2025 Banff Mountain Film Competition Winners

Sponsored by WoolAid | $5000

Iron Winter

(Australia, 2025, 101 min)
Director: Kasimir Burgess
Producer: Repeater Productions, Chris Kamen, Ben Golotta, Morgan Wright, Enebish Sengemugaa

In Mongolia’s frigid Tsakhir Valley, where horses symbolise survival, the ancient tradition of winter herding faces its greatest challenge. Young Batbold, 18, is thrust into the spotlight as he and his friend Tsaaganna are entrusted with safeguarding a herd of 3,000 horses during the deadliest winter on record. With the future of their community at stake, Batbold must confront his fears and insecurities while grappling with the weight of tradition.

"Two young men confront the harshest of winters with 3,000 horses—their task: to safeguard both their herd and their ancestral traditions. As modern life encroaches upon age-old ways, this film draws us into the intimate world of two Mongolian herders braving relentless cold and prowling wolves in a stark, unforgiving landscape. Crafted with gentle precision and stunning imagery, the story grips viewers, urging reflection on climate change, migration, and the resilience of culture at civilization's edge. For this outstanding cinematic achievement, the grand prize is awarded to Iron Winter ."

- Subina Shrestha, jury member
 

Sponsored by Eclipse Coffee Roasters | $3000

Underland

(USA/UK, 2025, 79 min)
Director: Rob Petit
Producer: Sandbox Films, Protozoa Pictures, Spring Films, Planet Octopus Studios, Darren Aronofsky, Jessica Harrop, Ari Handel, Lauren Greenwood

Adapted from the bestselling book by Robert Macfarlane, 'Underland' is a cinematic documentary that voyages into worlds rarely glimpsed by human eyes. Beginning in the shallow soil beneath an old ash tree, we travel alongside three intrepid ‘astronauts of the underworld’ into ancient sacred caves, flooded storm drains, melting glaciers, underwater burial chambers and a deep underground laboratory built to solve the mysteries of the universe.

"Bold, poetic, and breathtakingly original, this adventure is unlike any other—a spellbinding journey deep beneath the skin of the Earth itself. Inviting us into a hidden world of stone, sounds, and time—where the boundaries between science, humanity, and nature dissolve, it is a haunting descent into the planet’s past and future. With stunning cinematography and a spirit of profound curiosity, the film transforms the underworld into a place of enlightenment and possibility."

- Dina Mufti, jury member

Sponsored by Nature United | $3000

A Life Illuminated

(USA, 2025, 89 min)
Director: Tasha Van Zandt
Producer: Sandbox Films, Tasha Van Zandt, Sebastian Zeck, Jessica Harrop, Kathryn Everett

Follow trailblazing marine biologist Dr. Edie Widder—one of the first women in her field and one of the first humans to explore the ocean’s twilight zone - as she descends 3,300 feet into the ocean’s darkest depths embarking on her most daring quest yet: to document a bioluminescent phenomenon that could forever change how we understand life on Earth.

"What secrets do the depths of the oceans hold? Through the fearless work of one pioneering scientist, we are invited into the darkest corners of nature, where sunlight never penetrates and life thrives in extraordinary forms. This story uncovers mysteries that were destined to remain unseen and illuminates vibrant worlds. The film’s immersive journey sparks curiosity, inspiring generations of young girls and boys to pursue knowledge and explore realms unknown. For its artistry and impact on environmental storytelling, the best film on Environment goes to A Life Illuminated."

- Subina Shrestha, jury member

Sponsored by Lolë | $3000

Best Day Ever

(USA, 2025, 47 min)
Director: Berne Broudy, Ben Knight
Producer: Richmond Mountain Trails, Berne Broudy

Best Day Ever follows the stories of adaptive mountain bikers Greg Durso and Allie Bianchi as they navigate the relentless challenges of their disabilities with humour and attitude. Along the way, they embrace the tremendous support, friendship, and joy they find in their rural Vermont riding community.

"This film had me smiling from start to finish. It’s not just the story of bikers pushing themselves after an accident…it’s above all the story of a community that sticks together, invents solutions, and shares every moment, every fall, every progress. You can feel the power of friendship, support, and the pure joy of reclaiming freedom on a bike. This film reminds us that we can push our limits, whether physical or mental, when we are supported and encouraged. I hope you haven't put away your mountain bikes yet because, like me, I bet I'll see some of you on the slopes of Tunnel Mountain after watching this masterpiece. Best Day Ever. "

- Sébastien Montaz-Rosset, jury member

Sponsored by Shackleton | $3000

The Track

(Bosnia and Herzegovina/Canada, 2025, 95 min)
Director: Ryan Sidhoo
Producer: Spirit of 84 films, Ryan Sidhoo

The Track is a coming-of-age journey of three teenagers chasing their improbable Olympic dreams in post-war Bosnia. Training on their bullet-riddled luge track left over from the 1984 Winter Games in Sarajevo, the heart of the journey is relatable, sometimes humorous and exciting portrayal of friends striving for a better life despite rekindled nationalism, political corruption, and a murky economic future.

"At a time where there is so much turmoil in the world, this film leaves you feeling optimistic and hopeful about the future for young people living in a post war world. Shelled during the Bosnian war, Sarajevo’s 1984 Winter Games dilapidated luge track is brought back to life by a devoted volunteer coach and three teenage boys as they train and chase improbable Olympic dreams. Unfolding over five years, it's also a story of resilience and you want the boys to succeed as they strive for a better future in this coming-of-age story."

- Ava Karvonen, jury member

Sponsored by Arc'teryx | $3000

Old Man Lightning

(USA, 2025, 60 min)
Director: Dawn Kish
Producer: Dawn Kish Photo and Film, John Sherman, Dawn Kish

The best climbing, comedy, comeback ever made, with a conservation plight. It will make you laugh and cry and maybe piss yer pants.

"What begins as a seemingly simple, irreverent climbing film soon careens into a narratively rich madness. It becomes an exploration of the blinding depths of obsession, and the futile human resistance to the ravages of time—especially if one has, over the course of their lifetime, enjoyed a minimum of three delicious pilsners per day. Equal parts roll-on-the-floor comedy and star-crossed tragedy, it subverts adventure filmmaking cliches around achievement and legacy, and reminds us that it is never too late to discover your life's true calling. For a storytelling brilliance that somehow is at once deftly calculated and wildly unhinged, the award for Best Climbing Film goes to: Old Man Lightning. "

- Ben Sturgulewski, jury member

Sponsored by the American Alpine Club | $3000

Le Moulin des Artistes

Wild Days
(France, 2025, 25 min)
Director: Pierre Cadot
Producer: Yucca Films, Patagonia, Pierre Cadot, Julia Schellekens

Some people make a living from their craft. Others can’t live without it. In a 16th century mill in the Chamonix valley, Peter and Anati run Le Moulin des Artistes: a ski workshop, art space, and gathering place for like-minded free spirits. Le Moulin des Artistes shows us how creative expression can bring purpose, build lasting community, and even help overcome disaster.

“Oftentimes these days, it seems as if the whole world is on fire—whether literally or figuratively. This film eloquently highlights the necessity of art and community to sustain us through the most difficult of times. A poet with both words and woodworking, a craftsman and his wife distill their essence into the making of skis, forming deep bonds within their village. Later, that community helps them navigate unimaginable loss. We’re shown that: ‘when you’ve got love, you’re able to build things.’ For its exceptional portrait of creative passion and resilience, as well as its pretty damn beautiful telemark skiing, the award for Best Snow Sports film goes to: Le Moulin Des Artistes: A Home For Free Spirits."

- Ben Sturgulewski, jury member
 

Sponsored by Ambler Mountain Works | $3000

The Last Expedition

(Poland, 2024, 85 min)
Director: Eliza Kubarska
Producer: Braidmade Films, Monika Braid, Kaspar Winkler

This is the story of Wanda Rutkiewicz, one of the first women to climb the highest peaks on earth. Rutkiewicz entered the men's world of mountaineering uninvited and paid the highest price for it when she disappeared 30 years ago. Her body was never found. After discovering a strange audio recording where Wanda claims, "I know perfectly well, that there's no way back for me”, the film's director, herself a climber, sets off to the Himalaya to uncover the mystery of her death.

"With my fellow jury members, we were all deeply moved by this rare and mesmerizing film, which turns the mountain movie into something far more intimate. A real investigation that grabs you and doesn’t let go until the very last minute, exploring the mysterious disappearance of a great Himalayan climber. Guided by her own voice, like a ghost from beyond, the film unfolds like a mystery: every discovery reveals a new facet of her disappearance. The director's personal journey into Wanda's world brings suspense, tenderness and a quiet intensity that stays long after the credits roll. A deeply human and captivating film."

- Sébastien Montaz-Rosset, jury member

Sponsored by Switzerland Tourism | $3000

Borrowed From the Earth

(USA, 2024, 15 min)
Director: Zach Johaneson
Producer: Boulder, Chad Dawson

Throughout their respective histories, both horse and Indigenous people have been corralled. Fences put horses in pens and the Blackfeet on reservations, but the centuries long attempts to subdue both was also successful in strengthening the connection between horse and man.

"Our stories create culture, and they create identity. And stories are transferred down through the remarkable power of language. On the surface, this film may seem to be about the relationship between the Blackfeet Nation and the horse. But it soon submerges us into an ethereal and mythical landscape, guided by a mesmerizing voiceover and breathtaking cinematography—and it becomes clear that this story is doing visceral work to build pride around Native culture and knowledge. For its merging of the stunning physicality of horse and rider, with an honoring of the freedom and strength found in language, the award for Best Short Film goes to: Borrowed From The Earth. "

- Ben Sturgulewski, jury member

Sponsored by Core Values Cider Co. | $3000

A Little Story About Forever

(USA, 2025, 10 min)
Director: Max Romey
Producer: Trailbound Sketches, Jennifer Langille

This short film about forever unfolds from the POVs of a father and son as they attempt to write a book about what forever means. The father feels overwhelmed by all of the threats to forever and calls an unlikely hero – Mark Ruffalo – to ask for help seeing the big picture.

"The jury felt that this film was a shining example of creative excellence—an exquisite visual composition, where every frame was crafted with care. Centred around a charming father and son relationship with just a dash of Hollywood, the work reminds us that artistry lies not only in big spectacle, but in the ability to reveal the extraordinary within the everyday. A tender, visionary achievement, it’s a testament to the power of the imagination—and reminds us that sometimes, big messages can come in small packages."

- Dina Mufti, jury member

Sponsored by Drop Caramel Co. 

Best Day Ever

(USA, 2025, 47 min)
Director: Ben Knight, Berne Broudy
Producer: Richmond Mountain Trails, Berne Broudy

Best Day Ever follows the stories of adaptive mountain bikers Greg Durso and Allie Bianchi as they navigate the relentless challenges of their disabilities with humour and attitude. Along the way, they embrace the tremendous support, friendship, and joy they find in their rural Vermont riding community.

Deeper

(Australia, 2025, 90 min)
Director: Jennifer Peedom
Producer: Stranger Than Fiction Films, Jennifer Peedom, Blayke Hoffman, Paul Ryan

Explorer Richard Harris, key in the Thai cave rescue, risks all diving New Zealand's potentially deepest cave system. As he pushes his way deeper underground with limited air, he questions his motivations and impact on loved ones.

"In a remote part of New Zealand, an obsessive diver convinces a team to help him explore what could be the deepest cave in the world.  This documentary pushes the limits of cave diving and human endurance while examining what it takes to tackle extremely high-risk pursuits and accomplish something that hasn’t been done before."

- Ava Karvonen, jury member

 

Run Again

(France, 2025, 65 min)
Director: Alexis Berg
Producer: Little Hell Production, Alexis Bergu

Dave Pen is the singer of Archive, an English rock band that has been selling out Europe's biggest venues for 30 years. At 45 years old, Dave is looking for a new lease of life. He signs up for England’s toughest event, the 460-kilometre Spine Race in winter. It's the race of a lifetime and a multi-faceted quest that, in the end, may never end.

"Seeking a new lease of life, a middle-aged man undertakes Britain’s toughest challenge—a 460 kilometre race in brutal winter conditions. What begins as a test of endurance becomes a journey of self-rediscovery. With beautiful cinematography and a distinctive score, the film captures the beauty, pain, and perseverance of one man’s race of a lifetime—powered by reinvention and the unending quest to keep moving forward. An exploration of inner and outer landscape, woven together by music—this is more than just a race film."
- Dina Mufti, jury member