Competitions, Awards + Workshops | Banff Centre

Banff Mountain Mountain Idol Competition and Summit of Excellence are open!
Our Mountain Film, Book and Photography Competition entry deadlines have now passed.

Banff Centre has suspended all scheduled programs and events on campus until September. We will not be accepting applications during this time.

Thanks to all of our partners and sponsors.

Banff Centre Mountain Film and Book Festival features numerous competitions for creatives of all types. Filmmakers, photographers, writers, or even just mountain people that give back. Check back after the festival to view all the competition winners.

Image from the film Piano to Zanskar © Jarek Kotomski

Mountain Film Competition

The 2020 Banff Mountain Film Competition is now closed.

2020 Category Finalist

Mountain Book Competition

The 2020 Banff Mountain Book Competition category finalists have been announced!

2020 Banff Mountain Photo Essay Competition Grand Prize, Shadows of Kurdistan, Murat Yazar

Mountain Photo Essay Competition

The 2020 Banff Mountain Photo Essay Competition Winner announced!

Signature Image

This year’s Signature Image Winner announced! Christian Pondella’s image will represent the Festival and World Tour in over 40 countries.

Mountain Idol

Nominate youth who elevate their outdoor sport in the Bow Valley community. Deadline for nominations: Sept. 30, 2020

David Smart

Summit of Excellence

Nominations for the 2020 Summit of Excellence Award are being accepted now! Deadline August 14, 2020.

Workshops & Programs

Filmmaker rock climbing with filming equipment

Adventure Filmmakers Masterclass

Yearly

Join award winning, industry leading faculty and guest speakers for this hands-on, technical skill- and- theory-based...

Mountain Photography Residency

Yearly

This program examines the practice of photography when working in mountain or wilderness communities with deep ecological...

Mountain and Wilderness Writing

Yearly

This intensive writing program, open to all genres, is focused on mountain narratives, environmental journalism, wilderness...

Adventure Filmmakers Workshop

Yearly

This workshop is an exceptional chance for independant and emerging filmmakers to turn their project into reality, under...

Photography Practicum

Yearly

Advance your skills in a professional photography environment that includes complex systems, logistical and technical...

Youth Adventure Photography Workshop 2018 © Franka

Youth Adventure Photography Workshop

Yearly

2-day outdoor adevnture photography workshop for youth ages 15-25, led by local instructor Jeremiah Marsh.

Partners + Sponsors

View detailed information on festival partners.

Festival Archive

Click here to access our festival archive. Historical festival information available.

Partners