Editor

Scotland’s premier mountain film festival is seeking new films to be screened at its showcase event this autumn. Edinburgh Mountain Film Festival (EMFF) is calling for professional film-makers and amateur enthusiasts alike to enter its film competition before the closing date of 30 June 2007 – just over 3 months away.

The 5th Edinburgh Mountain Film Festival runs 19-21 October 2007. And with some world famous names rumoured to be lecturing at the festival this year, it promises to be even bigger and better than in 2006, when over 2,000 outdoor enthusiasts gathered in Edinburgh to be thrilled by a series of exciting films, lectures and exhibitions. Festival director Stevie Christie describes the winning from the 2006 festival:

“E11 was a landmark film due to both the historic moment in climbing which it captured but also in terms of upping the standard of adventure films. Not only did it win all three film prizes at the EMFF, it was a success at festivals around the world, winning prizes from Canada to Slovenia.”

The film, which had its world premiere at the EMFF, documented Scottish climber Dave MacLeod’s obsession with a new route which he eventually climbed, declaring it the hardest route in the world and giving it the new grade of E11.

However, not all films feature such extreme action, nor are they all filmed by professionals. One locally made film screened in 2006 investigated the legend of the Big Grey Man of Ben MacDui while a comic ‘mockumentary’ followed some ‘extreme trampers’ bouncing around on other people’s trampolines! Such films have helped the independent EMFF gain a reputation as a showcase for talented adventure film-makers to make their breakthrough.

“There are no strict rules to the types of films we show, as long as they evoke the spirit of adventure”, explains Christie. “We’ve shown films on skiing and snow-boarding, white-water kayaking, BASE-jumping, ski-mountaineering, mountain biking and mountain culture, as well as all disciplines of climbing. Shorter films up to 15 minutes are especially welcome and we’re always on the look out for films which are a little bit different!”

Further incentive to enter comes in the form of cash prizes for the winning films, with £250 for the Tiso Best Film Award and £150 for the Alien Rock Best Climbing Film Award. There is also a People’s Choice Award and the festival organisers would love to hear from any potential sponsors! With a panel of experts making judging the films, Christie offers some advice to film-makers hoping to scoop the prizes:

“A strong storyline is at the key to a good film. Use your imagination and don’t forget to focus on the characters as well as the action. Please don’t be shy about your work, send it in. We’re always happy to offer helpful feedback – and you could be the next big thing!”