NZ Mountain Film Festival 2025 – Pure NZ Night

Pedals To Powder (28 mins) Nick Kowalski, NZ. Two women cycle to every ski field in Aotearoa
in one wild season, braving storms and exhaustion—uncovering a hidden world of independent
ski culture along the way.

All in or Nothing (24 mins) Gordon Duff, NZ. Up against 120 riders with full support crews, a
young athlete only has himself to rely on. Follow his gruelling six days as he attempts to win the
overall title at the NZ MTB Rally. BEST DOCUMENTARY

Riverbound – The Storybook Has Just Begun (13 mins) Dylan Gerschwitz & Deane Parker,
NZ, World Premiere. Yak, a former pro kayaker now paraplegic, takes on Class 3 rapids in the
Upper Buller Gorge. Can packrafting restore his freedom—and redefine who gets to run wild
rivers? FESTIVAL SPIRIT AWARD

As One – The MHS Adventure Racing Team (15 mins) Louie Burger, NZ, World Premiere.
This uplifting documentary follows nine Motueka High students on a wild, 40-hour adventure
racing from the West Coast home—raising funds for World Vision with grit, laughs, and heart.
Spirit of the West (12 mins) Pedro Pimentel, NZ, World Premiere. Set against New Zealand’s
wild West Coast, this film captures the spirit of the Old Ghost Ultra—where community, resilience,
and grit collide in a transformative celebration of people and place. COMMUNITY SPIRIT
AWARD

Rakiura Solo (13 mins) Michael Beckmann, NZ. A tough solo hike around the 130km North West
Circuit on Stewart Island/Rakiura. Beyond the challenge, what makes this island truly special is
its rich wildlife. An ambient film without dialogue.

Waiatoto (20 mins) Josh Morgan & Jasper Gibson, NZ. This film tells the story of a traverse
across the Southern Alps through packraft, skis and tramping. Starting at the Matukituki, the route
went via Tititea, the Volta Glacier, and the Waiatoto, to the Tasman Sea. BEST NZ MADE FILM

Total running time: 125 minutes + 15 minute intermission.