This weekend, the wonder and unadulterated thrill of outdoor athleticism will be embraced by a crowd sitting in front of a screen at the State College Area High School auditorium.

Kayaking, base jumping and skiing are among the subjects of 13 films to be screened at the Banff Mountain Film Festival Sunday and Monday at 7 p.m. in the school's south auditorium.

Banff Mountain Film Festival, a global showcase of nature films, tours 305 cities in 20 countries, starting in Alberta, Canada. In Pennsylvania, it has played in Allentown, Phoenixville and Pittsburgh in the past month.

This is the sixth year the festival is stopping in State College. Ronn Brourman, Sierra Club Moshannon Group program director, is head coordinator of the State College stop. He said the lineup juxtaposes documentary-style narratives of high-adrenaline adventure with poignant commentary on ecological and cultural issues.

The films range in length from about 15 to 55 minutes. Flying with Eagles, a Danish film showing on Sunday, documents world paragliding champion Louise Crandal's attempt to train a Russian steppe eagle to fly with him.

Brourman invites the filmmakers every year to make an appearance, but they never show, he said.

"It would be pretty hard to get them to attend," Brourman said. "They're asked pretty frequently, I imagine. I'm certainly going to make the invitation anyway."

Brourman said there will be more conservation groups in the lobby than the festival has ever had before.

Eco-Action President Carlo Sica (junior-geography) said his organization, which will have an information table set up in the lobby before and during the show, maintains close ties with the local Sierra Club chapter.

"This is another chance for us to come together because we're never really apart," Sica said.

The student group plans to discuss its community involvement, in areas like the Spring Creek Canyon land transfer, Sica said.

Brourman said the collection of films bring out elements of the human spirit that are riveting and reflective.

"This is a tremendous way for people to enjoy themselves and also appreciate the deeper issues that surround our culture and environment," Brourman said.

Tickets are available at Appalachian Ski & Outdoors, Tussey Mountain Outfitters and Mt. Nittany Wheelworks.