The Rooted Film Tour is an online film competition with culmination of the event ending at the Seattle, WA Film Premier. Designed to elevate the voices of outdoor storytellers, filmmakers, and adventurers. This festival is a celebration of those who are deeply connected to their environment, from towering peaks and dense forests to untouched backcountry terrain. Whether you find your home on the skin track, exploring remote trails on foot or in a vehicle, chasing powder lines, or finding that next great spot to catch a sunset - The Rooted Film Festivalis a tribute to the places and experiences that shape our connection to the outdoors.

Filmmakers will submit their works digitally, showcasing their passion for skiing, snowboarding, mountain climbing, overlanding, trail running, hiking, and mountain biking. The festival builds throughout the year, culminating in a grand screening of the top 5 selected films on October 2, 2025. This live event will bring the outdoor community together to experience the power of storytelling in person, food, music and more. The grand prize winner will receive an incredible package, including a Red Komodo Package, OR Gift Cards, cash, and more.

Join us in celebrating the creators who live and breathe the wild, and let their stories transport you to the places they call home.

Awards & Prizes

Twenty standout films will be chosen as finalists and featured across Outdoor Research’s social channels, shining a spotlight on the filmmakers, crew, and compelling stories behind each project in the weeks leading up to the festival. From these, the top five will be selected for an exclusive screening at the grand finale on October 2, 2025, in Seattle, WA. As a special honor, the selected filmmakers will receive fully covered travel for themselves and a guest to attend, present, and celebrate their work on the big stage.

Best Film - $10,000 / $10K Outdoor Research Gift Card
Finalists (4) - $2500 / $2500 Outdoor Research Gift Card

Rules & Terms

Rules & Regulations:

Eligibility & Submissions:

All films must be submitted electronically through FilmFreeway.com.

Films must be no longer than 30 minutes in length.

Films should focus on the outdoors, specifically within the disciplines of skiing, snowboarding, mountain climbing, overlanding, trail running, hiking, mountain biking, and exploration.

Films must introduce audiences to what makes the filmmaker’s home or outdoor activity unique and immersive.

Filmmakers must be from the US/Canada

Language & Accessibility:

Foreign-language films must provide English subtitles.

All films must be capable of playing with closed captions.

Screening & Rights:

Films that have previously screened theatrically or aired on television are not eligible for awards.

If selected, filmmakers must provide a DCP format of their film for the final screening.

Filmmakers must have full rights to their films and are responsible for clearing all necessary rights to the materials used.

Promotional Usage:

The Rooted Film Tour is granted the right to utilize an excerpt from any submitted and accepted film for promotional purposes and social media.

Liability & Technical Issues:

The Rooted Film Tour, its organizers, and affiliated parties are not responsible for technical failures, including but not limited to hardware or software malfunctions, network issues, or accessibility problems.

The organizers assume no liability for any claims, damages, or expenses related to copyright, trademark, publicity rights, or lost or damaged submission materials.

Prizes & Recognition:

The top 5 films will be selected for screening at the grand event on October 2, 2025 in Seattle, WA with the all travel covered for the filmaker and one guest.

All entry fees will be donated to Protect Our Winters.