For the first time ever, the Legislature lawn will be turned into an outdoor movie theatre for Reels In Motion, a screening of BMX bike-themed films. As part of the International Cycling Festival, the Victoria Film Festival is setting up a giant 20-foot wide screen on May 27 at the finish line of the Hotel Grand Pacific Harbour Sprint series at 9 p.m.
The feature film is The Birth of Big Air, which originally aired as part of ESPN’s 30 for 30 documentary series and tells the story of Mat Hoffman, considered one the best BMX vert-ramp riders in the history of the sport. It traces Hoffman’s career from his start as a 13-year-old amateur rider who rose through the ranks to become a professional by the time he turned 16. He would continue to break limits and his body without a thought to endorsements, fame or fans. Hoffman has invented over 100 BMX tricks, but has also had 16 medical operations, including the loss of his spleen. The film was produced by Academy Award nominee Spike Jonze and Johnny Knoxville.
Preceding the main event will be two short films: Spots is about BMX rider Travis Collier and his philosophy on all the special places that riding has taken him, bolstered by gorgeous cinematography by director Mike McKinley. You and Your Bike is a bike safety flick from the archives of 1948. When it comes to bike safety, it’s amazing how much has changed and how much hasn’t. M