Rise Up Documentary showing at Medicine Hat’s Monarch Theatre

“We’re excited to showcase it this weekend at the Historic Monarch Theatre.”

Screenings will take place on Friday and Saturday at 7 p.m. with a matinee on Sunday at 2 p.m.

Taillon says the film offers a behind-the-scenes look at the pilots, volunteers and community members who help bring the event to life.

“It was a fun process because we talked about the festival and Our Collective Journey and the work they’re doing in our community, helping people rise up out of some mental health and addictions and the connection between the balloons and just getting that community together,” Taillon said.

“We talked about our goals and what we want to achieve with the festival and just getting everyone out,” he added.

“For me, I haven’t even seen the documentary. The first time I’ll see it will be this Friday evening at the Monarch.”

Taillon says he enjoyed the filming last year and is excited to see what comes out of the raw footage.

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(Image Credit: Submitted Photo)

Taillon anticipates the film will be between 75 and 90 minutes in length.

Tickets are available through Tixx.ca and will be available at the door, if they don’t sell out.

Profits will be split between the production company and Our Collective Journey.

The Rise Up Balloon Festival returns to Medicine Hat for its fifth year from May 21-24, 2026.

Taillon says people can expect a few new things this year.

“We got more balloons, we’re over 35 balloons attending. Some of those are special shapes that are new to our community. We’ll keep those a bit of a secret,” Taillon said.

“We’ve moved our community day to the College. We’re doing a free community pancake breakfast on that Saturday to kick off that community day.”

Paid flights won’t be an option this year.

“We had anticipated selling rides to the public. It just didn’t work out with the ride operators. We’ll have to revisit that for future years,” Taillon said.

“We’re looking at some backup plans, but nothing concrete right now for the public to get into a balloon basket and at least get off the ground.”

Similarities to past years will include seven scheduled flights and two Glow Ups at Kin Coulee Park.

They are also looking for more volunteers, with the deadline this Monday by the end of the day. Sponsorship opportunities are also still being offered.

They can be contacted by email at riseuphotairballoonfestival@gmail.com or through their social media pages on Facebook or Instagram.

by Jesse Gill

Rise Up Documentary showing at Medicine Hat’s Monarch Theatre

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