Bicycle Film Festival returns to San Diego Feb. 28 and March 1
By Dave Fidlin | SDUN Reporter
The day Brendt Barbur was struck by a bus while riding his bike through the streets of New York City proved fateful in more ways than one.
Barbur, who still vividly recalls the 2000 incident, was given a new lease on life and was inspired to start the Bicycle Film Festival — which frequently goes by the catchy acronym of BFF.
In 2001, with a desire to meld his love of cycling with music, film and other art forms, Barbur established the first BFF in the same city of his awful incident. In the years since, the event has sprinted at a monumental pace. Today, it’s held in 60 cities across the globe.
“I really wanted something positive to come of my experience, and that’s how this all got started,” said Barbur, a northern California native who continues to reside in the Big Apple.
Holding the title of founding festival director, Barbur has played a pivotal role in forging relationships with organizers across the globe interested in showcasing cycling-themed films and accompanying events. Nearly half of this year’s BFF venues are outside the U.S.
“This is really about a true grassroots spirit,” Barbur said. “There are more than 300 people who have helped make this grow as rapidly as it has.”
Locally, Dayna Crozier, editor of the Urbanist Guide publication, has been instrumental in planning the specific BFF activities in San Diego. Several organizations — including bicycle advocacy organization BikeSD — are lending their support.
“I’m really serious about bringing cool stuff like this film festival to San Diego,” Crozier said. “There are times where we get bypassed, so I was really happy to make this a reality here.”
Specific films and activities vary from one city to the next.
Festivities in San Diego kick off at 6 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 28 with a free photo exhibition near El Cajon Boulevard. and 30th Steet. An after party will be held at 8 p.m. at Live Wire, 2103 El Cajon Blvd.
The program resumes at noon on Saturday, March 1 with a BFF release party at Tiger!Tiger!, 3025 El Cajon Blvd. The release party will include beer samplings from their in-house brewery, Automatic Brewing Co.
The cornerstone of the event — the film screenings themselves — will be showcased during three separate programs.
In all, nearly 30 films will be screened throughout the evening. All films will be shown at Balboa Park’s Museum of Photographic Arts, 1649 El Prado.
The first program, starting at 4 p.m., entails a showing of the film, “The Way I Roll.” The second program at 6 p.m. is comprised of cinematic shorts, and the final program of the evening at 8 p.m. consists of urban bike shorts.
Crozier said she is excited by the momentum that has built up in the 13 years since BFF was first established across the globe.
“Bike culture back then wasn’t even close to what it is today,” she said. “People are starting to take notice, and that is evident by the changes in urban planning.”
Barbur agrees with Crozier’s assessment, and said he is pleased with the many paths BFF has taken since its inception.
“The goal is to have a positive impact in people’s lives in some way,” he said. “It’s nice to know you’ve been able to put a smile on someone’s face.”
AT A GLANCE
WHAT: San Diego Bicycle Film Festival
WHEN: 6 p.m. Friday, Feb. 28; noon Saturday, March 1
WHERE: various locations, including Museum of Photographic Arts, 1649 El Prado
INFORMATION: full itinerary at bicyclefilmfestival.com/city/san-diego/
