IMF's Mountain Film Festival: A Window into Thrill and Adventure!

Imagine a space where towering mountains, roaring rivers, pristine landscapes, and the very essence of the mountains come to life on the big screen! The Indian Mountaineering Foundation's (IMF) Mountain Film Festival does just that! The brainchild of Maninder Kohli, Director of the Festival, is a grand celebration of adventure and outdoor films, by adventurers, for adventurers, in the spirit of adventure! The unique aspect of the IMF MFF is that its features films which are shot in India to encourage the Indian adventure opportunities and Indian film makers.

The one-of-a-kind event offers a glimpse into the diverse and thrilling adventure opportunities that India has to offer. From kayaking through serene rivers to scaling icy peaks, the films showcased at this festival capture adventure and exploration like no other. But it's not just about the stunning visuals. The festival also provides a platform for talented filmmakers to share their stories and inspire others. Whether you're a seasoned adventurer or simply a nature enthusiast, you'll find something here that appeals to the wanderlust-er inside you!

The majesty of the snow-capped Himalayan scapes, the lush beauty of the Western Ghats, and everything in between, the films featured at this festival showcase the incredible diversity of India's natural landscapes. Prepare to be transported to the heart of adventure as you witness kayaking expeditions in Sikkim, mountain biking adventures in Kumaon, and daring ice-climbing feats in Garhwal.

Most importantly, the film festival sheds light on important issues like climate change and the cultural significance of the mountains. Through the lens of film, we get an insight into the various challenges faced by these majestic landscapes, and the stories of those who call them home.

In the past, the festival has seen a range of films brought to the viewers by some exceptional talent. A few of them include:

1. Higher Ground: Paragliding in the Himalayas

This film follows the story of two renowned European paragliding champions embarking on a thrilling personal adventure in Himachal Pradesh. Belgian Thomas de Dorlodot and Spanish Horacio Llorens set off from Bir-Billing, soaring over iconic landmarks like Manali, Rohtang Pass, and Keylong before landing in Spiti. Their four-day journey showcases the unparalleled beauty of the Himalayan landscape. The resulting film exclusively premiered at the IMF Mountain Film Festival and was quite the hit.

2. A Kayaker’s Solo Adventure in India

French kayaking sensation Nouria Newman undertook a solitary seven-day expedition in Ladakh, traversing three iconic rivers—Tsarap, Zanskar, and Indus. The film chronicles her remarkable journey, capturing her solo kayaking exploits across 450 kilometers of Himalayan waterways and her nights under the beautiful starlit skies. This cinematic masterpiece was honored with the ‘Best Film: Mountain Water Sports’ award at the festival.

3. The Jujurana's Kingdom

The Western tragopan, a majestic bird often referred to as the ‘king of birds’, is a critically endangered pheasant found in the temperate and subalpine jungles of India. Renowned for its striking appearance and captivating courtship dance, the male tragopan is a sight to behold. Being one of the least photographed birds in the world, this film beautifully captures this elusive creature in action. It documents the journey into the heart of the tragopan's kingdom, highlighting the urgent need for conservation efforts in India, a nation facing a rapid loss of biodiversity. Himachal Pradesh is not only a sanctuary for one of the largest populations of Western tragopans but also the only place globally where captive breeding programs are underway to support their reintroduction into the wild.

Want to participate?

With successful events done in Goa, Delhi, and Arunachal Pradesh since its inception in 2017, the 6th edition of the IMF Mountain Film Festival is all set to return on the 15th of December at the IMF Campus in New Delhi! This annual celebration of adventure and cinematic artistry is a brilliant opportunity for artists and filmmakers to showcase their remarkable work and for outdoor enthusiasts to experience the magic of film. This year's theme is all about Adventure Sports, Wildlife, and Culture. Submissions are open until the 15th of November.

For more details, reach out to: mountainfilmfestival@indmount.org

Best of luck to all the participants!