This festival is not just a series of film screenings. It is the largest forum of mountain culture in Southeast Europe, bringing together athletes, researchers, filmmakers and thousands of adrenaline enthusiasts. In 2025, the scale is bigger than ever, covering 10 different locations in the city and presenting the immense diversity of the human will.
Bansko Film Fest 2025 program: 80 premieres from 43 countries
The selection of Bansko Film Festival This year's competition includes over 80 films that will take viewers to the most remote and dangerous points on the planet. From the icy deserts of Antarctica to the highest vertical walls in the Himalayas, the competition program is divided into 7 categories, judged by an international jury.
This year's edition focuses on innovative filming and perspective-changing stories. We will see productions from countries like Nepal, Chile, Iceland and, of course, a strong Bulgarian presence, proving that the local outdoor scene is world-class.
Key highlights of the festival program:
- International premieres: The latest films about mountaineering, caving and paragliding.
- Photo exhibitions: 12 exhibitions located in key galleries and lobbies.
- Master classes: Training for young operators and photographers under the guidance of proven professionals.
- Presentations: First-person personal stories of triumphs and trials in the mountains.
Stars of Bansko Film Fest: Jochen Hemleb and local heroes
One of the most anticipated events within the Bansko Film Festival are the encounters with the legends. Special guest in 2025 is the German researcher Jochen Hemleb. He is world-renowned for his research into the mystery of Mallory and Irvine on Everest. His lecture promises to reveal new details about one of the greatest mysteries in the history of mountaineering.
The Bulgarian track will be represented by athletes such as Nicholas Kalistrin – record holder and one of our best mountain runners and ski mountaineers, as well as Tsvetan Parov. Their presentations will take us to the heart of Pirin and show how a local talent can reach peak performance through discipline and love for nature.
Special participation: Time2Dare
The team of Time2Dare will also be part of the festival, sharing their projects that push the boundaries of the possible. Their participation is always accompanied by strong visual material and discussions that motivate the audience to seek their own adventures.
| Date | Location (Main) | Accent |
|---|---|---|
| November 19 | “N. Vaptsarov” Community Center” | Official opening and first screenings |
| November 20-22 | Panel rooms and Cinemas | Lectures, films and meetings with guests |
| November 23 | Great Hall | Awards ceremony |
Bansko Film Fest KIDS: The adventure begins at an early age
The organizers of Bansko Film Festival believe that love for the mountains is nurtured from early childhood. That is why the children's program BanskoFilmFestKIDS takes center stage. Over 400 children will have the opportunity to participate in:
- Climbing and wilderness survival lessons.
- Educational games about ecology and conservation of Pirin.
- Creative workshops led by experienced animators and mountain guides.
Plan your visit to Bansko
The full detailed festival program will be published at the end of October on the official website. We recommend booking your accommodation early, as interest in the event is huge.
Why visit Bansko Film Fest 2025?
Besides cinema, Bansko in November offers a unique atmosphere. You can combine the festival days with a walk to Banderishka meadow, visiting the local taverns with a traditional Banska kapama or relaxing in the hot mineral pools of the neighboring village of Banya. Bansko Film Festival It's the perfect time to feel the community spirit and recharge for the upcoming winter season.
Don't miss the finale on November 23rd, when the jury will announce the winners in the individual categories. These films often win prestigious awards at international festivals around the world, and you will have the privilege of seeing them first here, at the foot of Pirin.
English (UK)