Join us for an inspiring film evening celebrating the stories of people who get outdoors despite their disabilities to find purpose, connection, and hope.
For many living with disabilities, a life of adventure in the outdoors can feel far from reach. The Adaptive Adventure Film Festival, run by Mastering Mountains Charitable Trust, exists to challenge perceptions of what’s possible, advocate for inclusivity in the outdoors, and prove that an adventurous life remains within reach, no matter a person’s abilities.
This year we are thrilled to show six stunning and powerful films. The films, spanning rafting, snow sports, climbing, and mountain biking, speak to the importance of the outdoors, the importance of community, and the power of hope.
Christchurch Screenings
Thursday, 27th of August, 6:30 - 9:30 pm | Main event
👍 Free drink and raffle ticket
📍 Bivouac Outdoor | 81 Clarence Street, Addington | Tower Junction
🎟️ Doors open at 6:00 pm
Tuesday, 25th of August, 3:00 - 5:00 pm | Accessible screening & reduced programme
📍 Braintree Wellness Centre | 70 Langdons Road, Papanui
🎟️ Doors open at 2:30 pm
Presenting Partner:
2026 official selection
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The Parkinson’s Project
Winner: Best International Film
The Parkinson's Project follows climber and teacher Chris Hamper as he faces the challenges of his Parkinson’s disease diagnosis. Despite tremors and a loss of motivation, climbing continues to give Chris a huge amount of joy, community, and also remains an activity that he is able to do, despite his Parkinson’s symptoms.
Parkinson’s disease • Rock climbing • Community
Runtime: 52 minutes
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Riverbound
Winner: Best NZ-Made Film
Riverbound follows former raft guide and kayaker Yak Vandam as he finds his way back to the river following a life-changing accident that left him a paraplegic. Through packrafting, Yak rediscovers a version of himself and a lifestyle he feared was lost forever. This powerful story celebrates the resilience of the human spirit and the simple joy of paddling your own boat.
Paraplegia • Rafting • Adaptive approaches
Runtime: 12 minutes
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2 Legs is 2 Easy
In Colorado’s Roaring Fork Valley, 2 Legs Is 2 Easy follows Steve Karczewski as he defies expectations as an outdoor athlete. Born with bone cancer in his left leg and undergoing an above the knee amputation as a child, Steve has never known life with two legs. From skiing the steepest slopes with one ski to hitting the biggest jumps on his mountain bike, the film captures Steve’s resilience highlighting his role as an inspiring figure who feels right at home in his mountain community.
Amputee • Skiing • MTB • Adaptive approaches
Runtime: 6 minutes
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Dragon Mom
Dragon Mom follows Laura, a mother learning to navigate the emotional, physical, and societal complexities of raising a child with that lives with severe disability. Her amazing five-year-old son, Alden, was born with polymicrogyria, rendering him nonverbal and paraplegic. Through intimate moments of both struggle and joy, Dragon Mom captures the healing power of nature in building resilience, hope, and a deeper understanding of what it means to be truly inclusive.
Neurological disease • Skiing • Ableism • Family
Runtime: 20 minutes
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Onsight
When her vision began to deteriorate, Seneida found solace in climbing. But it wasn't until she found climbers that she finally learned to open up and accept her disability. This film by Janelle Dransfield and Rachel Ross features blind athlete and BD Product Developer Seneida Biendarra on her emotional journey to gold at the 2023 Paraclimbing World Cup in Salt Lake City.
Blindness • Rock climbing • Community
Runtime: 11 minutes
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Best Day Ever [Online only]
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.
Paraplegia • MTB • Community
Runtime: 48 minutes
You can make a difference
This uplifting film event is proudly sponsored by Black Diamond and is a fundraiser for Mastering Mountains Charitable Trust.
Proceeds from the evening will enable Mastering Mountains to continue supporting people with MS and FND, empowering our programme participants to pursue meaningful outdoor goals.
Rehabilitation is expensive, and we invest substantially but prudently in quality people. On average, it costs approximately $7,300 to support one person for one year, through our Rehabilitation Programme, enabling them to achieve their dream adventure and find hope. Read more about our vision and outcomes.
