a behind-the-scenes look at the making of their films and the sports that inspired them.
The AIFF BMX exhibition, sponsored in part by Slim Jim/ConAgra Foods, takes place on Saturday, Oct. 16 at 3 p.m. in the Anaheim GardenWalk courtyard and is free to the public. The ramps are designed by former pro BMX rider Nate Wessel, who built courses for the X Games BMX and skateboard parks, Vans Triple Crown Downhill BMX, Gravity Games, Nike 6.0, Discovery Channel’s Stunt Junkies and more.
“Orange County is home to a thriving sports community that includes star athletes, some of the world’s largest sports retailers, enthusiasts and more,” said Sinan Kanatsiz, chairman, Anaheim International Film Festival. “We felt it would add an exciting new dimension to highlight the worlds of surf, skate, BMX and dirt biking both in cinema and with our live BMX exhibition. Sports fans of all ages are invited to come and enjoy these exciting films and events.”
THE BIRTH OF BIG AIR Oct. 16, 1 p.m., $10 ***Includes pre-screening discussion with BMX legend Mat Hoffman and producer Priya Swaminathan.
Directed by Jeff Tremaine and produced by Academy Award nominee Spike Jonze and extreme sports fanatic Johnny Knoxville, The Birth of Big Air showcases the inner workings and exploits of BMX legend Mat Hoffman, the man who gave birth to “Big Air.” In 1985, at the tender age of 13, Mat Hofmann entered into the BMX circuit as an amateur, and by 16 he had risen to the professional level. Throughout his storied career, Hoffmann has ignored conventional limitations, instead, focusing his efforts on the purity of the sport and the pursuit of “what’s next.” The Birth of Big Air premiered nationally in July as part of ESPN’ Films “30 for 30” documentary series.
Ticket Information. Tickets are now on sale for the inaugural Anaheim International Film Festival, taking place Oct. 13-17 at UltraStar Cinemas at Anaheim GardenWalk. Tickets can be purchased online at anaheimfilm.org and are also available via UltraStar Cinemas at ultrastarmovies.com.