Having just wrapped up, this fall’s GoByBike Week in Nanaimo saw over 480 riders participate in the event. With the event coming to a close, it’s now time to celebrate with a film festival. On November 9th the International Bicycle Film Festival will be screened in Nanaimo with films celebrating the culture of cycling. Hosted by Hub City Cycles Co-op and the City of Nanaimo, the festival will showcase award-winning short films about cycling from around the world.

The film festival was started 23 years ago by Brendt Barbur in New York City after being hit by a bus while riding his bike. Now the festival has been shown across the world on six different continents. Antarctica has yet to have a screening.

The festival is not just about cycling. It’s also about raising awareness of environmental sustainability and bringing diverse communities together.

The films will be shown at VIU’s Malaspina Theatre at 7pm on Thursday. A bike valet service will be provided for those who ride their bike to the festival. Vendors and a food truck will be on site from 5:30 to 6:30 when doors open.

Leading up to the festival, I had a chance to speak with Alex Stanciu, the Event Coordinator for Nanaimo’s GoByBike Week about what it was like planning the weeks and festival. 

And I also spoke with Brendt Barbur, founder and director of the International Bicycle Film Festival about the festival and his love for the world of cycling.

Find Show Notes and Transcripts here.

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Guests:

Alex Stanciu — Event Coordinator for Nanaimo’s GoByBike Week

Brendt Barbur — Founder and Director of the International Bicycle Film Festival