Te Wāhi Toi/The Arts Place exists to connect the creative community of Queenstown and Wānaka with audiences, students, teachers, spaces and each other. We are a not-for-profit organisation powered by Three Lakes Cultural Trust and inspired by local arts and culture.
The NZ Mountain Film & Book Festival: A Celebration of Adventure
Organized by the NZ Mountain Film Festival Charitable Trust, the festival will run from June 21 to 25 in Wānaka and from June 27 to 28 in Queenstown. The festival films will then be available online from...
Organized by the NZ Mountain Film Festival Charitable Trust, the festival will run from June 21 to 25 in Wānaka and from June 27 to 28 in Queenstown. The festival films will then be available online from July 1 to 31, accessible to audiences across Aotearoa New Zealand and Australia.
The heart of the festival is its focus on adventure films, highlighted by the annual International Adventure Film Competition. This year, the competition attracted a record 241 entries, up from 177 in 2023. Of the 64 films that made the final program, 20 are New Zealand-made. Kiwi filmmakers have also excelled in the competition, winning seven of the 14 top prizes, with two others earning runner-up awards and another two receiving special jury awards.
Since 2017, the festival has also included a book competition, featuring author readings, presentations, and book launches. The festival celebrates not just films and books but also art, culture, and adventurous lifestyles. Attendees can enjoy an art exhibition, adventure film school, community workshops, and performances by local musicians. This year, the festival is honored to welcome Simone Moro from Italy as the keynote speaker. Moro is one of the world's most accomplished mountaineers, known for his remarkable winter ascents on eight-thousand-metre peaks.
The festival's origins date back to October 2002, when it was called the "Wanaka Mountain Slide Festival." Founded by locals Mark and Jo Sedon, inspired by a festival in Australia’s Blue Mountains, it quickly became a celebration of adventurous sports and lifestyles. Mark, a mountain guide, and Jo, a real estate agent, brought their passion for climbing, hiking, skiing, and snowboarding into creating an event that has grown into New Zealand’s premier adventure film festival.
The inaugural event was held during a beautiful Labour Weekend, with attendees braving the nice weather to enjoy talks and presentations. An impromptu screening of a DVD, lent by Guy Cotter, marked the beginning of New Zealand's first adventure filmmakers' competition. Recognizing the potential, the festival timing was changed to autumn, providing a perfect setting for the adventure-packed event.
Today, Mark and Jo Sedon remain the driving force behind the festival. Mark serves as the festival director and chief judge, while Jo oversees volunteers and ticketing. Whitney Oliver, the program coordinator, brings a wealth of experience from her various roles over the years, including volunteer, projectionist, filmmaker, and trustee. The festival’s management team is supported by a dedicated board of trustees.
A highlight of this year’s festival is the presence of Simone Moro. As the only alpinist to have made four winter ascents on eight-thousand-metre peaks, his insights and stories are sure to captivate audiences. Additionally, many New Zealand filmmakers will be on hand to introduce their films, adding a personal touch to the screenings. The 'Pure NZ' sessions, showcasing the best of Kiwi filmmaking, are always a festival favorite.
The NZ Mountain Film & Book Festival is more than just a series of screenings; it’s a celebration of adventurous sports and lifestyles designed to inspire everyone. Whether you're an intrepid explorer or an armchair adventurer, the festival offers something for everyone. It’s not just about adrenaline-pumping thrills; it’s also about enjoying simple, quiet moments in nature.
Above all, the festival is about community. It’s a chance to reconnect with old friends, meet fellow adventure-lovers, and share in the collective awe and laughter that these films inspire. The jaw-dropping scenes on the big screen, the shared experiences, and the inspiring stories all contribute to making this festival a unique and unforgettable experience.
Join us at the NZ Mountain Film & Book Festival and be part of this incredible celebration. For more information on the festival’s history and to follow the latest updates, visit the official festival history page. Don’t miss out on the adventure—see you there!
