We are in awe of the fabulous work and creative efforts of those individuals and organisations getting behind our slightly unusual festival and opening their doors to using adventure to inspire people and raise funds.

We couldn't possibly include everyone in this blog but here is a selection of LMFF community stories from those customers who are joining us for the first time to share our 2025 Films.

If any of this looks good to you it's not too late to GET INVOLVED! and host your own Adventure Film Night.

LEEK, Staffordshire

Greenwood Growth, a brilliant local CIC, has picked up a community pass and will be bringing inspiring adventure films to their community. Their work, says Lorna, "Focuses on connecting people to nature through play and discovery, encouraging them to care for local spaces and take their first steps into the outdoors."

Leek, in the heart of the Staffordshire Moorlands, is surrounded by iconic climbing spots like Ramshaw Rocks and the Roaches. Many who start small at Greenwood, exploring parks or canals, go on to tackle bigger adventures nearby.

Working with the newly opened Peak Climbing Wall, Greenwood Growth saw an opportunity to bring people together, celebrate the local landscape, and raise funds to support their fantastic grassroots projects. The Peak Climbing Wall is a welcoming hub for climbers of all levels and a stepping stone from town to adventure. We’re thrilled to help Greenwood Growth and the Peak Climbing Wall inspire their community through the power of film!

Check out their Event Page.

Levenshulme, MANCHESTER

The Manchester Outdoor Education Trust (MOET) is hosting a Community Event using one of our passes, and we couldn’t be more thrilled to celebrate their work. Proceeds from the event will support MOET’s mission to help Manchester’s children and young people access outdoor learning and adventurous activities. Since 1995, they’ve been championing the value of the outdoors, from saving Ghyll Head Outdoor Centre to raising funds that create life-changing opportunities.

Their chosen venue, Station South, is a brilliant fit. This restored cycling café and community hub sits on a leisure route that was once an old train line. With help from Spunch UK, a group dedicated to getting families exploring the outdoors with maps, MOET is making this event more than just a film night. It’s about building a community of supporters who value the transformative power of nature for young people’s health, wellbeing, and development.

We’re so excited to see the impact MOET will have with their Community Event—and we hope it inspires many more!

Check out their Event Page.

Hay River, CANADA

Hay River Film Society is a community-run film club in Hay River, Northwest Territories, a town of just 3,500 people in a spectacular area nudging up against the Arctic!

Once fully funded by local businesses, the society has struggled in recent years due to the pandemic and three evacuation events—one flood and two wildfires—that have affected the entire community.

To keep screening films regularly, the society is hosting an LMFF Community Event at Riverview Cineplex, a two-screen independent cinema that is a rare gem in Canada. They believe this event will be a great opportunity to bring people together, enjoy a showcase of adventure films, and raise much-needed funds to keep their film club alive.

With challenges still lingering, this screening is more than just a film night—it’s a chance to support community cinema and ensure that independent film continues to thrive in Hay River.

Check out their Event Page.

Ribston Hall, GLOUCESTER

The idea came from the Ribston Hall High School’s Headteacher, whose love for the outdoors and adventure inspired the school to take the leap.

Their goal is to inspire students, parents, and the wider community with stories of resilience and exploration, encouraging everyone to push beyond their comfort zones and dream big about future adventures.

Proceeds from the event will support the Ribston Hall Association (RHA), a dedicated group of parents raising funds to enhance the school experience with extra resources and facilities. It’s fitting that the event will take place in the school hall, equipped with a professional sound system funded by the RHA—a perfect setting for a night of adventure-filled storytelling.

With a strong tradition of outdoor activities like Duke of Edinburgh awards, ski trips, and bushcraft, Ribston Hall is the ideal host. Have fun!

Check out their Event Page.

LEAMINGTON SPA

New Futures Nepal is using their London Mountain Film Festival screening to raise both funds and awareness. Their mission is twofold: to support disadvantaged children and adults in Nepal and to highlight the often-overlooked role of Nepali people in mountaineering. Says host Lee, "The films we’ve chosen reflect the challenges faced by individuals with disabilities in Nepal, the risks and exploitation within the trekking industry, and the power of the natural environment in overcoming adversity."

All proceeds from the event will go towards New Futures Nepal’s work, including the development of an assisted-living home for young disabled adults moving on from their children’s home in Kathmandu. They also support trekking communities through the Everest Mera Foundation and work to improve accessibility for disabled children and young adults through the Nirmala Foundation.

The event will take place at the Tap Room at BRUBL Brewery in Leamington Spa, with BRUBL generously providing the venue free of charge. Expect craft beer, pies, and a night of inspiring adventure—all organised by the dedicated volunteer trustees of New Futures Nepal.

Check out their Event Page.

OTLEY

For over 20 years, Otley Courthouse has been a cornerstone of the town’s arts and community life. What began as a grassroots effort to create a cultural hub has grown into a thriving venue, powered by dedicated volunteers and a packed calendar of events. From the Otley Walking Festival and Folk Festival to its own Science Week and Green Fair, the Courthouse has long championed outdoor and environmental causes. Its history with adventure runs deep—nestled beneath the Chevin, Otley has hosted Tour de France and Tour de Yorkshire stages, with cycling and mountaineering talks regularly drawing keen audiences.

Now, the Courthouse is bringing adventure film to the mix with a London Mountain Film Festival screening. Organised with the support of Otley Film Society, which plays a vital role in the venue’s film programming, the event is an opportunity to welcome new faces while celebrating the outdoor spirit that runs through the town. As an independent venue generating 95% of its own funding, the Courthouse relies on nights like these to keep its doors open and thriving for years to come - hopefully another 20!

Check out their Event Page.

We will keep adding LMFF Community Stories as we hear about them - come back!

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