2018 Cape Union Mart Adventure Film Challenge Champion Named
Adventure-loving filmmaker, Hayden Brown, has taken the top spot in the 2018 Cape Union Mart Adventure Film Challenge.
His film, Always Dream, cracked the nod with the judging panel comprised of luminaries from the local outdoor photography and film scene – such as Survivor SA Host, Nico Panagio; renowned Film Critic, Stephen Aspeling; and International GoPro Ambassador, Chris Rogers – at the recent, exclusive judging event.
Brown has not only walked away with the R10 000 cash prize and K-Way gear to the value of R5 000 but the chance to have his film shown at Ster-Kinekor cinemas around the country during the BANFF International Mountain Film Festival in October.
Starring professional downhill mountain biker, Greg Minnaar, Always Dream tells the visually stunning story of a KwaZulu-Natal farmer who falls asleep and dreams about riding his bike from the top of the Drakensberg escarpment down into the bushveld below by negotiating the single track. With the film’s vibrant soundtrack and cinematography capturing both KZN’s natural beauty and Minnaar’s biking brilliance, it’s easy to see why it was the winning submission.
Runner-up, She is Something Fierce, is Rowan and Siobhan Tosselli’s emotive exploration of the physical and mental challenges that come with bouldering, along with the rewards that it offers – particularly being able to connect with nature in a hands-on way.
In The Landscape Hunter, the other runner-up in the competition, Casey Crafford showcases the Western Cape’s spectacular scenery. The film follows Thomas, a photographer who has travelled the world in search of the perfect photograph. He returns home to the Cape and discovers the beauty to be captured in his own backyard that has emerged since the drought.
The winning film, along with the two runners-up, will be motivated for inclusion in the 2019 BANFF International Mountain Film Festival.
Cape Union Mart PR Coordinator, Caitlin Doney, who has overseen the competition for the past three years, shares: “This challenge has grown from strength to strength since its inception. Last year we received 16 entries, whereas this year they more than tripled to 53. Not only are we thrilled with the increasing quantity, but the quality of films has astounded us too. South Africans are really stepping up to the challenge.”
This year marks the fifth instalment of the annual competition that provides aspiring filmmakers with a platform to “get stoked, film it and be recognised”. To see Always Dream for yourself, book your ticket for the BANFF International Mountain Film Festival by visiting www.sterkinekor.com or calling the Ster-Kinekor Ticketline on 082 16789. For more information visit https://www.banff.co.za or www.capeunionmart.co.za.