NZAC announces return of Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour

The Banff Mountain Film Festival, a programme of Banff Centre, is the largest, and one of the most prestigious, mountain festivals in the world.

New Zealand Alpine Club announces the return of the Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour for its 17th year in May and June 2019.

The Banff Mountain Film Festival, a programme of Banff Centre, is the largest, and one of the most prestigious, mountain festivals in the world. Hot on the heels of the festival held every autumn in Banff, Canada, the Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour hits the road, returning to New Zealand from the 25th May to 29th June 2019. Unlike other commercial film festivals, this event is an important fundraiser for the New Zealand Alpine Club (NZAC) with the profits supporting our very own outdoor community.

General Manager, Karen Leacock says “We are so excited and proud to bring the Banff Mountain Film Festival back to New Zealand for its 17th year. It is a unique event in that the on-the-ground organization is done by a large team of volunteers, meaning that the profits can funnel straight back into supporting club activities around the country. Each and every person who attends the screening not only gets to see the best adventure films in the world but also directly supports us in furthering our mission of supporting climbing, access and the outdoors community in New Zealand.”

NZAC activities which have been supported by previous film festivals include safety projects, crag repair, training of volunteers, hut maintenance, access and conservation initiatives. With stops planned in about 550 communities and more than 40 countries across the globe, this year’s tour features a collection of the most inspiring action, environmental, and adventure films from the festival. Travelling to exotic landscapes and remote cultures, bringing audiences up-close and personal with adrenaline-packed action sports, the 2018/2019 World Tour is an exhilarating and provocative exploration of the mountain world. From approximately 400 films entered into the annual festival, award-winning films and audience favourites are among the films chosen to travel the globe. Join the NZ Alpine Club when the Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour brings the spirit of outdoor adventure to 14 locations around the country, with an exciting 27 screenings scheduled!

For the first time in 2019, we will be having a screening in Timaru, bringing the Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour to a new audience. Back for a second time in 2019, we'll be including a screening in the most iconic of NZ mountain locations, The Hermitage at Mt Cook Village. This Club community event and fundraiser would not be possible without the support of Macpac, World Expeditions, Adventure South NZ, Adventure Magazine and Radix Nutrition.