Awarded Films BMFF 2014
GRAND PRIZE
VALLEY UPRISING
Valley Uprising reveals the history of climbing in the Yosemite Valley through skillful story telling, a clever mix of archival footage and graphics, and interviews with key climbers. It has serious sides, telling an important story and touching on political and social issues, yet is great fun and highly entertaining from start to finish. It is a unique film that we could recommend to everyone, climbers and non-climbers alike.
BEST DIRECTOR
PATRICIA AYALA, for DON CA
Profound, engrossing and beautifully crafted, Don Ca is an intimate portrait of a man and his chosen society. This complex story is artfully told through sensitive cinematography and brilliant directing. It unfolds gradually, with tension and surprises and, like life itself, it leaves the viewer with more questions than answers.
BEST SCRIPT
DRAWN
Drawn is a full-hearted story of adventure, friendship and family, told in a wholly original way. Its elements of film and graphics are woven together by an engaging and fast paced script. This is a refreshing portrayal of the multi faceted life of a climber, raising universal questions about the ties that bind us.
BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY
THE QUEST FOR INSPIRATION
This film is a meditation on the beauty of the natural world and an artist’s ongoing efforts to express and interpret it. There is a sense of him moving through his own images, which, like the cinematography, are breathtaking and poetic - songs of praise to wild places.
BEST SHORT FILM
DUCT TAPE SURFING
The creators of Duct Tape Surfing found a great character and something wonderful to share. In just 5 minutes, this film tells a well-rounded story and conveys a strong, hopeful message.
JURY PRIZE
METAMORPHOSEN
With stunning cinematography, Metamophosen reveals a long-standing environmental catastrophe and the people who live with its consequences. The creator of this film shows great courage, following his artistic vision without compromise. He treats his protagonists with respect, and allows the audience to see themselves reflected in the lives of those who exist in a beautiful yet deadly poisoned landscape.
BEST MOUNTAINEERING FILM
SATI
Sati is a stark portrayal of grief, revealing the most difficult consequences of high altitude mountaineering. While bringing to life the essence of a famous Polish alpinist, Sati focuses on his widow: her devastation in the wake of his death; her reflections on their life together; her fears and hopes for the future. The structure is simple, powerful and intimate, bringing us very close to the subject of the film and the confrontation between mountaineering and its inherent risks.
BEST CLIMBING FILM
DEFRAID A DRINGO
This film portrays a strong teenage rock climber growing into a man and choosing his path in life. The story telling is authentic and intimate, allowing us to meet his family and community, and revealing his relationship with the landscape and the animals that surround him. Engaging and delightful , the film carries a powerful message about staying true to oneself.
BEST MOUNTAIN CULTURE AND NATURE FILM
SOBRE LA MARXA
This film is a classic tale of the importance of the journey rather than the destination. It holds many lessons: about the impermanence of life, the balance between letting go and never giving up and maintaining an outsider status with pride and integrity. Most of all, it is a story of retaining one’s artistic vision, against all odds.
BEST SPORT AND ADVENTURE FILM
WAINWRIGHT RECORD ATTEMPT
The likeable main character of this film is the antithesis of a mainstream adventurer, who nonetheless takes on a huge challenge very close to his home. Unusual and heartwarming, it is the story of determination, courage and the power of community.
HONORABLE MENTION
CAMINOS DE AGUA
Fresh, funny and entertaining, with three great characters, this film transmits the authentic feeling of adventure, and the excitement of exploration in wild places.
WOP FOUNDATION PRIZE to the defence and transmission of the social values of alpinism
DRAWN
The jury formed by Javier Aldazabal (Manager of Basque Team), Oscar Gogorza (alpinist and specialized journalist) and Mikel Renteria (President of the WOP Foundation) states that, taking into account the defence and transmission of the values of self-improvement, effort, team work, faithfulness towards the roped team, optimism as motor of change, commitment to the alpinist activity making it compatible, at the same time, with the commitment to the home environment, as well as the life passion reflected on the film, the winner of the first “WOP Foundation Prize to the defence and transmission of the social values of alpinism” goes to DRAWN (USA).
