2012 Testimonials

Luke Meadows

This was my first time at SHAFF and I loved it. I’ve been to a fair few adventure film festivals now and I have to say that SHAFF beats those others hands down on the consistently high professionality and production values of the films, the laid back vibe and real local / grass roots emphasis. I watched a far more diverse range of films than I have ever done before at an adventure film festival – this alone speaks volumes for the way the festival is curated and run. Congrats to Matt Heason – the man behind the festival and Heason Events – and everyone involved. If you’re in the UK next year you definitely have to go. I’ll see you there!

James MacKeddie (Madison / GoPro)

Thank you for the report, a thorough and considered break down of a very successful ShAFF 2012.

My feedback, as a first timer to the festival, I have to say I was truly impressed. The amount and quality of films was staggering, there was always something to do inbetween films, whether it be relax in the bar with live music, which i'll add always had a great atmosphere, to looking round at kit.

The venues great, easy to get to from the motorway or espeically via train. Furthermore cosidering the unseasonal weather on the sunday, we still had plenty of people coming in to see the films and experience.

I would, at this point, like to say Madison would likely want to be involved in 2013.

Regards and thank you for all your help in the build up to the show.

Simon Jacques - our Music Man

Everyone I know who went said they had a great time and I've not received anything good stuff about the music. I think we got it spot on this year.

Some feedback from Martin, our Colunteer Coordinator:

The Volunteers seemed to enjoy the experience and there were some nice (unsolicited!) comments - for example:
“I thoroughly enjoyed it and would love to come back next year.....I think everyone thought it was a top weekend”
“The volunteer experience was positive for me. I particularly appreciated the friendly and relaxed manner in which the festival was managed.”
“I’ve really enjoyed myself. It was great meeting all these lovely welcoming people......!
I think it’s important it is a good volunteer, as well as audience experience.

Rory O'Curry (on winning a Patagonia jacket after completing his survey form)

I am so delighted. That is fantastic news. I can't believe it. I had such a great time at Shaff. Will definitely spread the word. Thanks to Patagonia and Shaff!

Tony Burgess

Was on nights all weekend, so could only manage Bike 1 on Saturday and Climbing 1 on Sunday. Both left me feeling inspired, especially 'The Long Hope Route, and I am a biker not a climber. Big pat on the back from me, good times.

Marcus from Sweden

My name is Marcus, I'm from Sweden. Me and a friend are looking to attend the film festival.

Shane from the USA

What an amazing film festival! Coming from the US, which airport would you suggest flying into? Do you recommend any specific accommodations? Although I'm half British, I've never been to the UK! Any information you can provide will be greatly appreciated!

Sir Ranulph Fiennes - The World's Greatest Living Explorer:

"Unless you are on top of Everest there are few better places to be on a March weekend."

Julia Bradbury, broadcaster, whose love of the countryside & travelling was inspired by walking on Peak District hills as a young girl with her Tideswell-born Dad, said:

"I grew up in Sheffield and my passion for the countryside and love of travelling comes from walking the Derbyshire hills with my Dad. The Sheffield Adventure Film Festival has it all - exhilarating action, awe-inspiring stories and stunning landscapes. Right on the doorstep of the Peak District, a weekend at ShAFF will inspire you to get up, get out and go for it."

On Young Adventurers screenings, new Mum Julia said:

"ShAFF's a chance to show kids the amazing adventures to be had in the great outdoors. Whether it's biking with mates, skate-boarding in the back-yard or learning to climb, the only limit is their imagination! Now I'm a Mum, I can't wait 'til my little boy's old enough to go out walking in the hills, like I used to with my Dad."

Brian Blessed, Yorkshire-born actor and mountaineer:

"Having attempted Everest three times, climbed Aconcagua, trekked to the magnetic North Pole and reached the summit of Roraima in The Lost World of Venezuala, I can heartily recommend enjoying an armchair adventure at the Sheffield Adventure Film Festival. ShAFF showcases the finest independent adventure film-making in some of the toughest conditions and most remote environments in the world. Experience the drama for yourself as the adrenaline junkies live out their dreams and push themselves to the limits breaking records (and bones!)."

"I climbed my first mountain, Mont Blanc, at the age of 17 and held the record for climbing higher than any other man of my age. ShAFF's marvellous selection of films is proof that there's no age limit on having an adventure."

Ben Fogle, adventurer, writer, broadcaster and author of 'The Accidental Adventurer'

On film festival in general:
"The Sheffield Adventure Film Festival is proof there's no blueprint in life saying go to school, go to university, get a sensible job and a mortgage. Be inspired to follow your heart and your instincts."

On Young Adventurers screenings:
"For kids, ShAFF's a chance to explore the world, discover heroes and be inspired to get outdoors and have adventures of their own. You never know - the next Shackleton or Hillary could be in the audience!"

Linda Cooley: Friends in High Places (for Edale Mountain Rescue Team)

"Watching the films at ShaFF is fascinating. It's great to see how folks set themselves such challenges: there are people crawling deep inside the darkness of mountains, battling up their sheer sides, and skiing down them when they're transformed into a wonderland of snow. There are even people practically somersaulting through forests on bicycles (I'd never even imagined such a sport until I saw it at ShaFF!). A wonderful event. But do spare a thought from time to time for those who are there to help when things go wrong out on those hills and mountains that we love so much. "

1 Comment

this was my 3rd year at ShAFF and it doesn't fail to impress me. I am a keen mountaineer myself and watching this is like a breath of fresh air. I don't want to see Harry Potter or Twilight at the cinema, I want to see adventurous films! ShAFF is one of the only places where I can see adventurous films. I can't wait until 2013! ( That is if the world doesn't end! )

Sebastian Harper