The NZ Mountain Film and Book Festival will forge ahead in Wanaka and Queenstown next month with a flexible schedule, designed to suit any level of Covid-19 lockdown.

The plan includes several smaller events as well as online screenings of the festival favourites.

“We feel it is important to run our event, albeit a little differently to other years,” festival director Mark Sedon said.

“Based on feedback, we feel that by the time we get to late June, everyone will be ready to get out and about, providing they feel they are safe.

“Our core goal is to bring some inspiration to our audience when they need it most and continue to bring people in our adventure community together both on- and off-line.”

The 18th festival is scheduled to run live in five venues in Wanaka and Queenstown simultaneously from June 26-28.

Smaller venues will restrict numbers and allow for social distancing and seat numbers for contact tracing should it be required. 

Events will include the popular Opening Night, guest speakers, award-winning films and books.

The trust has received over 188 entries in the filmmaker competition including a record number of NZ entrants.

The ability to run the event this year has been largely due to the sponsors, patron and friend donations, Sedon said.

“The continued financial support from our backers has been incredible and the feedback and donations from our audience have been so encouraging. 

“These contributions mean we can give 2020 our best shot and look forward to being in a strong position to host our full-scale event in 2021. After 18 years of building this event, we are incredibly appreciative and humbled by the support.”

The film and book lineup will be announced on June 1 at mountainfilm.nz.