Olympia, Washington – The Trail Running Film Festival (TRFF) is thrilled to announce the official lineup of films for the highly anticipated 2024 tour. Curated to inspire and captivate audiences worldwide, these eight films embody the adventurous spirit and triumph of trail running.


Official Selection 2024:

Izta 

  • Directed by Rabbitwolf Creative  
  • Duration: 10 minutes  

Laura Cortez is a trail runner born and raised in San Antonio, Texas. In an effort to further discover the land and culture that shaped the generations before her, Laura set out to establish an FKT on a route from the city of Amecameca to the summit of Iztaccíhuatl. 


Know To Run: Yatika  

  • Directed by Jordan Marie Whetstone, Devin Whetstone  
  • Duration: 10 minutes  

Know to Run focuses on themes of “what are land acknowledgements” and the inclusion of local Indigenous communities being part of the trail running community, making running and outdoor spaces more accessible and equitable.


Red Needle  

  • Directed by Dom Bush and Simon Sylvester  
  • Duration: 6 minutes  

Ultra-runner Sarah Gerrish lost one ovary to cancer at 15 and the second to surgery at 36. Red Needle explores the stigma, trauma and lessons learned from Sarah’s life-changing experience as she uses trail running to help her on her journey.


Brian Reynolds: The Leadville Trail 100

  • Directed by Michael Grasela  
  • Duration: 16 minutes  

Brian Reynolds is a double amputee below the knee athlete who grew up overcoming many challenges in his life but never had a role model he could look up to. In this film, Brian attempts the famous Leadville 100 Ultra Trail Marathon out in Colorado in order to advocate for all para athletes that nothing is impossible.


Run Like a Kid  

  • Directed by Guy Tucker  
  • Duration: 1 minute  

This short film explores what running means to one child and reveals lessons all runners can take to the trail.


Girls Run Ultras  

  • Directed by Ellie Windham and Christine Rivera  
  • Duration: 15 minutes  

A journey that follows the all women’s running collective, Girls Run NYC as they push themselves individually and unitedly collectively through The Black Canyon Ultra Marathon in 2022.


Well Worn Life with Dani Reyes-Acosta

  • Directed by Daniel Mitchell and Trent Sugg  
  • Duration: 6 minutes  

Dani Reyes-Acosta is a mountain athlete, land cultivator, and storyteller whose path consistently seeks the limits of her possibility. Dani is a visceral example of how self-care and self-determination can harmonize via the outdoors.


Now  

  • Directed by Steven Mortinson  
  • Duration: 20 minutes  

Long-time ultrarunner Yassine Diboun confronts the shadows and turmoil of his past while preparing to take on the Hardrock 100.

Each of these films offers a unique and compelling narrative, showcasing the resilience, passion, and diversity within the trail-running community.


“We are incredibly excited to present this exceptional lineup of films for the 2024 Trail Running Film Festival,” said Mathias Eichler, Executive Director of TRFF. “These films capture the essence of trail running and will undoubtedly inspire audiences worldwide. We can’t wait to share these remarkable stories with our community.”

Mark your calendars and join us for an unforgettable journey celebrating the beauty and adventure of the trails.

Welcome to the Trail Running Film Festival Global Tour 2024 presented by Brooks.

For tickets click here.

Olympia, Washington – The Trail Running Film Festival (TRFF) is pleased to announce its partnership with Runners for Public Lands (RPL) for the selection of the 2024 Global Film Tour. The partnership between TRFF and RPL underscores the nonprofits’ joint commitment to values of inclusivity, creativity, diversity, and adventure. 

Leading this effort, RPL established a Film Selection Committee and completed a film review process, ensuring representation from the rich tapestry of the trail running community. 

Mathias Eichler, Executive Director of the Trail Running Film Festival notes, “We are thrilled to join forces with Runners for Public Lands for the 2024 Trail Running Film Festival’s Film Selection process. Their dedication to inclusivity, environmental stewardship, and community resonates deeply with our mission. Together, we have curated a lineup of films that not only inspire but also reflect the diverse voices and values of the trail running community.” 

This effort aimed to shape an inclusive and diverse set of trail running stories. We were privileged to collaborate with esteemed leaders from backgrounds in the outdoor and film industries, as well as the nonprofit sector, who share our commitment to inclusive and innovative storytelling. The Film Selection Committee convened December 2023, with recommendations presented to the Trail Running Film Festival February 2024. 

Kathleen Baker, Managing Director of RPL, highlights the importance of this initiative, stating, “RPL is committed to working toward our vision for running to be a sport where everyone feels like they belong, landscapes are protected and celebrated for their ecological, cultural, and recreational value, and that all runners are represented and have an influential voice in outdoor recreation and the environmental movement.”

The 2024 TRFF Film Selection Committee was co-led by Vic Thasiah, Founder and Co-President of the Board of Directors at RPL, and Kathleen Baker, Managing Director of RPL.

Members of the Film Selection Committee included:

  • Verna Volker – Native Women Running
  • Nicole Amyx – Documentary Filmmaker and Editor and TRFF board member
  • Zachary Friedley – Athlete and Executive Director, Mendocino Movement
  • Alison Marie Désir – Athlete, Activist, and Author of Running While Black
  • Wookie Kim – Legal Director, American Civil Liberties Union of Hawaiʻi
  • Nick Danielson – Filmmaker and TRFF board member
  • Laura Cortez – Athlete and Co-Leader of Trailtinos
  • John Meadows – Salomon, Director of Business Development – Run Specialty and RPL Board of Directors
  • Stephen Efner – Executive Committee, RPL Board of Directors

For those interested in hosting a screening of the 2024 production reel, further information and scheduling details can be found at trailfilmfest.com/host.

As we’re gearing up to announce our incredible filmmakers and their projects featured in this year’s Global Tour we wanted to spend a moment thanking our sponsors helping to bring these stories to a big screen in your city.

We couldn’t do this without our partners from around the world. A huge thank you to everyone who believes in our mission to share these wonderful stories.

Title Sponsor:
Brooks Running

Global Partners:
Ragnar
Team RunRun
Tailwind Nutrition
Run the Alps
Territory Run Co.
Aspire Adventure Running
Kahtoola

Nonprofit Partner:
Running for Public Lands

Media Support:
Electric Cable Car

The Trail Running Film Festival (TRFF) is thrilled to unveil Brooks Running as the official Title Sponsor for its much-anticipated 2024 film tour. This partnership marks a significant milestone for TRFF, as it prepares to embark on its most expansive tour to date, bringing together trail running enthusiasts, filmmakers, and outdoor enthusiasts from across the globe.

Brooks, a renowned leader in the running industry, shares TRFF’s commitment to inspiring individuals to embark on their unique running journeys. With a philosophy centered on the belief in the power of the run, Brooks focuses on building premium performance running gear that empowers runners and all who are active to achieve their best selves. The company’s dedication to excellence aligns seamlessly with TRFF’s mission to celebrate running as a universal practice, exploring both collective and individual potential through the arts.

“We are beyond excited and proud to welcome Brooks as the Title Sponsor for our 2024 film tour,” says Mathias Eichler, Executive Director of TRFF. “This partnership signifies a harmonious alignment of values, with both TRFF and Brooks dedicated to celebrating the transformative power of trail running.”

The collaboration underscores a shared vision for promoting inclusivity, adventure, wilderness, art, and diversity within the trail and ultra running community.

“We’re incredibly excited to kick off this new partnership with TRFF as its title sponsor ahead of the 2024 film tour,” said Michael Eaton, Brooks Trailhead Store Manager. “Brooks is committed to inspiring everyone to run their path, and we’re proud to join TRFF in sharing the amazing work being done in the trail and ultra running communities.”

The Trail Running FIlm Festival Global Tour 2024 presented by Brooks, promises to be an exhilarating journey that captures the essence of trail running, encourages creativity, and brings together a diverse community of passionate individuals. 

For more information about the Trail Running Film Festival and the 2024 film tour, please contact executive director Mathias Eichler.

Super stoked to share what we’ve been working on in making our Global Tour 2024 even more awesome. From the RPL’s announcement on Instagram:

We are excited to announce that RPL will partner with the Trail Running Film Festival (TRFF) to create and lead a film selection process for the 2024 Global Film Tour that is centered on our shared organizational values, including inclusivity, creativity, diversity, and adventure.

Leading this effort is a great responsibility, and we are honored to establish and lead a Film Selection Committee of diverse leaders in the outdoor industry, film industry, and nonprofit space who represent the trail-running community we desire.

We’re aiming to select the films for the 2024 Global Tour this week. Expect a lot more announcements regarding the upcoming tour and where you can see the films in the coming weeks.

We announced the first tour stops for our 2024 Global Tour. Tickets are on sale as of today for many of these locations. Find your town.

Reminder: These are early bird locations and we’re planning on announcing many more in the coming weeks.

The Trail Running Film Festival is thrilled to announce that Abigail West, a talented printmaker and trail/ultramarathon runner from Athens, Georgia, has been selected as the 2024 Poster Artist.

Abigail’s unique artistic perspective, coupled with her passion for trail running, made her stand out among a pool of exceptional artists. As a printmaker, her linoleum block prints are a visual celebration of her lived adventures and deep connection to nature, translating the open-hearted feeling she experiences during long days in the woods onto paper.

Abigail’s work uniquely focuses on capturing the often underrepresented beauty of the Southeastern mountains, with a particular emphasis on the depth of greenery in dense forests. Her role as a mountain endurance athlete allows her to authentically convey the feeling of being on a sun-dappled trail or standing in a mountain stream in the height of summer.

One thing that sets Abigail’s art apart is her commitment to sustainability and her frequent use of reclaimed maps as canvases. This practice not only adds an environmental consciousness to her work but also ties in themes of connection to place and the use of reclaimed materials. Abigail believes that runners can be stewards of wild lands, and through her art, she aims to portray their beauty and advocate for their preservation.

In addition to her artistic achievements, Abigail is a competitive trail and ultramarathon runner, representing the Southeast as part of the rabbitELITEtrail team. Her impressive running resume includes accomplishments such as the Fastest Known Time on S.C.A.R. (70-mile Smoky Mountain Traverse), Hurricane 100k winner in 2023, Coosa Backcountry Loop Fastest Known Time in 2023, and victories at the Georgia Jewel 50-mile (2022) and Rabun Half Marathon (2022 and 2023) with course records.


Abigail on Singletrack

Abigail West met up with executive director Mathias Eichler on Singletrack to chat about her passion for running and art.

Listen in.


The Trail Running Film Festival is excited to showcase Abigail West’s artwork as the visual representation of the 2024 festival. Her talent, coupled with her dedication to the outdoors and sustainability, perfectly aligns with the festival’s mission and values.

Looking for tickets to one of our host locations?

Check back soon, as we add more information and reach out to us with questions.

This year, the recipients of the Trail Running Film Festival Filmmaker Grants have embarked upon the task of crafting compelling and diverse narratives with a global perspective. It’s exciting for us to support these filmmakers as they bring these stories to life on the big screen.


Anna Brannon

(St. Louis, Missouri)

Anna Brannon’s endeavor revolves around an Indian race director known for nurturing a close-knit racing community in St. Louis. Her film project illuminates how this director integrates elements from races she runs worldwide into the local landscape, creating truly one-of-a-kind races in the Midwest.


Tobias Johansson

(Duved, Sweden)

Tobias Johansson is dedicated to narrating the tale of a running group hailing from Ockelbo, Sweden. His film underscores the profound impact of running as a common thread, enabling members to make new friendships and nourish old relationships while on the trails.


Emily Cameron

(Athens, Georgia)

Emily Cameron’s work centers on a dynamic running collective of extraordinary women aged 50 to 80. These individuals cultivate an extraordinary sense of camaraderie and mutual support through their weekly trail runs in Athens, Georgia, demonstrating the transformative power of their shared passion.


Ben Wallbank

(Wanaka, New Zealand)

Ben Wallbank embarks on the journey of an ultramarathon runner who valiantly competes while confronting the challenge of battling cancer. His film is poised to document the emotional and physical tribulations the runner encounters while competing in these grueling trail races. 


These film projects capture the essence of the running and racing communities, emphasizing themes of dedication, community, and human perseverance.

Important dates:

  • Grant applications opens: July 1, 2023
  • Grant submission deadline: August 31, 2023
  • Grants awarded: September 15, 2023

The 2023 Film Festival Grant provides support and funding to films that tell captivating stories and expand the narratives told about the sport of trail running.

Filmmakers of all experience levels are encouraged to apply, whether you’re an aspiring filmmaker working to up your game, or you’re an established filmmaker with a creative idea in need of funding. Please answer the following questions to the best of your ability.

Our hope is that this grant initiates new professional growth for the recipients and the beginning of a lasting relationship with the Trail Running Film Festival!

We’re proud and excited to present the Official Selection for the Trail Running Film Festival 2023 Global Tour.

We’re honored to bring these amazing stories by wonderfully talented filmmakers to theaters, trail races, running stores and community centers around the globe.

The Trail Running Film Festival is back for 2023 and to say we’re stoked is an understatement.

Our team wants to bring the show to your town and we’d love to partner with you.

Our DIY Festival package is perfect for running clubs, retail shop owners,race directors who may want to bring the Film Festival to their city.

We are looking for hosts

Submit your films for the 2023 Festival!

We’re ready!

And we’re looking for your stories.

The Trail Running Film Festival is back and we couldn’t be more excited.

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Contact executive director:
Mathias Eichler
mathias@trailfilmfest.com

2024 Title Sponsor

Our Global Partners