Are you developing a film project that celebrates mountain culture, adventure, mountain sports or environment? Are you looking for funding opportunities and support?
In celebration of our 50th anniversary, the Banff Centre Mountain Film and Book Festival will launch its newest initiative to support emerging filmmakers in pitching their film ideas to an international jury in front of a live audience.
Hosted at the Banff Centre Mountain Film and Book Festival, five applicants will be selected and invited to pitch their project. The winning pitch will receive a $25,000 CAD cash award to support their film project. BanffPitch is open to emerging filmmakers of all nationalities between the ages of 18 and 35. The festival and our partners are committed to providing a new avenue of funding support for young filmmakers specifically.
The 2025 BanffPitch competition is now closed.
Questions?
For full information on BanffPitch visit our FilmFreeway page.
Reach out to us at banffmountainfilms@banffcentre.ca.
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Did you miss our BanffPitch virtual information session? No problem, check out the recording below.
How to Enter Your Film Project
The 2025 BanffPitch competition is now closed.
For full information on BanffPitch visit our FilmFreeway page.
Important Dates
- Virtual Information Session: July 30, 2025 (Watch recording below)
- Submissions Open: August 11, 2025
- Submission Deadline: September 1, 2025
- Filmmaker Notifications: October 3, 2025
- Live Pitch Showcase: November 8, 2025
Prize
- Winning pitch will receive $25,000 CAD cash award to support their film project.
- First runner-up will receive $10,000 CAD cash award to support their film project.
- Second runner-up will receive a Nikon gift card valued up to $5000 CAD.
Winners will be announced at the end of the pitch event on November 8, 2025. The jury reserves the right to not present an award, and its decision will be final.
Application Requirements
Read the submission rules and eligibility page for all requirements. Only completed applications will be considered for the competition. Only completed applications will be considered for the competition. Applications should be unique projects on FilmFreeway that include all required elements below.
You will be required to submit:
- Project proposal video for the project which must be under 5 minutes. Must be in English or with English subtitles for non-English project proposal video.
- Project outline/letter of intent. This should include concept, ideal cast, and creative team (maximum 1 page).
- Project synopsis (maximum 200 words)
- Budget
- Timeline and stage of development.
- Link to past work samples (under 2 minutes).
- CV/Resume with relevant experience and training.
Project Assessment
Your project will be assessed based on the substance, originality, and quality of your story and characters. The Festival team and Jury members will determine the viability of your project based on your artistic merit, your ability to communicate your idea clearly and concisely, and relevant filmmaking experience.
Accessibility Support
Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity welcomes applications from people with disabilities, Blind or have low vision and people who have barriers accessing technology. In exercising our commitment to providing equal access to our resources, applicants who require support with their application, can email banffmountainfilms@banffcentre.ca.
Diversity Statement
Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity is committed to an equitable, diverse, and inclusive environment. We encourage women; First Nations, Métis and Inuit persons; members of visible minority groups; persons with disabilities; persons of any sexual orientation or gender identity and expression; and all those who may contribute to the further diversification of ideas at the Centre to apply.
BanffPitch Sponsors:
Grand Prize Supported By
First Runner-Up Prize Supported By
Second Runner-Up Prize Supported By
With Support From
