Share Your Wild Winter Story with Audiences Across the Country
Do you have a film that embodies the joy of being in the backcountry? Does it take place in winter? Are you using human power in your adventure?
Backcountry Film Festival submissions are OPEN for the 2026-2027 22nd Annual Season. Submit by September 10, 2026.
We’re Looking for Stories that Move People
The Backcountry Film Festival celebrates human powered winter adventure and the stories that connect people to wild places, to one another, and to the movement to keep winter wild.
We welcome work from established and emerging filmmakers alike. Beautiful snow footage is always welcome, but strong storytelling, meaningful perspective, and a clear connection to protecting winter matter most.
Max Hammer, Zach Little, and Kai Girard skiing in Grand Teton National Park, @joshmettenphoto
Stories that Reflect the Full Range of Winter
Winter Adventure
Human-powered skiing, splitboarding, snowshoeing, mountaineering, exploration, and backcountry travel.
People and Community
Personal journeys, local traditions, relationships, belonging, access, inclusion, and the communities built around winter.
Winter Landscape Conservation and Advocacy
Public lands, stewardship, climate change, wildlife, snow science, ecological change, and efforts to protect wild snowscapes.
Snow, Stoke, Joy, and Creativity
Humor, art, play, experimentation, unconventional approaches, and the simple joy of moving through snow.
Create Impact Far Beyond the Screen
Selected films become part of the Backcountry Film Festival’s nationally touring and virtual program.
Each winter, Backcountry Film Festival screenings bring people together in communities nationwide to raise funds for Grassroots Group conservation organizations, SnowSchool sites, human-powered recreation, avalanche education, and other community projects.
Your work can entertain audiences, elevate important stories, and help strengthen winter communities across the country.
Submission Requirements
Review the basic requirements below, then visit FilmFreeway for the full rules and submission terms.
Runtime
Films must be between 1 and 20 minutes long.
Subject
Films must tell an authentic story about winter or protection of wild snowscapes.
Human Power
When recreation is featured, the adventure should center human-powered travel.
Language
Films must be in English or include accurate English subtitles.
Format
We prefer a 16:9 aspect ratio at 1920 × 1080 resolution.
Deadline
Submissions are accepted all year long. Submit by September 10, 2026 to be considered for the 22nd Annual tour.
Sofia Jaramillo, by Dani Reyes Acosta
Use code HUMANPOWER to waive the submission fee.
Snowlands Network Environmental Storytelling Award
$2000
Films selected for the lineup may also be considered for this award recognizing excellence in environmental storytelling connected to human-powered winter recreation and public lands.
How Selection Works
1. Submit Your Film
Send your film and supporting information through FilmFreeway.
2. Committee Review
The BCFF Film Committee evaluates eligible submissions for storytelling, mission alignment, creativity, and audience appeal.
3. Final Selection
The committee curates a varied festival program of approximately two hours.
4. Festival Tour
Selected films screen as part of the in-person and virtual Backcountry Film Festival tour.
Film:”What If,” photo by Josh Goldsmith
Our Sponsors
Winter Wildlands Alliance is a national nonprofit organization working to
inspire and empower people to protect America’s wild snowscapes.
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