Adventure, Community and Storytelling that Push Boundaries Take Center Stage at the Panida Theater
Cover photo courtesy of Visit Sandpoint
Adventure storytelling and community connection come together in Sandpoint on May 8 as the No Man’s Land Film Festival returns to the Panida Theater for its 11th annual world tour. Now in its third year at the historic venue, the event brings a curated lineup of films celebrating women, transgender and genderqueer athletes and storytellers from across the globe.
Billed as a night of “awe and amazement,” the festival blends outdoor adventure with a deeper mission. The event serves as a fundraiser, with all ticket and raffle proceeds benefiting Sandpoint Alliance for Equality (SAFE) and KRFY Radio. Organizers say the goal is to use storytelling to amplify voices that are often underrepresented in the outdoor space while building a stronger, more inclusive community.
The evening opens with a live conversation led by local author and SAFE board member Ammi Midstokke, who will sit down with professional freeride skier Lindsey Anderson. The discussion will explore topics ranging from resilience behind the scenes to what it takes to carve out space in outdoor sports. “I look forward to sharing my experience as a freeride coach and athlete to help empower women in sports and in life,” Anderson says.
From there, the film program takes over, transporting audiences through stories that challenge norms and highlight courage across a wide spectrum of outdoor pursuits and lived experiences. The night wraps up with a raffle featuring prizes from local businesses, further supporting the event’s nonprofit partners.
For Midstokke, the event’s impact goes beyond the screen. “It’s really so great to see the community fill the room with joy and a shared love for adventure and nature,” she says, “and to see how that energy comes full circle to support our local non-profits.”
Founded as a service-minded nonprofit, No Man’s Land Film Festival focuses on using storytelling as a tool for cultural change, aiming to foster a more inclusive and equitable outdoor community. The Sandpoint stop offers a chance to experience that mission firsthand while connecting with others who share a passion for adventure.
The event takes place May 8, with doors opening at 6 p.m. and films beginning at 7 p.m. at the Panida Theater in Sandpoint. Tickets are $20 and available through the theater’s website.
