Adventure filmmakers and writers are being invited to enter their work for the 23rd NZ Mountain Film & Book Festival, which will take place in June 2025.

The festival theme is adventurous sports and lifestyle, but competition entrants are invited to add their own creative spin.

The festival programme will be made up of competition winners and finalists from the entries.

New festival director Whitney Oliver said she was excited to “get the ball rolling” for the 23rd edition of the festival, which is aimed at adventure lovers of all ages and stages.

New festival director Whitney Oliver.

The long-running festival has gained a reputation for attracting world-class films as well as providing a stepping stone for up-and-coming creatives.

There is $9,000 of prize money to be awarded across a range of categories with the grand-prize-winning film and the best NZ-made film each eligible for $2,500 and $2,000 for the mountain book of the year.

Whitney is taking over from festival co-founder Mark Sedon as director but Mark will stay on as executive director and head judge.

She has been involved with the NZ Mountain Film & Book Festival for several years and filled a variety of roles including volunteer, projectionist, filmmaker, trustee and programme coordinator.

“Mark and Jo have grown the festival into a top tier event, and it's a privilege to be involved,” Whitney said. 

“The calibre of films and books has consistently impressed, and the energy of the crowds is infectious. We're always brainstorming new ways to serve our filmmakers, audiences, and community, and I'm excited about what's to come.”

Entries for the NZ Mountain Book competition close on March 30 while the deadline for the Film competition is April 20.

The festival programme will be released in May. 

Find out more about entry criteria at the NZ Mountain Film & Book Festival website here.

PHOTOS: Supplied