BMC Women in Adventure Film Competition returns to Kendal Mountain Festival in 2026

The BMC want to encourage anyone with a story to tell or a cause to share to capture their adventure on film to help keep the cycle of inspiration rolling as the competition heads into its twelfth year.

Founded in 2014, the BMC Women in Adventure film competition is dedicated to promoting gender equality in adventure filmmaking and showcasing the inspiring stories of women adventurers from around the world. The competition is open to filmmakers of all levels of experience and aims to provide a platform for women voices in the adventure film industry.

The competition invites entries for short films of up to 10 minutes in length, showcasing the outdoor pursuits of women. Regardless of their expertise in filmmaking or athletic abilities, filmmakers are encouraged to submit their work, featuring those who partake in adventure, with the prospect of winning one of four awards available.

Entries for the Women in Adventure competition are now open and will close September 27 2026. The winners will be announced at a special awards ceremony in Kendal in November 2026.

Women in Adventure at Kendal Mountain Festival

For the fourth year in a row, the BMC will be hosting the Awards Ceremony and a special Film Screening for the BMC Women In Adventure Film Competition over the Kendal Mountain Festival weekend on Friday 20th November. The winners will be announced during this session, and attendees will have a chance to hear from them about their incredible adventures.

Emma Travers, BMC Marketing and Content Officer, said

"The Women in Adventure Film Competition never fails to surprise us with the breadth and quality of adventures brought to life on screen. What's even more inspiring is hearing how these films have encouraged others to step pursue their own adventures and tell their own stories. We hope this year's competition will feature an even wider range of voices and experiences from across the adventure community."

Faye Latham, the Film and Arts Manager at Kendal Mountain Festival. Faye said:

“We're so thrilled to once again be hosting the BMC Women In Adventure Film Awards, a vital competition that has always attracted a cross section of women and sports, showing us that there is more than one way to ‘be’ in the world of adventure. We can’t wait to watch the films, to see more people from historically and systematically excluded groups on our screens, and to announce the winners at a special event in November.”

Helen Murphy, BMC Inclusion and Safeguarding Manager, said:

“Kendal Mountain Festival is now widely recognised as one of the main annual events for outdoor enthusiasts in the UK and with its strong international reputation, we’re thrilled to be returning to the festival in 2026 with the BMC Women in Adventure Film Competition”

Now in its twelfth year, this competition is a vital platform for women adventurers to showcase their stories and inspire other women to pursue their own outdoor challenges, helping to create more inclusive and diverse spaces in the adventure world.”