The NZ Mountain Film & Book Festival returns in June. Wilderness sat down with festival director Mark Sedon to find out how the festival has expanded beyond simply showing films.

How has NZ adventure filmmaking progressed in the past two decades?

Incredibly! From a small niche to an industry of filmmakers working and submitting films to festivals around the globe: editors, cameramen/women and sponsored athletes. 

Why is it important to have a film festival that showcases Kiwi adventurers?

It gives filmmakers a platform to show their work, win big cash prizes, and to share their amazing work on the big screen. It inspires adventurers and armchair adventurers to get outdoors, get active, and maybe even make a film themselves.

How does the film festival support the filmmaking community?

We help filmmakers with feedback and advice on their projects. We have a prestigious Best NZ-made Film award with a $2500 prize, plus several more cash prizes for Kiwi filmmakers. We return funds to award winners from our national tour. New this year is Doc Talks for filmmakers and interested people. One is on gaining funding for making a film; one is on sound techniques in the outdoors. 

What inspired the Adventure Film School? 

It seemed obvious: if we want better films, let’s offer training for budding filmmakers. We run a five-day film school for intermediates and a two-day film school for beginners. We alternate those each year as the introductory course prepares people for the more advanced course. 

What films and books should our readers look out for this year?

It’s too early to say, as entries are coming in now and close in April. But as usual, we have a few NZ filmmakers working on projects of which we will see only a rough cut by the April 20 deadline, then we will be honoured and excited to host their world premieres at the festival in June.

How is the film festival helping to make adventuring more accessible for everyone?

It doesn’t make it more accessible, but it encourages people to get outdoors, inspires new friendships and strengthens old ones. When we get together at the festival, we seem to plan new adventures. The films and books give us ideas for things to do at home or abroad. 

2024 festival dates

Wānaka: June 21–25  •   Queenstown: June 27–28  •  Online: July 1–31