The 24th edition of the celebrated seven-day event will take place in Wānaka from June 19-23, followed by two nights in Queenstown on June 25 and 26.
Mountain Film NZ said in a statement the festival provided a platform for emerging filmmakers and writers to grow, learn and share their work with a passionate, supportive audience.
‘‘The festival welcomes a wide range of creative interpretations, so long as the work connects to adventurous sports or people, or is set among the world’s mountains, lakes, rivers, oceans or skies, or explores cultural or environmental themes,’’ it said.
Festival director Whitney Oliver said the opening of entries was always a highlight on the annual calendar.
‘‘There is always great anticipation when the competitions open each year.
‘‘Adventures are evolving in new and exciting ways and so are the ways these stories are shared through films and books.
‘‘This year’s programme is bound to raise the bar once again.’’
Entries for the NZ Mountain Book Competition close on March 15, entries to the NZ Mountain Film Competition close on April 15 and Adventure Film School registrations close on April 1. The full 2026 programme, made up of competition finalists and category winners, will be announced in May.
‘‘Supporting homegrown creatives is central to the mission of the NZ Mountain Film Festival Charitable Trust, which champions New Zealand arts, culture, environment and outdoor lifestyles,’’organisers said.
As well as running the competitions, the trust also subsidises the festival’s Adventure Film School.
‘‘Students gain experience in producing, directing, editing, interview techniques, audio and camera work, special effects, and most importantly adventure storytelling.
‘‘The aim is for participants to leave with the skills and confidence to create films of their own and, in time, submit their work to future festival competitions,’’ the statement said.
