At its core, the 5Point Film Festival focuses on more than just films. It highlights adventure, diversity, community and personal growth. Dedicated to showcasing impactful stories, the festival inspires change by uplifting diverse storytellers and encouraging people to explore the world beyond their everyday routines. 5Point is rooted in five core principles—commitment, respect, humility, purpose and balance. 

Entering the festival, attendees are greeted by a variety of booths run by small organizations, each dedicated to different outdoor activities. From skateboarding camps to avalanche safety groups, hiking trail guides to snow sports, these booths serve as more than just informational stations—they capture the essence of the festival and act as a hub to meet people with similar interests. 

Coral Shafer, a fourth-year nursing major and outdoor leader with Seattle University Recreation (UREC) Outdoors, highlights the sense of community that comes with helping run an event like this.

“Even between this year and last, there are people and vendors where we remember each other. And I think that comes to show the kind of community that comes in general with the outdoors,” Shafer said.

Each organization encourages attendees to take an active role in outdoor exploration. Offered resources, guidance and opportunities to engage with nature in meaningful ways, attendees are filled with options to choose what they would like their next adventure to be. By connecting people with outdoor recreation, these booths help bridge the gap between an idea and an action. 

As the films roll, the heart of the 5Point Film Festival comes into focus. These films are not just about extreme sports or breathtaking landscapes, they tell deeply personal stories of individuals who have found solace, strength, and purpose within the outdoors. One film might follow a man experiencing a crisis, thinking he’s nearing the final chapter of his life and deciding he must seize the opportunity to fully embrace and enjoy what remains through the outdoors.

Another might highlight a queer community seeking a judgment-free space in nature, where they can be their authentic selves. Others focus on the deep connection between humans and the environment, showing how activities like mountain skiing, rock climbing or hiking can ground individuals in an increasingly chaotic world. 

The importance of these films go beyond just entertainment. They remind audiences that in an era dominated by constant digital distractions—phone notifications, social media and a relentless cycle of news—stepping away from technology and immersing yourself in nature is a powerful way to regain clarity and balance in life. These stories resonate deeply, inspiring viewers to seek out their own adventures and to recognize that the outdoors is not just a place for recreation, but a space for self-discovery and healing. 

These films highlight the transformative power of nature, a sentiment echoed by Kevin Sutton, the head of UREC Outdoors.

“My hope is that people come and have a very meaningful experience, and then go forth and be a better person from it. By seeing what kinds of things other people are doing, I want attendees to be motivated to do those kinds of things themselves,” Sutton said.

The 5Point Film Festival plays a big role in encouraging outdoor engagement. Many schools, such as Seattle U which hosted the festival through UREC, provide students with opportunities to connect with like-minded individuals, discover new passions, and experience firsthand the benefits of outdoor adventure. UREC-organized trips offer students a chance to step beyond the classroom and explore the landscapes they see in the films, bringing the festival’s message to life. 

Ben Adams, a third-year mechanical engineering major, found out about 5Point through a UREC-organized hike he went on with people who happened to be attending the festival.

“Doing these activities offers a very accessible way to enjoy the outdoors with some like-minded people, it’s fantastic,” Adams said.

What makes the 5Point Film Festival so impactful is its ability to build a strong sense of community. The festival serves as a reminder that adventure is not just about hiking up mountains or mastering extreme sports, but it can also help people find their place in the world, embrace challenges, and forge meaningful connections with both nature and people.