June 21, 2005 (Banff, AB) – The 30th annual Banff Mountain Film Festival is seeking the world’s best films on mountains and their spirit of adventure. Presented by National Geographic and Dunham Bootmakers, the festival will be held October 29 to November 6 at The Banff Centre. Deadline for film entries is Friday, August 5.

An international jury will choose winners in eight categories including
Grand Prize, Alpine Club of Canada Award for Best Film on Climbing, Best Film on Mountain Sports, Mountain Environment, Mountain Culture, Best Short Mountain Film (15 minutes or less) and Best Feature-length Mountain Film (70 minutes or more). The festival audience selects the winner of the People’s Choice Award More than forty finalists will be screened over the festival week to an audience of 8500 plus. Over $18,000 CDN in prize money will be awarded.

Last year, filmmakers from 38 countries entered over 300 films into the competition. Many of the films toured worldwide to an audience of
approximately 165,000 mountain and adrenaline film junkies in 30
different countries through the Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour.

After 30 years, the Banff Mountain Film Festival has a proven track
record as the largest and one of the most prestigious mountain film
festivals in the world. A programming-driven, competitive event, the
festival brings films from every corner of the globe to the mountain
town of Banff, Alberta. For filmmakers, the event offers the chance to
meet colleagues and leaders in the adventure field, and to exchange
ideas and collaborate in a relaxed atmosphere.

“Banff is a different kind of film festival – it is one with compassion.
It is probably the greatest storytelling contest of our time, where the
love of mountains and mountain cultures comes alive on the screen.”
Hamid Sardar, France, The Reindeer People, Winner 2004 Best Film on Mountain Culture

“Going to Banff was one of the highlights of last year for me […] the
feedback from the World Tour has been overwhelming and it’s good to know our little film has the ability to move people so powerfully through its simple story.” Jon Muir, Australia, Alone Across Australia,
Winner 2004 Best Film on Mountain Environment and People’s Choice Award selection

Along with the continuous film and video screenings, the festival also
features internationally renowned speakers, panel discussions, a
filmmakers seminar, an adventure trade fair, a mountain art and craft
sale, and an indoor climbing wall.

For a 2005 film entry form or for more information on the 2005 Banff
Mountain Film Festival, please visit
http://www.banffmountainfestivals.ca/2005/forms/