Bilbao, December 13, 2025. The 18th edition of the BBK Mendi Film Bilbao Bizkaia festival presents a list of 12 awards decided by a jury composed of Crystal Merril (USA), director of Mountainfilm Telluride; filmmakers Michael Brown (USA) and Elena Goatelli (Italy); Aleksandar Zarapchiev (Macedonia), director of the Echo Film Festival; and Carmen Martínez (Basque Country), manager of the Bilbao Choral Society.
After viewing the 45 films that participated in this year's Official Selection and making their final decision, the Grand Prize was awarded to the American production 'Champions of the Golden Valley,' directed by Ben Sturgulewski. The film is set in the Banyam region of Afghanistan and focuses on a unique ski mountaineering challenge that used to be held there every year. It also addresses the brutality of the war caused by extremist movements in the country and the resulting plight of refugees. The jury members emphasized: “this is not a film just about skiing. ‘Champions of the Golden Valley’ shows the brutality of war, the hardships, fear and loneliness that migrants face combined with the power of community and kindness”. They described the film as “warm, humorous and emotional” for the values it conveys.
The film premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival in New York last year and has since received numerous prestigious awards worldwide. It concludes its festival run in Bilbao at Mendi Film, and now Sturgulewski and the film's producer, Katie Stjernholm, are focused on campaigning for an Academy nomination for Best Documentary Feature. They presented the film on the Mendi Film stage Friday night, receiving a standing ovation.
Four Basque filmmakers among the 12 awards
Four Basque filmmakers have been honoured. Of the 55 films presented this year, 12 were Basque productions, and they triumphed at this international showcase of mountain cinema: 'Sustraiak. Raíces perdidas' by Luis Arrieta, was named Best Culture and Nature Film; 'Songs and Flowers', by Julen Elorza, won Best Sports and Adventure Film; 'Itsasora', by Mikel Urdangarin, won the award for Best Original Score; and 'Izarren Zaunka', by Nagore Eceiza and Iker Uranga, won the EiTB award for Best Film in Basque.
Films that appeared on many favorites lists, such as 'Oiarzabal. Between Juan and Juanito' by Javier Álvaro Palomares, 'Girl Climber' about Emily Harrington, and 'Best Day Ever', also have been awrded.
Awards Ceremony and Non-Stop Screenings
The awards ceremony, which will be attended by many award winners, will take place on Sunday, December 14, the festival's closing day, at the beginning of the 5:00 p.m. session.
In that same session, following the awards ceremony, ‘Champions of the Golden Valley’ and ‘See What I Saw: Karakorum’ will be screened. The final session, at 7:45 p.m., will feature the award-winning films ‘Le Moulin des Artistes’, ‘Best Day Ever’, and ‘K2 Mon Amour’.
Grand Prize – Gran Premio – Sari Nagusia
Champions of the Golden Valley
The winner of this year’s Grand Prize is a film that is warm, humorous and emotional, reminding us that it's possible to find joy even with scarce resources, especially in the sport of skiing. But this is not a film just about skiing. ‘Champions of the Golden Valley’ shows the brutality of war, the hardships, fear and loneliness that migrants face combined with the power of community and kindness. The film’s universal message stayed with the Jury long after the credits rolled.
Best Director – Mejor Director – Zuzendari onena
Jonathan Glassberg por Girl Climber
Through a compelling narrative and respect for the protagonist, Jonathan Glassberg creates a powerful portrait of a woman who is fighting to define her place in the world. The incredibly challenging climbing is just a medium to take the audience through a personal journey that a young woman has to face to achieve her goals. Girl Climber demonstrates how Emily Harrington breaks down stereotypes day after day by pursuing her dreams.
Best Script – Mejor Guion – Gidoi Onena
Oiarzabal. Entre Juan y Juanito
The Best Script award goes to Oiarzabal. Entre Juan y Juanito as the film manages to organize, interweave, and make sense of an impressive amount of archival material and interviews. The film also offers a solid narrative that summarizes more than fifty years in the life of one of the best-known, infamous and most controversial Spanish mountaineers.
Best Cinematography – Mejor Fotografía – Argazkilaritza Onena
See What I Saw: Karakorum
Entirely forgoing exposition, this film is a stunning invitation to experience a place. Led by a master of composition and revealing a tender humanity, the work invites the audience to choose their own perspective as they enjoy sublime imagery.
Jury Award – Premio del Jurado – Epaimahaiaren Saria
Best Day Ever
The film Best Day Ever is the winner of the special Jury Award because it is a testament to the joy and freedom that trails and outdoor access can bring. The bicycle is not only a tool for transportation for cyclists, it’s a way of life. Best Day Ever demonstrates what can happen when a community comes together to build trails that are accessible and open to everyone.
Best Soundtrack – Mejor Banda Sonora – Soinu Banda Onena
Itsasora
Itsasora is the winner of the Best Soundtrack award, as the film shows that less is more, as the music is integrated in a smooth and masterful way. The film’s memorable melodies become unforgettable once you hear them. Combined with stunning cinematography, the soundtrack for ‘Itsasora’ is the sound of sailors, pulled straight from the heart of the sea.
EiTB Award for Best Basque Film – Premio EiTB a la Mejor Película en Euskera – Euskarazko Film Onenari EiTB Saria
Izarren zaunka
A visually poetic journey integrating an adventurer’s philosophic notes, friendship, and climbing. The winner of the best Basque Film, Izarren Zaunka, demonstrates how climbing can be a powerful antidote, especially in the majestic Basque Country.
Best Mountaineering – Mejor película de Alpinismo – Mendiko Film Onena
K2 Mon Amour
Through Liv Sansoz and Zeb Roche, ‘K2 Mon Amour’ reveals that the greatest moments are not at the summit; they are the moments when we are where we want to be, with the people who mean the most to us. The film celebrates love as fuel for a life filled with adventure, transforming a grand expedition into an intimate story.
Best Climbing – Mejor película de escalada – Eskaladako film onena
Old Man Lightning
John “Verm” Sherman’s journey to live life–perhaps too well–as he discovers that he has misplaced the power of youth. We share his quirky take on the inexorable effect of time on the human body. He fights heroically to reverse the clock and gains sweet, yet temporary victories. In the end, Verm helps us see that, if we are fortunate, we can learn to chase the best of life and discover grace.
Best Sport & Adventure – Mejor película de Deporte y Aventura – Kirol eta Abentura Film Onena
Cantos y Flores
Ultra running is not just a way to test your abilities, for many people is a way to find peace, solace and greater meaning. In ‘Cantos y Flores’, runner Karina recovers from grief and reconnects with her roots. The film reminds us that time spent in the mountains, especially with friends, can be the best medicine.
Best Culture & Nature – Mejor Película de Cultura y Naturaleza – Kultura eta Natura Film Onena
Sustraiak, raices perdidas
This impactful film shows us the lives of three immigrants who find a safe place in climbing and a means of fulfilling the fundamental human need to belong. In an increasingly individualistic and conservative world, this film highlights the importance of continuing to build bridges and relationships, opening new ways of collaborating and sharing in community.
Best Short Film – Mejor Cortometraje – Film Labur Onena
Le moulin des artistes
‘Le moulin des artistes’ is a visually striking short film that portrays a brave choice to live with intention and devotion to art. Through its gentle rhythm and strong visual language, the film contrasts the grace of daily life with the courage required to reject conformity. It beautifully highlights the quiet power of community as a source of belonging.
