The Winnipeg International Mountain Film Festival (WIMFF) celebrates the spirit of adventure, exploration, and storytelling from the world’s wild places. Held in the heart of the Canadian prairies, WIMFF brings together inspiring films that capture the beauty, risk, humour, resilience, and human connection found in mountain culture and outdoor adventure.

From epic alpine ascents and remote expeditions to deeply personal journeys of discovery, WIMFF showcases powerful stories that move audiences beyond the screen. The festival features an exciting selection of international and Canadian documentaries, climbing films, ski and snowboard adventures, environmental stories, and films that explore the relationships between people, culture, and the natural world.

More than just a film festival, WIMFF is a growing community gathering place for climbers, skiers, paddlers, cyclists, adventurers, filmmakers, photographers, and anyone inspired by the outdoors. With filmmaker Q&As, special guests, community partnerships, and an energetic prairie-meets-mountain atmosphere, WIMFF offers audiences an unforgettable shared experience.

“Prairie Roots. Mountain Stories.”

Awards & Prizes

Best Film
Best Climbing Film
Best Adventure Film

Rules & Terms

Rules & Terms – Winnipeg International Mountain Film Festival (WIMFF)

Festival Overview

The Winnipeg International Mountain Film Festival (WIMFF) celebrates films inspired by adventure, mountain culture, exploration, outdoor sports, environmental issues, and the human connection to wild places.
We welcome documentaries, narrative films, short films, animation, and experimental works from around the world.

Submission Categories
Accepted genres and themes may include:
Climbing & Mountaineering
Skiing & Snowboarding
Adventure & Exploration
Environmental & Conservation
Indigenous Perspectives
Outdoor Culture & Community
Human Spirit & Personal Journey
Cycling, Running & Paddling
Adventure Comedy
Youth & Emerging Filmmakers

Eligibility Requirements
Films must have been completed within the past 3 years.
Non-English films must include English subtitles.
Entrants must hold all necessary rights and permissions for submitted material, including music and archival footage.
Works-in-progress may be considered at the discretion of the festival.
Multiple entries are permitted, but each film requires a separate submission and fee.

Premiere Status
WIMFF does not require premiere status.
Films that have screened online, theatrically, or at other festivals remain eligible.

Screening Formats
Selected films must be available in one of the following formats:
Digital download
ProRes file
H.264 MP4
Projection specifications and delivery deadlines will be provided upon acceptance.

Judging & Selection
Films are selected by the WIMFF programming team.
Selection decisions are final.

Judging criteria may include:
Storytelling
Cinematography
Originality
Emotional impact
Artistic merit
Relevance to festival themes
Audience engagement
Notification & Deadlines

Selected filmmakers will be notified via FilmFreeway.
Submission deadlines and notification dates are listed on the festival page.

Rights & Permissions
By submitting to WIMFF, entrants grant the festival the right to:
Screen the film during the festival
Use trailers, stills, posters, and excerpts (up to 90 seconds) for promotional purposes
Promote selected films through WIMFF social media, website, and press materials
The filmmaker retains all ownership and copyright.

Travel & Screening Attendance
WIMFF may invite selected filmmakers to attend screenings, Q&As, or panels; however, travel and accommodation are not guaranteed unless specifically arranged by the festival.

Fees
Submission fees are non-refundable.

Audience & Festival Atmosphere
WIMFF values bold storytelling, authenticity, diversity of voices, and films that inspire curiosity, conversation, and connection.

While rooted in mountain culture, the festival embraces stories from all landscapes and communities where adventure and exploration thrive.