Competitions, Awards + Workshops

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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. 

Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity also offers a number of workshops and programming with a focus on mountain culture. Check out current programs and apply now! 

Image from the film Piano to Zanskar © Jarek Kotomski

Mountain Film Competition

The 2020 film competition opens May 5 and the deadline to enter is August 3. 
Valentine Fabre, Dent Blanche, Switzerland © Ben Tibbetts

Signature Image

The Signature Image represents the Festival and World Tour in over 40 countries. 2020 contest is now closed. Winner will be announced soon! 
Matagi by Javier Corso, 2019 Grand Prize Banff Mountain Photo Essay Competition

Mountain Photo Essay Competition

The 2020 Photo Essay Competition is now closed. The winner will be announced soon!

Mountain Book Competition

The 2020 Banff Mountain Book Competition is now open! Accepting entries now.

Mountain Idol

The 2019 Idol is announced! Nominate youth who elevate their outdoor sport in the Bow Valley community. Deadline for nominations:  Sept. 30, 2020...
David Smart

Summit of Excellence

The 2019 Summit of Excellence Award winner has been announced!

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.