From the dewy forests of Vermont to the snowcapped mountains of Montana, the Banff Centre Mountain Film Festival brings the stories of athletes from all backgrounds around the globe.
The Banff Centre Mountain Film Festival returned to Utah after decades spent at Kingsbury Hall. UtahPresents hosted multiple evenings with film screenings Feb. 19, 20 and 21. With the world tour having begun Dec. 1, 2025, incredible films showcasing the outdoors and all that surrounds it are being shown in 40 different countries. The 2025 Audience Choice Award-winning documentary “Best Day Ever” was one of these films.
Changing the world view of bike culture forever
“Best Day Ever” was shown Thursday night, along with several other films like “Flow Vision” and “Bridgers.” Directed by Ben Knight and Berne Broudy, they let the story tell itself.
“Best Day Ever” follows bikers Greg Durso and Allie Bianchi as they learn to enjoy their passions once again after life-changing injuries. The film chronicles their journeys of adapting back into the world of mountain biking, one that is not made for those who are paralyzed.
The film opened with a quote from Olympic figure skater and cancer survivor Scott Hamilton, “The only disability is a bad attitude,” which truly sets the premise for the entire film. The movie doesn’t focus on how Durso and Bianchi’s injuries are inhibitive, but rather their purpose and how they can each grow and progress. Primarily, their ambition to make mountain biking trails accessible for adaptive bikers; not easier, not less competitive, but simply accommodating for an adaptive bike.
To describe this film in one word would be resilience. Rather than being dismayed by their injuries and leaving the outdoors behind, Durso and Bianchi are only fueled to create a space where those with disabilities are included and empowered in their endeavors. Showing the ups and downs of trying to ride with an adaptive bike, the audience feels their frustration but also can’t help but laugh along with them. Filled with snarky remarks and lively conversation, the film creates an inviting atmosphere for whoever is watching to feel like they are there with them.
Building community, accessibility and authenticity
In the lush, rolling green hills of Bolton, Vermont, a team of bikers and fellow adaptive bikers collaborated and broke ground in 2022 for the first adaptive trail system: The Driving Range. Developed with the support of Richmond Mountain Trails and the Kelly Brush Foundation, volunteers every Wednesday night spent three years building and designing the complex and intricate system of trails.
In a series of interviews and moments documented between the team, it was emphasized that the core mission of the project was not only to provide accessibility but to have fun and engage with the community. From hot dogs to endless bike rides, to long, rainy days and reproduction, there was a consistency in familial connection between each athlete and volunteer.
“Best Day Ever” also highlighted the launch of adaptive mountain biking camps for those with disabilities interested in the sport. The program director, Durso, started the project with the cooperation of the Kelly Brush Foundation. In the film, they described the camps were designed initially with only the thought of sharing this passion with others interested. However, it was clear to see that a community for those paralyzed and rejoicing in a sport proved to be the most beneficial thing of all. Echoed by the participants, to push and challenge yourself in an uplifting community right beside you can make previously thought barriers vanish.
A well-deserved, award-winning story
The final line of the film and ethos shared was to live every day like it’s the best day ever. “Best Day Ever” won two awards at the in-house festival, gaining a standing ovation and audience engagement afterward. The reception in Utah was similar and immediate, with a long applause, whistles and shouting ongoing into the intermission.
Find out more about the Banff Centre Mountain Film Festival at their website here.
The first night of the event was canceled due to winter weather advisories. It will be rescheduled for March 7. Tickets and more information about the programming can be purchased online at their website here. Students and faculty can receive discounted tickets with their UID.
