New Golden Axe film award will honour climber Rob Brown at 2023 Fort William Mountain Festival
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A new adventure film competition has been launched in memory of Fort William climber Rob Brown who died on Ben Nevis last year.
Organisers of the Fort William Mountain Festival, which takes place next month, said the Golden Axe Award would be a special way to remember him.
Entries to the film contest are invited from filmmakers of every kind, and the only rules are the film must be no longer than two minutes and must include bright colours, outdoor adventure and food.
Mr Brown was a local climbing guide and a valued member of the festival's organising committee. He died in a fall on the North Face of the Ben in August.
The festival will also include daily guided outdoor activities, inspirational speakers, thought-provoking films, competitions and awards, and an interactive, adventure-themed exhibition, all timed to coincide with the best winter walking, climbing and snowsports conditions.
There will be a varied programme of fringe events enabling people to get out and discover the landscapes of Lochaber with local experts, with activities including mindful walking, nature writing, wild swimming, trail running, mountain biking, paddle boarding, winter walking, mountaineering, skiing and snowboarding.
In the evenings there will be a diverse range of speakers and internationally renowned films at one of three festival venues across Fort William.
The area styles itself as the Outdoor Capital of the UK, and guests will include Patagonia athlete, Robbie Phillips, one of the UK’s top all round climbers and adventurers, while Tales from the Trails will be a celebration of the world-famous long-distance trails that start and end in Fort William.
The Scottish Mountaineering Press will be hosting a Winter Climbing Forum and on the Sunday afternoon there will be a special Family Film event featuring local families which will be free to attend.
The specially curated International Film night will showcase the best entries to the festival’s own film competition, together with the award presentations.
The prestigious Scottish Awards for Excellence in Mountain Culture, recognising the achievements of inspiring individuals and their outstanding contributions to Scotland’s outdoor culture, are making a welcome return with the winners of the adult and youth awards being announced in early February.
Anna Danby, co-ordinator of the 2023 Fort William Mountain Festival, said: “It is a privilege to be part of organising such a diverse programme, bringing together everyday adventurers, elite athletes, mountain professionals and local residents on the same stage. There are opportunities for everyone to get involved whatever your passion and experience.
“Our hope is that we have curated a programme that truly offers people from all walks of life the opportunity to come along and get involved. The overriding aims of the festival are to encourage everyone to be inspired by, respect and protect our natural landscape and we are confident that our festival visitors will leave feeling motivated to do just that.”
Hannah Francis, content creator and co-ordinator for the festival, said: “I’m really excited about the festival this year. It’s diverse, its special, it celebrates everything we love about the outdoors and Fort William.
“In particular, I’m thrilled to announce a brand new, totally inclusive film competition called the Golden Axe Award. We’re looking for bright colours, mountain snacking and adventure. All you need is your phone!”
The festival takes place from February 16-19.
