Team Picks
Don't know where to start? Here's some of our personal favourites.
Jacqui Scott
CEO
Perspective is everything, and this film reminds us of the joy and beauty of time in the mountains, and the love and strength of family. A definite 2024 Festival highlight, watched with Sir Chris Bonington, who reflected: “It represented exactly what the Festival stands for — showing the challenges and reality of an expedition, and how it’s the people you share it with that make it meaningful.”
Steve Scott
Festival Director
Champions of the Golden Valley
This must rank as one of my all time favourite films I've seen at the Festival. It's not by accident it has picked up numerous awards (although due to rights issues for release in Europe we could only screen it a year after launch in the US). We follow former Afghan Olympic hopeful Alishah Farhang who is on a mission to bring competitive skiing to the ancient mountain town of Bamyan. This is a unique story that goes beyond skiing, Champions of the Golden Valley is about resilience, finding joy amidst turmoil and unexpected circumstances and what it means to be a real champion of the people.
Clive Allen
Festival Director
To The Sea
In the best tradition of eccentric Englishmen, two chaps decide to paddle a home-built raft down a Swedish river, with no prior knowledge or planning, over multiple trips taking them a little further down the river each year. Crazy but endearing.
Faye Latham
Film & Arts Manager
The Lost Boys Of Carbis Bay
As soon as this film was submitted for consideration at Kendal, we knew we'd found a gem - like some artefact discovered down one of the mines explored by the Carbis Bay Crew, this film has a kind of magic that can only be found in a film that's an utter dedication, a labour of love to its director. At Kendal we champion films that explore different facets of adventure with delicacy, craft, and above all, films which let the people within them shine. We can't wait to see what director Daniel Simpkins goes on to create, and we are so pleased that The Lost Boys of Carbis Bay is now part of the Kendal Mountain family.
Rosina Merrett
Marketing & Communications Director
Alone Across Gola
Breaking the normal 9-5 work life and daring to go off the beaten track is a familiar tale. But this story is so much more, add determination, fear and friendship into the mix, to create a really punchy film that leaves you questionning - what would I do?
Ben Cannon
Brand & Programming Manager
Vautour
Rarely in life do you get a true peep into the suffering and grit that is required by top athletes to perform at the top level. Vatour gives us an insight into the true difficulties that these athletes go through, and a view on what can be achieved if you really embrace suffering.
Jenny Rice
Design Manager
The Black Godfather of Scuba
A fascinating documentary exploring the extraordinary life of Dr. Albert Jose "Doc" Jones, co-founder of the National Association of Black Scuba Divers. The film beautifully combines archive footage and recreates scenes that evoke the community spirit of the organisation, and tells an emotional and powerful story of diving at the wreck of the Henrietta Marie, the first lost slave ship ever to be recovered.
Indus Hill
Events & Business Manager
A fresh take on what an expedition film can be. Manu Delago and his ensemble turn the mountains into both stage and instrument, performing original compositions in high-altitude settings. It’s rare to see music and adventure woven together so seamlessly, resulting in something deeply human and awe-inspiring.
Dom Westwell
Production Manager
Gentle As Moss On Stone
A gently crafted short that weaves animation into the living world, revealing the quiet wisdom of moss and the lessons we miss in the outdoors. Unconventional and absorbing, it invites us to notice what we usually overlook.
Jen Dickinson
Tour & Events Manager
Catching Pinecones
This story about a dirtbag climbing couple is fantastic. I really connected with it—it perfectly captures that old-school climbing ethos without the focus on fame, glory, or branded gear. It’s very refreshing.
Annabel Howell
Marketing & Communications Coordinator
Best Day Ever
Inspirational and engaging, Best Day Ever is the kind of film that draws you in from the start. An award winner for good reason, it’s informative, moving, and a bit of a tear-jerker. It beautifully shows what’s possible with teamwork and genuine understanding. Definitely a must-see!
Amy Huxtable
Programming Coordinator
Bogs: The Magic of Peat
Looking at our local fells through a closer lens, Bogs celebrates the beauty and significance of the unique yet extensive peatland landscape. Complementing the magical visuals and insights from passionate bog experts, the playful score perfectly encapsulates the often-overlooked habitat—educational and artistic in the same breath, this film is essential viewing for all.