Awards
Best Film
Our Grand Prize


Champions of the Golden Valley
In the high peaks of Afghanistan, young villagers from rival ethnic groups build makeshift wooden skis and convene for an exuberant mountain race that requires incredible camaraderie and resilience – lessons they must call upon when they experience the shocking collapse of their country.


Catching Pinecones
Jan and Herb Conn were the original American dirtbag couple, pioneering rock climbers and cave explorers who rejected a conventional lifestyle in pursuit of adventure and fun. The Conns’ story reveals a legacy of renowned discoveries and their philosophies for a rewarding, well-lived life.


The Oldest Munro Bagger
After receiving life altering news, 80 year-old Nick Gardner sets out on a challenge to summit Scotland's 282 Munros. A moving, authentic story of enduring love and growth, told against the breathtaking backdrop of the Scottish Highlands.
Best Activism Film
Best activism film


The Big Sea
Surfing is killing it. This $10 billion global industry – built on a clean, green dream – has never been more popular. Surfing has set out its stall as the champion of environmental issues. But surfing has a dirty secret, and people are dying. Exposing surfing's hidden links to Cancer Alley and the devastating impact of a toxic addition to Neoprene, this life and death tale of two seemingly unconnected communities is about the power we have as individuals to effect change.


Best Day Ever
Best Day Ever follows the stories of adaptive mountain bikers Greg Durso and Allie Bianchi as they navigate the relentless challenges of their disabilities and embrace the tremendous support, friendship and joy they find in their rural Vermont riding community. Allie and Greg navigate disability and regain independence with humor, attitude, and grit on mountain bike trails that dismantle ableism, build community, and become a blueprint for trails anywhere.


Sand Dancers
Sand Dancers follows Jimmy Simpson, a quadriplegic daredevil, on an extraordinary journey from novice to champion surfer. Set against the stunning backdrop of the north east British coast, this inspiring documentary captures the physical and emotional challenges Jimmy faces as he defies expectations, supported by a vibrant community of surfers and friends committed to enabling him to pursue his passion.
Best Artistic Film
Best Artistic Film


The Last Observers
Since 1987, Karin and Lennart watched and recorded the weather every third hour, day and night, seven days a week, every day of the year,


Aqua Ballet
A beautiful underwater dance with marine fauna, filmed under the hull of a sailing boat in Polynesia by two freediving sailors. A respectful approach to the animals, without feeding or physical contact, was an essential guideline. The idea is to blend in with nature and show that Human has a rightful place there, provided he doesn't arrive on conquered territory.


A Little Story About Forever
Trying to explain 'forever' to a toddler leads to a wild adventure and some important advice from Mark Ruffalo.


Mandala
After soaking in the vibrant atmosphere of Kathmandu, Kilian Bron and his team set off to explore the remote Dolpo region. There, far from the beaten paths, their journey unfolds along dizzying lines and through isolated villages, frozen in time. A raw and authentic adventure, shaped by the unknown, by risks, and by discoveries. The very essence of travel in a valley steeped in history.


Best Day Ever
Best Day Ever follows the stories of adaptive mountain bikers Greg Durso and Allie Bianchi as they navigate the relentless challenges of their disabilities and embrace the tremendous support, friendship and joy they find in their rural Vermont riding community. Allie and Greg navigate disability and regain independence with humor, attitude, and grit on mountain bike trails that dismantle ableism, build community, and become a blueprint for trails anywhere.


A Life in Tandem
In the wake of his incurable cancer diagnosis and the death of his brother, Luke sets off on a tandem bike expedition from Bristol to Beijing, not expecting to live long enough to reach his destination. His heartwarming journey acquires new meaning when Luke learns what it truly means to live as a 'CanLiver.'


Catching Pinecones
Jan and Herb Conn were the original American dirtbag couple, pioneering rock climbers and cave explorers who rejected a conventional lifestyle in pursuit of adventure and fun. The Conns’ story reveals a legacy of renowned discoveries and their philosophies for a rewarding, well-lived life.


Girl Climber
Professional climber Emily Harrington has summited Everest, 8000-meter peaks, and dominated the competition circuit but, her greatest challenge extends beyond the physical. To cement her legacy in the male dominated world of elite rock climbing, she sets her sights on a career-defining 24-hour ascent of Yosemite’s El Capitan. Caught between the pursuit of personal ambition and the ticking biological clock of life, a near-fatal fall forces Emily to reckon with what she’s willing to risk. Amongst Yosemite’s legendary boy’s club, Emily isn’t proving she is the best *Girl Climber-- she's proving she is one of the best.


A Baffin Vacation, Love on Ice
Join adventures Erik and Sarah on yet another epic Baffin Vacation as they kite ski north along the remote coastline of Baffin. Over their 69 day holiday they ski mountains, climb an epic big wall, and cross a glacier in search of new rivers to white water kayak.
Best Made in Sheffield Film
Sponsored by Buffalo Systems
First awarded in 2015 to reflect the increasing quality and quantity of films being made in and around Sheffield and/or featuring local athletes.


The Bells
“The Bells, The Bells! is an iconic route that was put up in 1980 by John Redhead. It had a fearsome reputation because he, in his own words, nearly died on it.’’ - Rob Matheson
At 74 years old, Lakes climbing legend Rob Matheson set the climbing world buzzing when he announced his attempt on The Bells, The Bells!—the iconic, uncompromising E7 6b testpiece on Craig Gogarth


Retro
A short documentary exploring the fascinating world of backwards (retro) walking, running and mountaineering.


LIFE in the Ravines
The largest woodland restoration project of its kind is bringing Peak District ravine woodlands back to life, with thousands of native trees being planted to replace those lost to ash dieback disease. This ground breaking six-year LIFE in the Ravines project will restore up to 25% of the region's most severely damaged woodlands, creating resilient habitats that protect this rare ecosystem for future generations. Led by Natural England in partnership with wildlife trusts and major estates, this collaborative conservation effort demonstrates the power of partnership in ensuring these precious limestone ravine woodlands survive and flourish.


Winner Gets Cake
“Brakes off, brains off.” Journey into the unpredictable world of fell running, where mud, weather, and laughter rule. From weekday rat catcher–turned–race director Mike to 74-year-old legend Wendy, with more than a thousand races to her name, this joyful portrait captures the community, chaos, and cake at the heart of the sport.


Fellsman
‘Fellsman’ is a portrait of young fell runner Sonny Ashton-Fitch. The project follows Sonny during the spring season as he trains for the annual Three Peaks Fell Race. The work is an exploration of Sonny’s relationship with the fells that surround him, the landscape that unfurls under foot and the animals he passes. The 16mm film reflects on what it means to be a Yorkshireman, how it feels to push your body to its limit and the freedom that comes with an ability to run all over the North Yorkshire Dales.


Bad River: The World's Oldest River
Beau Miles runs the first 100 kilometres of the world’s oldest river, the Finke, to better understand a landscape shaped by deep time and modern, invisible threats. This film follows a coastal outsider moving through one of Earth’s most spellbinding environments in search of connection, responsibility, and perspective.
Best Short Film
Best Short Film


The Hold
Inside the mind of champion freediver Alice Hickson as she pushes human limits with a record-breaking breath-hold.


Fellsman
‘Fellsman’ is a portrait of young fell runner Sonny Ashton-Fitch. The project follows Sonny during the spring season as he trains for the annual Three Peaks Fell Race. The work is an exploration of Sonny’s relationship with the fells that surround him, the landscape that unfurls under foot and the animals he passes. The 16mm film reflects on what it means to be a Yorkshireman, how it feels to push your body to its limit and the freedom that comes with an ability to run all over the North Yorkshire Dales.


Aqua Ballet
A beautiful underwater dance with marine fauna, filmed under the hull of a sailing boat in Polynesia by two freediving sailors. A respectful approach to the animals, without feeding or physical contact, was an essential guideline. The idea is to blend in with nature and show that Human has a rightful place there, provided he doesn't arrive on conquered territory.
Best Snow Film
Best Snow Film


Champions of the Golden Valley
In the high peaks of Afghanistan, young villagers from rival ethnic groups build makeshift wooden skis and convene for an exuberant mountain race that requires incredible camaraderie and resilience – lessons they must call upon when they experience the shocking collapse of their country.


Going East
"Going East" is a self-documented film that follows a group of curious skiers on a mission to travel as far east as possible using only public transport, and ski along the way.


A Baffin Vacation, Love on Ice
Join adventures Erik and Sarah on yet another epic Baffin Vacation as they kite ski north along the remote coastline of Baffin. Over their 69 day holiday they ski mountains, climb an epic big wall, and cross a glacier in search of new rivers to white water kayak.
Best Soundtrack
An award created in 2015, judged by Sheffield DJ and producer Paul Hodgson, aka Grievous Angel.


Catching Pinecones
Jan and Herb Conn were the original American dirtbag couple, pioneering rock climbers and cave explorers who rejected a conventional lifestyle in pursuit of adventure and fun. The Conns’ story reveals a legacy of renowned discoveries and their philosophies for a rewarding, well-lived life.


The Last Observers
Since 1987, Karin and Lennart watched and recorded the weather every third hour, day and night, seven days a week, every day of the year,


Mandala
After soaking in the vibrant atmosphere of Kathmandu, Kilian Bron and his team set off to explore the remote Dolpo region. There, far from the beaten paths, their journey unfolds along dizzying lines and through isolated villages, frozen in time. A raw and authentic adventure, shaped by the unknown, by risks, and by discoveries. The very essence of travel in a valley steeped in history.


Find Mòr
Find Mòr follows a group of canyoneers as they embark on a two-year journey of exploration into the remote, hidden corners of the Scottish Highlands. Setting out in search of uncharted canyons, they find true adventure and forge deep connections to people and place.


To The Sea
Two friends aim to complete a 6 year journey - to travel down the Vindel River near Sweden's arctic circle on their homemade pallet-built raft. Encountering rapids, swarms of mosquitos and friendly locals, this is a story that explores the meaning of adventure and friendship over a journey of years.


The Oldest Munro Bagger
After receiving life altering news, 80 year-old Nick Gardner sets out on a challenge to summit Scotland's 282 Munros. A moving, authentic story of enduring love and growth, told against the breathtaking backdrop of the Scottish Highlands.


Swim Sistas
Swim Sistas is a poetic, visually stunning love letter to water, sisterhood, and the enduring strength of Black women across generations.


Aqua Ballet
A beautiful underwater dance with marine fauna, filmed under the hull of a sailing boat in Polynesia by two freediving sailors. A respectful approach to the animals, without feeding or physical contact, was an essential guideline. The idea is to blend in with nature and show that Human has a rightful place there, provided he doesn't arrive on conquered territory.


Sand Dancers
Sand Dancers follows Jimmy Simpson, a quadriplegic daredevil, on an extraordinary journey from novice to champion surfer. Set against the stunning backdrop of the north east British coast, this inspiring documentary captures the physical and emotional challenges Jimmy faces as he defies expectations, supported by a vibrant community of surfers and friends committed to enabling him to pursue his passion.
Best Women In Adventure Film
Created in 2015 to reflect our drive to encourage more female producers, directors and featured athletes on the big screen.


The Hold
Inside the mind of champion freediver Alice Hickson as she pushes human limits with a record-breaking breath-hold.


Girl Climber
Professional climber Emily Harrington has summited Everest, 8000-meter peaks, and dominated the competition circuit but, her greatest challenge extends beyond the physical. To cement her legacy in the male dominated world of elite rock climbing, she sets her sights on a career-defining 24-hour ascent of Yosemite’s El Capitan. Caught between the pursuit of personal ambition and the ticking biological clock of life, a near-fatal fall forces Emily to reckon with what she’s willing to risk. Amongst Yosemite’s legendary boy’s club, Emily isn’t proving she is the best *Girl Climber-- she's proving she is one of the best.


The Finisher
In 2024, Jasmin Paris made history by becoming the first woman to finish the Barkley Marathons, widely known as one of the hardest races in the world
Judges Special Mention
Every year at ShAFF the judges meet to decide on the top three films in each of our prize categories, but invariably there are a handful of films that come up time and time again in discussion, but don't make it onto the podium. These are those films.


The Loneliest Race
Sailing around the world, alone, non-stop, without any technology, The Loneliest Race is an intimate documentary that delves into the emotional and physical trials of underdog sailors in the 2022 Golden Globe Race.
This non-stop, 50,000 km solo sailing race is the world’s longest and most mentally grueling sporting event, pushing competitors to the limit with no fuel, no technology, and complete isolation. The film follows sailors Kirsten Neuschäfer, the race’s sole woman, and Abhilash Tomy, a former Indian Naval Commander, among others who rely on ingenuity and luck to survive 300 days adrift in the ocean. Of sixteen sailors, only six make it across the finish line of this extraordinary race.

Sink or Skim
Two obsessed stone skimmers show us what it takes to be the world’s top tosser.


King of Chaos Ultra Cycling’s Unlikely Hero: Justinas Leveika
Meet the King of Chaos, Justinas Leveika, one of the best racers and biggest personalities from the world of bikepacking. Always pushing at the pointy end and never failing to crack a smile. But what does it take to dig so deep?





