Film Competition 2025 – we present the results! | Festiwal Górski w Lądku-Zdroju

Film Competition 2025 – we present the results!

We present the results of the Film Competition, traditionally held during the Mountain Festival in Lądek-Zdrój! After watching all 34 titles accepted into the Film Competition of the 30th Mountain Festival, the Jury – Alan Formanek, Aleksandra Leszczyńska, Eliza Kubarska, and Jan Wierzejski – selected the best films.

Grand Prize

„CHAMPIONS OF THE GOLDEN VALLEY”

The Jury has unanimously decided to award „Champions of the Golden Valley” with the Grand Prize. It is a true masterpiece in all aspects, by far surpassing all the other films in the competition, one of the best mountain films of all time! It is deeply human, very sad but also uplifting exploration of what it means to be a champion – in all its forms.
Alan Formanek

Directed by Ben Sturgulewski

Financial prize of 3000 EURO is sponsored by NAGRODA LOKALNEGO BIZNESU

Best Polish Film

„UNPAVED”

The jury decided to award the film „Unpaved” for the simplicity and honesty of the story about an American community that abandoned standard life and found a deep connection with nature through asceticism, closeness to animals and the beauty of a simple existence.
Jan Wierzejski

Directed by Mikael Lypinski

Sony camera ZV-E10 II is sponsored by Sony

Financial prize of 3000 zł is sponsored by Fundacja Himalaizmu Polskiego im. Andrzeja Zawady

Best Film About Climbing

„THE WALK OF LIFE”

„The Walk of Life” is a film that opens a Pandora’s box – perhaps for the first time in climbing history. It’s a film that could change the way the entire climbing community thinks. Can a climber make a mistake when grading a new route? What are the consequences for him when the community questions his truthfulness? The jury was moved by the honesty and courage of the protagonist, who has dealt with the trauma of this experience for 15 years. And if there are more hidden stories like that one in the world?
Eliza Kubarska

Directed by Raphael Fourau

Financial prize of 800 EURO is sponsored by Polski Związek Alpinizmu

Best Film About People and Mountains

„SNOW LEOPARD SISTERS”

The film „Snow Leopard Sisters” was recognized for its masterful combination of the intimate story of its protagonists with the problem of the extinction of snow leopards. It also received an award for its sensitive portrayal of the conflict between Nepalese herders and the protection of the endangered species.
Jan Wierzejski

Directed by Ben Ayers, Sonam Choekyi Lama, Andrew Lynch

Financial prize of 800 EURO is sponsored by Adventure 24

Best Film About Mountain Sports

„RIDERS ON THE STORM”

Three Riders on the Storm endure 18 days of howling snowstorms, frozen feet, and gnarly runouts in their attempt to make a long-coveted alpine first free ascent in Patagonia. This is a captivating story of a true camaraderie on a big wall as the climbers tackle the incredible hardships with humour and grace.
Alan Formanek

Directed by Josh Lowell

Financial prize of 800 EURO is sponsored by Zegarki.pl

Best Film About Snow Sports

„RUN AGAIN”

„Run Again” is a moving documentary not only about running, but also about the power of friendship, perseverance, and self-discovery. The film uniquely combines the worlds of music and sport, showing the story of the frontman of the band Archive. Dave Pen takes on an internal struggle with his own limitations and tackles one of the most difficult races in the world. Beautiful, stark images of mountain landscapes, inextricably linked to the music, provide the backdrop for this inner journey.
Alex Leszczyńska

Directed by Alexis Berg

Financial prize of 800 EURO is sponsored by Domki Zdrojowe

Best Film About Adventure and Exploration

„BIG WATER THEORY”

„Big Water Theory” is more than just a record of an extreme kayaking expedition to Pakistan. Is this madness? It turns out that even the roughest water flows according to its own, decipherable pattern. The jury appreciated that we could get so close to the characters – feel their fear and the power of the wild river, where any mistake could cost us our lives.
Eliza Kubarska

Directed by Emile Dominé

Financial prize of 800 EURO is sponsored by Uniwersytet Dolnośląski DSW Wrocław

Best Short Film

„THE SMOKE THAT THUNDERS”

„The Smoke that Thunders” is a short masterpiece that mesmerizes with the power of nature. Director Caleb Roberts boldly gives voice to the river, and its roar becomes a more powerful narrative than any script. Ben Marr’s kayaking expedition is not only a story about navigating the Zambezi River, but also about humility in the face of the elements. It is a film that moves, inspires, and leaves a lasting impression, reminding us of the true, raw essence of adventure.
Alex Leszczyńska

Directed by Caleb Roberts

Financial prize of 600 EURO is sponsored by 5+ Szkoła Górska

Honorable Mentions

„LAMO AURU. OLD FOREST, NEW LINES”

„Lamo Auru. Old Forest, New Lines” begins as a story about climbing on the giant trees inside the extinct volcano Lamo Auru, on the remote island of New Britain, in Papua New Guinea. However, the story gradually transcends the feat to reveal the true heart of this place – its unique biodiversity, its importance to indigenous people, and the threats it faces. The film authors show us that true adventure begins where the plan ends, and that curiosity and empathy lead to the discovery of a much more profound story.
Alex Leszczyńska

Directed by Ross Vernon McDonald

„CREATORS”

„Creators” is an original, visually stunning story about the supporting characters, the route-setters, who are responsible for ensuring the successful outcome of a climbing competition. This film raises the artistic bar among mountain films.
Eliza Kubarska

Directed by directed by Wojtek Kozakiewicz