This competition is now closed. Keep your eyes peeled for details of our 2018 competition which will be announced soon!

If you've ever visited an adventure film festival you'll know that adventure films come in all shapes and sizes. From mini adventures and dramas to epic big-wall climbs, only imagination limits the possibilities of filmmaking. However, in 2014 just a fifth of the films screened at ShAFF featured female protagonists, or were made by women. We want to change that.

THIS COMPETITION IS NOW CLOSED.

WATCH ALL THE 2017 ENTRIES ON BMC TV

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And the winner is.....

WATCH: 2017's winning film Three Women and the Three Old Men on BMC TV:

Watch all the 2017 entries here

WATCH: 2016's winning film Kosmos on BMC TV:

Heather Swift, winner of last year’s competition said: "In a world which is still dominated by men on almost every level, this competition gives women in adventure sports a chance to shine through and be heard. On a personal level it was a massive confidence boost for me to push forward my own work and get stuck in."

Watch all the 2016 entries here

WATCH: 2015's winning film Blue Hue on BMC TV:

Natasha Brooks, winner of 2015’s competition said: "I didn't expect my film to win so I was over the moon when I found out. To then go on and see my film alongside other really inspirational films on the big screen at SHAFF was incredible. I came away feeling truly inspired, and with a deep hunger to make more.

The BMC competition is a great step towards addressing the huge gender imbalance in the male dominated film industry, encouraging women from professional to complete novice to enter. With modern technology so widely available, anyone who wants to can make a film, and the BMC competition provides the perfect platform for getting it out there to an audience. I'd really encourage anyone to enter."

Watch all the 2015 entries here

Why was this competition created?

In the UK just 5% of sports coverage is of women. The BMC has demonstrated its commitment to getting more people into climbing, mountaineering and walking, and so this competition is a chance to support and encourage women to share their adventures. We all know the importance of providing positive role models for young women and girls, so we would be really interested to see films which would be suitable for showing during ShAFF’s family-friendly programme. 

Director of ShAFF, Matt Heason, said “ShaFF is behind this competition because we think that it's really important to see the gender imbalance of outdoor and adventure films balanced, and ultimately to see the number of participants also balanced. We have seen over the years that there is an imbalance, and that it is slowly moving in the right direction. Three years ago we decided to do something concrete about it and introduced the Women In Adventure panel at ShAFF.”

Joanna Croston, Programming Director of the Banff Mountain Film & Book Festival said “By supporting this competition, along with the BMC, The Banff Mountain Film & Book Festival hopes to encourage more women to participate in adventure filmmaking and dispel the current gender imbalance in the industry.”

Womenclimb Founder and Editor in Chief Emily Pitts, said “We know that women are doing very adventurous things in the UK and round the world, but this isn’t always reflected on screen. Anyone can make a film – there is more access now than ever before to the equipment you need to create a compelling short film. Showing the world the power of adventure through the eyes of women and showcasing women’s achievements are what this competition is about.” 

If you have questions about the competition or would like help to find a protagonist, email hello@womenclimb.co.uk. For technical enquiries email Suzanne@thebmc.co.uk.

The BMC TV Women in Adventure Film Competition is back and accepting submissions for 2022. So dive in, if you have a story to tell or a cause to share it's time to do so!

We want to see your adventures captured on film and keep the cycle of inspiration rolling as we head into the eighth year of the competition, supported by Montane.

WATCH: All the entries to the Women in Adventure Film Competition 2021 on BMC TV

FIND OUT MORE AND ENTER: Submit an entry

WATCH: Women in Adventure Film Competition 2022 Trailer on BMC TV

Need inspiration?

WATCH: All the 2021 winners and entries

WATCH: All the 2020 winners and entries

WATCH: All the 2019 winners and entries

WATCH: All the 2018 winners and entries

WATCH: All the 2017 winners and entries

WATCH: All the 2016 winners and entries

WATCH: All the 2015 winners and entries

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