Latest news with #XXIV
Scoop
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Scoop
Doors Open On The NZ Mountain Film & Book Festival This Friday
The countdown is on! This Friday, 20 June, the 23rd NZ Mountain Film & Book Festival kicks off in Wānaka, welcoming audiences to an exhilarating programme of award-winning films, world-class speakers, and remarkable adventures that will leave a lasting impact. The festival runs for five days in Wānaka (20–24 June) and two days in Queenstown (26–27 June), providing an opportunity to experience the best of outdoor storytelling on the big screen. As well as enjoying great films, the festival is all about inspiring people to make their own adventures – big or small. For those who can't make it to Wānaka or Queenstown, or who simply prefer to experience adventure in their own time and from the comfort of their own couch, the Online Festival runs from 1–31 July. Festival Director Whitney Oliver hopes audiences will embrace both experiences. 'There's nothing quite like reconnecting with fellow adventure-lovers and sharing those edge-of-your-seat moments,' says Oliver. She continues: 'The atmosphere throughout the festival just buzzes, and the stoke is infectious. But for those who can't travel or take part in Wānaka or Queenstown, the Online Festival is the perfect way to avoid the FOMO and fill your adventure cup.' While the Online Festival features all 64 exceptional films, the 11 speakers will present exclusively at the in-person event, providing audiences with rare insights into their experiences. This year's speaker lineup is packed with bold voices and unforgettable stories. Headlining is legendary climber Beth Rodden (USA), whose pioneering ascents on El Capitan and remarkable survival of a hostage ordeal in Kyrgyzstan have cemented her place in climbing history. Her recent memoir, A Light Through the Cracks, has captivated audiences worldwide, and festivalgoers in Wānaka and Queenstown will have the opportunity to hear her speak in person. Joining her are Kiwi adventurers Sam Smoothy and Nick Pascoe. Smoothy—freeride skiing legend turned ski mountaineer and filmmaker—will present his ambitious project XXIV, documenting his attempt to climb and ski all 24 of New Zealand's 3000m peaks. Expect raw honesty, tough terrain, and plenty of backcountry grit. Pascoe will share stories from his 2023 mission traversing from Mt Aspiring to the Tasman Sea—bush bashing through dense terrain with skis, boots, and a packraft in tow, before navigating glaciers and wild alpine rivers. Rodden will also speak at a special free session for local high school students—part of the NZMFF Charitable Trust's long-standing effort to inspire the next generation of adventurers. This year, 180 students from Mt Aspiring College and 105 from Cromwell College, along with 20 local home schoolers will attend, with travel supported by the Trust. Families are also welcome at free one-hour film screenings in Wānaka and Lake Hāwea—an ideal introduction to the world of adventure storytelling. The festival champions both adventure and environmental responsibility, encouraging attendees to support sustainability efforts. Audiences are urged to reduce waste, carpool, bike, or walk to venues, and bring a reusable cup for complimentary tea and coffee. Additionally, visitors can contribute to the 'buy a tree' initiative at the festival café, supporting local reforestation efforts through Te Kākano Aotearoa Trust. Digital tickets are encouraged to minimise paper waste. The NZ Mountain Film & Book Festival promises an inspiring and unforgettable experience, celebrating exploration, storytelling, and the spirit of adventure. Further information:
USA Today
29-03-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Football may not have been 49ers legend's best sport
Football may not have been 49ers legend's best sport Joe Montana's career with the San Francisco 49ers is the stuff of legends. Montana passed for more than 46,000 yards and 318 touchdowns. During his decorated 14-year run in San Francisco, Montana directed the 49ers to four Super Bowl championships. Joe Cool also captured Super Bowl MVP honors during Super Bowl XVI, XIX and XXIV. But, what if football wasn't even Montana's best sport? That's what former NFL quarterback and current New England Patriots radio color analyst Scott Zolak said on the Ross Tucker Podcast. Zolak would know, too. When Zolak was a kid, his dad, Paul, coached Montana at Ringgold High in Monongahela, Pa., and Zolak served as the team's waterboy. After Montana kicked off, Zolak would race out and grab the tee. It gave him a front-row seat to the start of Montana's eventual Hall of Fame career. "Joe was a better basketball player than he was a football player. We got more excited going to Joe's basketball games in high school than football," Zolak said. "Joe was a big hooper. NC State gave him a full-ride for hoops. "Joe was a little bit of a floater, but he could shoot and he was a pretty good point guard. He could play wing, he could play point. He could move in and out. You knew he was good because people would come and watch him play." Of course, Montana chose what turned out to be the proper choice for San Francisco fans. Montana went to Notre Dame to play football and the rest as they say is history.
