02 Jan Mountainfilm: Announcing New LGBTQ+ Impact Award!
Based in Telluride, Mountainfilm is accepting film submissions for the 2026 festival, and is excited to introduce a new prize: the LGBTQ+ Impact Award. This award will be presented to a film or filmmaker who uplifts LGBTQIA+ stories, with a $3,000 prize made possible by The Taylor Family and The Robinson Family.
Since 1979, Mountainfilm has used the power of film, art and ideas to inspire audiences to create a better world. The nonprofit couldn’t do that without filmmakers like you.
Mountainfilm is an Academy Award®-qualifying festival in the Documentary Short Film category. Late submissions will be accepted through Monday, January 5, 2026, with increased fees.
Go here to purchase your 2026 pass.
Go here to donate to help Mountainfilm create a better world.
Go here to volunteer..
Go here for more about Mountainfilm (going back to 2009)
Image coutesy Mountainfilm.
FILMMAKER AWARDS AT MOUNTAINFILM
Each year, an expert panel of judges selects the best films of the festival. Multiple awards and categories allow us to recognize different films for unique reasons. In addition to juried awards, we also recognize Audience Choice Awards (Feature and Short), decided entirely by attendee voting.
All award recipients are presented with a one-of-a-kind award sculpture by renowned artist R. Nelson Parrish.
Audience Choice Award ($5,000).
Decided by Mountainfilm attendees voting for their favorite feature film during the festival. Funded in part by Tully & Elise Friedman.
Audience Choice Short Award ($1,000)
Decided by Mountainfilm attendees voting for their favorite short film during the festival. Funded in part by Tully & Elise Friedman.
Best Documentary Feature ($5,000)
Juried award celebrating exceptional filmmaking for feature films (over 40 minutes). Funded in part by Tully & Elise Friedman.
Best Short Film ($1,000)
Juried award celebrating exceptional filmmaking for short films (under 40 minutes). Funded in part by Tully & Elise Friedman.
Charlie Fowler Best Adventure Film Award ($2,500)
A juried award honoring the best adventure film, in memory of world-class climber and Telluride crag pioneer Charlie Fowler. Funded by the Fowler family.
Moving Mountains Award ($2,500 total)
Honors films that focus on impact and supports both the filmmaker ($1,500) and the film’s associated nonprofit ($1,000). Funded in part by Tully & Elise Friedman.
Women in Film Award ($3,500)
Presented to an outstanding woman in the film industry who shows excellence and indomitable spirit either in front of or behind the camera. Funded by Riccarda de Eccher & Bill Goldston.
Student Choice Award ($2,000)
Selected by high school students in the immersive Mountainfilm for Students program. Funded by Telluride Academy & Alpine Bank.
James Balog Creative Vision Award ($5,000)
Honors a film with innovative image-making or ideas that expand our understanding of the relationship between people and the rest of nature. Funded by James & Suzanne Balog.
First Peoples Award ($2,500)
Honors an outstanding Indigenous-made film that highlights underrepresented stories, perspectives, and cultures. Funded by Riccarda de Eccher & Bill Goldston.
LGBTQ+ Impact Award ($3,000)
Presented to a film or filmmaker that uplifts LGBTQIA+ stories. Funded by The Taylor Family and The Robinson Family.
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