WORLD TRAILS FILM FESTIVAL 2026 GLOBAL PREMIERE EVENT
Trails Film’s 2026 Film Collection brings together 47 films from 35 countries, with stories ranging from extraordinary adventures and personal journeys to conservation, culture, community, accessibility, and the people working to protect and build trails. We’re coming to Perth/Boorloo, Australia, to host our Global Premiere in the Southern Hemisphere for the first time.
Experience trail stories from around the world, 18-19 October. Bike, hike, run, paddle — but don’t miss out!
ANOTHER WAY UP: TWO FILMS FROM NEPAL (FILMMAKER Q&A)
Two films from Nepal challenging dominant ways of expeditioning to the ‘roof of the world’ and, in doing so, aim to benefit local communities, the environment, and travelers alike.
FILMMAKER Q&A: Bob Henderson & Margot Peck, The Anti-Expedition
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The Anti Expedition — Directed by Elena Jean — Travelers exploring a sacred Himalayan valley challenge modern adventure culture by searching for a deeper, more responsible way to experience the world.
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The Extra Mile — Directed by Rafael Duarte — While climbing Mount Everest, mountaineer Bernardo Fonseca confronts the environmental cost of adventure and searches for ways to protect the fragile world above the clouds.
GLOBAL TRAIL MIX (5 SHORT FILMS & FILMMAKER Q&A)
Journey to four continents in our mix of short films sharing stories of finding connection to home and identity, of personal challenges and the pursuit of dreams, and appreciation for nature.
INCLUDES FILMMAKER Q&A: Zelzin Aketzalli — Zelzin made history as the first Mexican to complete the Triple Crown of Hiking, and she is also leading the effort to create the Baja Sierra Trail, an estimated 1,300-mile trail that would become Mexico’s first long-distance National Trail.
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Trail to Bayanihan (Philippines)
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The Nordland Trekking Trail (Norway & Sweden)
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Talk To Frank (France)
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The Nomad with Elhousine Elazzaoui (Morocco & Switzerland)
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Zelzin, footprints that Inspire (Mexico)
REMAINING NATIVE (BEST FEATURE WINNER)
A Native American teenager chasing his dream of collegiate running discovers that his greatest race is learning how to carry the legacy of his great-grandfather’s escape from an Indian boarding school.
Ku Stevens (17) is the solo runner at his high school with no coach. Living on the Yerington Paiute reservation in Northwest Nevada, he needs more to be seen by his dream school, the University of Oregon.
As Ku trains, unreconciled emotions unearth the memory of his great-grandfather, Frank Quinn. At 8 years old, Frank ran 50 miles across the desert to escape an Indian boarding school. Frank’s story becomes interwoven with Ku’s journey to run a collegiate qualifying time.
Will Ku outrun his history or will he learn to run in parallel with it to achieve his dreams?
MORE THAN A TRAIL (5 SHORT FILMS)
Trails are much more than simple lines on the ground. They can be a path toward independence, healing, purpose, and connection. These four films celebrate journeys taken by people who find—and create—those paths in remarkable ways.
ABOUT THE WORLD TRAILS FILM FESTIVAL
The World Trails Film Festival was created by trail lovers to support trail organizations worldwide and to celebrate the importance of trails. Not just adrenaline adventures, Trails Film’s diverse curation of films speaks to the heart of why trails matter. Come for a memorable journey around the globe, stick around for the community supporting trail stewardship.
