.

Showing as part of – Mountain Films 4
Sun 13 March – 12:30

FOR THE ADRENALINE JUNKIE – Connor McFarlane – Fall Time Riding

Sure Grenoside Woods is ace but occasionally (ok, very occasionally) it is worth looking at trails elsewhere! Fall Time riding showcases the very best of what Whistlers Blackcomb Mountain has to offer. If you still feel like you are cheating on Grenoside then take solace that the film was shot by Sheffield’s own Tom Ivor Richards//Furnival Media.

Showing as part of:
Mountain Bike Films 2:
Sat 12 March – 8:30
Sun 13 March – 16:30

Made In Sheffield:
Sat 12 March – 15:00
Sun 13 March – 11:15

FOR THOSE WITH ADVENTUROUS SPIRITS – Rocky Mountains Traverse

At a spritely 48, Will Gadd has just received a lifetime achievement award for his services to climbing which shows how much he has crammed into his 48 years. International gold medals in ice and mixed climbing, Canadian national champion in sport climbing, prized first ascents in dry-tooling and ice climbing. Here he is setting another ridiculous ‘first’ in one of his hobbies: a full traverse of the Rocky Mountains via paragliding. Along with Gavin McClurg they spent 35 days ‘vol-bivvying’; travelling as light as possible paragliding across terrain that would be almost impossible by foot. Compelling viewing as a truly absurd idea is transformed into reality by will (excuse the pun) and gritty determination.

Showing as part of – Spirit of Adventure Films 1:
Sat 12 March – 10:30
Sun 13 March – 14:45

FOR THE WORLD TRAVELLER – Unbranded

Since premiering at Sundance, this film has won over audiences at film festivals across the world and now comes to ShAFF. Documenting the story of four friends who set out on a 3,000 mile horseback journey through the American West from Mexico to Canada, Unbranded shows off in equal measure the resilience of the Mustang as well as the stunning beauty of the American landscape. A mesmerising journey.

Showing as part of – Spirit of Adventure Films 3:
Sat 12 March – 14:30
Sun 13 March – 10:45

ONLY FOR THE BRAVE – Chasing Niagara

When pro kayaker Rafa Ortiz makes the decision to paddle over Niagara Falls, he sets in motion an incredible series of events that eventually takes on a life of its own. To prepare for this mission, Rafa enlists the help of world-renowned paddler Rush Sturges and a tight team of their friends. Together they go on a remarkable three-year journey from the rainforest rivers of Mexico to the towering waterfalls of the U.S. Northwest. Their journey concludes in Canada where the team plays a cat-and-mouse game with local police before Rafa’s mission comes to a heart-stopping climax at the iconic Falls.

Showing as part of – Surf and Kayak Films 2:
Sat 12 March – 16:30

ShAFF is one of Sheffield’s longest running and only adventure film festivals, returning to the Showroom Cinema 11 – 13 March. See the full programme and book tickets at the Showroom website.