Big screens. Bigger adventures

Whether it’s hiking trails, tidal pools or trail running, we’re always up for getting outdoors in Cape Town. So we couldn't be more excited at the return of the Cape Town Adventure Film Festival, which brings no shortage of guts, grit and adventure to the big screen.  

This year’s outing – presented by Cape Town’s favourite camera store, ORMS – is the biggest yet. From 17 October to 1 November 2025, Mother City cinemas will host 15 adrenaline-charged nights featuring 50+ films, 20 guest speakers and a stash of prize giveaways, all celebrating world-class adventure storytelling with strong local flavour.

What began as a niche gathering has grown into a cornerstone of South Africa’s film landscape, a creative hub for athletes, filmmakers, brands and fans to connect.

This year’s edition spreads out across the city to offer screenings at four unique venues: ORMS Cape Town School of Photography, The Labia Theatre, Jack Black Taproom, and Ster-Kinekor V&A Waterfront, backed by sponsors including DJI, Thule, Patagonia, First Ascent, The North Face and Jack Black Brewery.

On the roster is a remarkable line-up of films, covering everything from the aerial fire-fighters of the Cape in ‘Fire Pilots’ to the flat-out adrenaline-charged antics of cyclist Justinas Leveika in ‘King of Chaos’.

Unlike previous outdoor-themed film festivals, what you’ll love about the CTAFF is the schedule of themed community nights, with a roster of movies and shorts focused on specific topics: Bike, Climb, Conservation, Run, Surf and Women. That means outdoor enthusiasts can slot straight into their preferred adventure. Want a little bit of everything? Mixed nights offer the best of the bunch.

Another highlight of the 2025 Festival is the trio of feature films, which range from heart-in-mouth action to thoughtful pieces delving into concepts of conservation and earth stewardship.

GIRL CLIMBER

Presented by The North Face South Africa, the movie follows Emily Harrington’s career-defining 24-hour bid on Yosemite’s El Capitan. After a near-fatal fall, she confronts ambition, risk and identity in a male-dominated arena.

WOMEN AND THE WIND

Three sailors – Lærke, Kiana and Alizé – cross the North Atlantic aboard a 50-year-old wooden catamaran, chasing ocean plastic and finding themselves. Expect storms, broken masts, ghost ships and luminous quiet in an immersive, salt-sprayed meditation on courage, connection and wonder together.

ANYTIME

Winner of a 2025 Emmy Award, ANYTIME brings Red Bull Media House and Anthill Films’ generational freeride epic to the big screen. Fifteen riders chase progression across forests, deserts, cities and alpine peaks.

Cape Town Adventure Film Festival

• When: 17 October – 1 November, 2025
• Where: ORMS Cape Town School of Photography, The Labia Theatre, Jack Black Taproom, and Ster-Kinekor V&A Waterfront
• Schedule: Online at www.ctaff.com
• Tickets: From R180-R200, via Quicket

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