A mix of global and local adventurers will recount stories from their expeditions in some of the world’s most remote locations at the upcoming NZ Mountain Film and Book Festival (NZMFF).

Organisers have released the first speaker lineup for the festival (in Wānaka from June 21-25) which will be headlined by Italian mountaineer Simone Moro.

“Simone is one of the most accomplished mountaineers ever to visit our region and we’re delighted that he’ll be joining us for talks in both Wānaka and Queenstown,” NZMFF festival director Mark Sedon said.

A veteran of 15 winter expeditions, Simone is the only alpinist to have completed four 8,000m ascents in winter, on Shisha Pangma (8027m) in 2005, Makalu (8485m) in 2009, Gasherbrum II (8035m) in 2011 and Nanga Parbat (8126m) in 2016.  

In 2001, he abandoned his Everest-Lhotse Traverse attempt to save an English climber, enduring horrific conditions in darkness, on his own with an extremely high risk of avalanche and without supplementary oxygen.

Simone was also the first European helicopter pilot qualified to fly in Nepal and has completed numerous rescue operations, including the highest long-line rescue at 7,800m on Everest in 2013.

Other speakers include accomplished field guide, naturalist, photographer, and documentary filmmaker Frederique Olivier (Australia), who will speak about her exploration of the polar regions, and New Zealand whitewater kayaker and adventurer Shannon Mast, who has ventured to some of the most remote and challenging waterways on the planet. 

The festival will also feature New Zealand whitewater kayaker and adventurer Shannon Mast (pictured), as well as Guy Cotter, Frederique Olivier and more.

Renowned New Zealand climber and longtime friend of the festival Guy Cotter will join the panel of speakers at the NZ Mountain Book Festival to speak about his recently published book, Everest Mountain Guide, a behind-the-scenes insight into his three-decade-plus career.

More speakers will be announced in the coming weeks, Mark said.

Meanwhile, the deadline for entering films in the film competition is fast approaching on April 20.

“I'm especially excited to see what Kiwi filmmakers come up with this year,” Mark said. “The level just keeps stepping up and up each year.”

PHOTOS: Supplied