Film Awards

Joanna Croston has been the Programming Director of the Banff Mountain Film and Book Festival since 2014, where she curates an annual lineup of over 350 mountain films and 70 mountain literature titles. A dedicated advocate for mountain culture, Joanna’s role blends her passion for outdoor pursuits with her love of storytelling. Originally from Eastern Canada, Joanna moved to the Canadian Rockies in 1998, immersing herself in the region’s rugged landscapes and climbing culture. An accomplished backcountry skier, she has explored terrain across North America, the Alps, Kashmir, and the Indian Himalaya. As a climber, Joanna has summited many of the Rockies’ iconic 11,000 ft. peaks. Joanna’s writing has appeared in Highline Magazine, Gripped, The Canadian Alpine Journal, and Alpinist. She also serves on the Mountain Culture Committee of the Alpine Club of Canada and represents the Banff Mountain Film and Book Festival in the International Alliance for Mountain Film, contributing to the global celebration of mountain storytelling and adventure.

Barry Blanchard, born in Calgary, Canada, is one of the world’s preeminent alpinists and a celebrated Canadian Mountain Guide. His adventurous spirit was evident early on—steering a self-made raft down Calgary’s Bow River at just 12 years old. Inspired by mountaineering books discovered in his high school library, Barry embarked on a lifelong journey to climb the world’s most challenging peaks. Barry’s legendary climbing achievements include the first ascent of The Andromeda Strain (1983), the North Ridge of Rakaposhi (1984), and the apocalyptic North Pillar of North Twin (1985). He has summited Everest via the West Ridge (1986), survived the Rupal Face of Nanga Parbat (1988), and completed numerous other iconic first ascents and expeditions across the Himalayas, Canadian Rockies, and Alaska. His 2002 first ascent of Infinite Patience on Mt. Robson’s Emperor Face remains a standout accomplishment. Beyond climbing, Barry has contributed his expertise to Hollywood films, working on adventure classics like K-2, Cliffhanger, and The Vertical Limit. As an internationally certified UIAGM mountain guide, he has inspired generations of climbers and adventurers with his passion for exploration. Barry lives in Canmore, Alberta, with his partner Nicole, their two daughters, Rosemary and Eowyn, and their cat, Orion.

Andy Arts is an emerging director and cinematographer with over 20 years of involvement in the Canmore climbing community. His recent documentary, Spindrift: The Barry Blanchard Story, earned critical acclaim, winning Best Mountain Culture Documentary at the New Zealand Mountain Film Festival and Best History & Biography Documentary at the Yorkton Film Festival. Andy’s portfolio spans industry-standard productions, including TV shows, advertising campaigns, and dynamic outdoor adventure projects. Known for his “run & gun” style, he has worked closely with mountain athletes like Will Gadd and produced episodes for Wild TV. Combining his technical expertise with a passion for storytelling, Andy crafts compelling visuals that celebrate the spirit of adventure and the rugged beauty of the outdoors.

Raised in the mountains of the Pacific Northwest, Chelsea Jolly is a documentary and adventure filmmaker driven by a passion for exploring the interconnectedness of the natural world and celebrating the bonds between people and planet. With over nine years of experience in the film industry and a background in applied linguistics and conflict resolution, Chelsea brings a uniquely creative perspective to impactful storytelling. Her work spans both commercial and documentary filmmaking, employing innovative strategies to captivate audiences and challenge conventional narratives in media. In 2024, Chelsea’s talent earned her “Best Adventure Doc” at the Vancouver International Film Festival for With the Tide. Her whimsical yet poignant film JOJO – A Toad Musical won five awards, including the Grand Jury Prize at the Wild & Scenic Film Festival and Best Short at the International Wildlife Film Festival. Beyond filmmaking, Chelsea’s work intersects with conservation, science communication, and community impact. By fostering common ground among diverse interest groups, she uncovers shared values and builds unexpected alliances, inspiring awareness and meaningful action to protect the planet.

From a young age, Faisal al Rifai has been captivated by the outdoors and the adrenaline of extreme sports. This passion for adventure films—spanning mountaineering to surfing—sparked a dream to create his own. Five years ago, Faisal took up climbing, a pursuit that became the foundation for his journey into filmmaking. Alongside a friend, he produced a one-hour climbing film showcasing the breathtaking landscapes of Wadi Rum. Photography has been central to Faisal’s love for storytelling ever since receiving a camera from his mom at the age of 14. What began with hours spent capturing birds, plants, and insects in his backyard evolved into documenting larger adventures, including a transformative trip to South Africa at 24, where he trained as a safari guide and chronicled the experience through vivid imagery. Now an active climber focused on developing bouldering areas in Jordan, Faisal merges his expertise in nature cinematography, extreme sports, and adventure storytelling to inspire others to connect with the great outdoors.