Banff Mountain Film Competition Announces 2025 Award Winners

The Banff Mountain Film Competition awarded its Grand Prize to the Australian documentary "Iron Winter" on Sunday, November 9, concluding the 2025 Banff Centre Mountain Film and Book Festival with a field of 87 finalists from 14 countries.

The annual festival, held at the Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity, is widely regarded as one of the leading global showcases for mountain storytelling, adventure cinema, and documentary film. It drew a record-breaking 570 submissions from 45 countries this year.

The awards, presented on the final night of the 50th anniversary festival, recognized top films in adventure, environment, culture, sports, and storytelling.

Grand Prize ($5,000): Iron Winter

Australia, 2025, 101 minutes

"Iron Winter" follows two young herders in Mongolia’s Tsakhir Valley who are tasked with protecting a herd of 3,000 horses during the deadliest winter on record. The jury said the film stands out for its intimate portrayal of tradition under pressure and its reflection on climate change, cultural resilience, and the realities of life in remote and unforgiving landscapes. In a jury statement, Subina Shrestha called it an outstanding cinematic achievement that draws viewers into the world of two herders confronting relentless cold, prowling wolves, and the weight of ancestral expectations.

The festival, which began in 1976, has become a cornerstone of documentary and outdoor filmmaking, with its annual World Tour bringing selected films to more than 40 countries and more than 1,000 screenings each year.

Best Film: Adventure ($3,000): Underland

USA and UK, 2025, 79 minutes

"Underland" explores a series of rarely seen subterranean worlds, from sacred caves to flooded tunnels and a deep underground scientific laboratory. Juror Dina Mufti described the film as a bold and original journey beneath the surface of the Earth that blurs the boundaries between science, nature, and human curiosity.

Best Film: Mountain Culture ($3,000): The Track

Bosnia and Herzegovina and Canada, 2025, 95 minutes

"The Track" follows three teenagers in post war Bosnia as they train on a damaged luge track from the 1984 Sarajevo Winter Games while pursuing improbable Olympic aspirations. Juror Ava Karvonen said the film leaves viewers feeling hopeful for young people seeking a better future in the aftermath of conflict.

Best Film: Environment ($3,000): A Life Illuminated

USA, 2025, 89 minutes

“A Life Illuminated” centers on marine biologist Dr. Edie Widder and her work exploring the ocean’s twilight zone. Shrestha said the film reveals a hidden world of extraordinary life forms and has the potential to inspire a new generation of scientists.

Best Film: Climbing ($3,000): Old Man Lightning

USA, 2025, 60 minutes

The jury praised “Old Man Lightning” for its irreverent and comedic approach to aging, obsession, and the pursuit of purpose through climbing. Juror Ben Sturgulewski said the film subverts familiar adventure storytelling and is equal parts comedy and tragedy.

Best Film: Mountain Sports ($3,000): Best Day Ever

USA, 2025, 47 minutes

"Best Day Ever" follows adaptive mountain bikers Greg Durso and Allie Bianchi as they navigate physical challenges with the support of a tight knit riding community in Vermont. Juror Sébastien Montaz Rosset said the film highlights the power of friendship, support, and joy as individuals redefine what is possible outdoors.

Best Film: Snow Sports ($3,000): Le Moulin des Artistes

France, 2025, 25 minutes

“Le Moulin des Artistes” focuses on a ski workshop and creative community in the Chamonix valley. Sturgulewski said the film is a reminder of how art and community help people endure hardship and rebuild after loss.

Best Short Film ($3,000): Borrowed from the Earth

USA, 2025, 15 minutes

“Borrowed from the Earth” examines the historic and cultural connection between the Blackfeet Nation and horses, exploring identity, memory, and storytelling. The jury highlighted its strong voiceover, cinematography, and cultural significance.

Best Feature Film ($3,000): The Last Expedition

Poland, 2024, 85 minutes

“The Last Expedition” looks at the life and disappearance of Himalayan climber Wanda Rutkiewicz. Montaz Rosset described it as a mysterious and captivating investigation that brings viewers into Rutkiewicz’s world with intensity and emotional depth.

Creative Excellence Award ($3,000): A Little Story About Forever

USA, 2025, 10 minutes

“A Little Story About Forever” follows a father and son as they attempt to write a book about the idea of forever, with a cameo from actor Mark Ruffalo. Juror Dina Mufti said the film demonstrates how artistry can be found in small moments.

Audience Choice Award ($3,000): Best Day Ever

USA, 2025, 47 minutes

This marked the second win of the night for the adaptive mountain biking film, which also won Best Film: Mountain Sports.