Following another successful NZ Mountain Film & Book Festival, the NZ Mountain Film Festival Charitable Trust has opened applications for its annual Community Grant Scheme, made possible through the generosity of festival audiences, sponsors and supporters.
This year’s silent auction raised $7,815, with additional funding to come from the festival’s National Tour, helping the Trust continue its mission of supporting outdoor adventure, conservation and community initiatives throughout New Zealand.
Applications are now open for projects that:
- Support adventure skills training and filmmaking opportunities for young people (under 18)
- Protect and restore the natural environment through local conservation projects
- Help people with disabilities purchase specialist equipment or experience the outdoors.
Festival Founder Mark Sedon said giving back to the community has always been at the heart of the festival.
“The films may be what people come to see, but one of the things we’re most proud of is being able to reinvest back into the outdoor community. Every ticket purchased, auction bid and National Tour screening helps fund projects that inspire people to get outside, protect our environment and make adventure more accessible.”
Applications close 31 August, with grants typically ranging from $500 to $1,000.
The announcement follows a successful 24th edition of the NZ Mountain Film & Book Festival, which saw 3,900 tickets sold across five days in Wānaka and two days in Queenstown — up from around 3,600 in 2025.
The result came despite ongoing cost-of-living pressures and a slow start to the ski season, which meant fewer winter visitors and seasonal workers were in town during the festival.
Several Wānaka sessions sold out, including Opening Night, both Pure NZ showcases, The Snow Show and presentations by headline speakers Sébastien Montaz-Rosset and Petrouchka Steiner-Grierson. The festival’s free Family Shows and two-day Adventure Film School also reached capacity, while 345 secondary school students attended a special Schools Day featuring Montaz-Rosset.
The 2026 programme showcased 18 world premieres, reflecting the festival’s growing reputation as a launch platform for New Zealand filmmakers. Directors travelled from as far afield as Canada to introduce their films to audiences in person.
First-time filmmaker Charlotte Barry-Walsh, whose film Packraft Paradise won the festival’s Grassroots Award, said the experience exceeded her expectations.
“The NZMFF exceeded all expectations. The atmosphere created was electric, and the people involved made the vibe so cool. Some incredibly inspiring films, and so many opportunities to make connections and learn from others. The hospitality of the staff was standout. Looking forward to attending again next year!”
Although the live festival has concluded, audiences can still stream all 63 festival films through the Online Festival until 31 July.
From 1 August, the festival’s National Tour will take award-winning films to communities across Aotearoa, with locally hosted screenings raising funds for community organisations while continuing to support the NZ Mountain Film Festival Charitable Trust’s grant programme.
Community Grant applications close 31 August 2026.
Meanwhile, planning is already underway for the festival’s 25th anniversary in 2027.
“This year’s festival has given us plenty to celebrate and plenty to build on,” said Festival Director Whitney Oliver. “We’re incredibly grateful to everyone who came along, and we’re already looking ahead to making our 25th anniversary festival one to remember.”
Find out more about grants here.
Watch the Online Festival here.