Run the Alps x On Trail Running Film Grant  – WINNER announced!

_{Top photo: Aisyah Octavia}

We are very excited to announce the winner of our 2025 Run the Alps short film grant, funded by On.

Our fabulous selection panel comprising Emma Baker (On), Ellie Green (Summit Fever Media), Faye Latham (Kendal Mountain Festival), Kristen Flemington (Tailwind) and Nathan Phua (Alpine Run Project) met online for an in-depth look at our applications with plenty of discussion and exchange of viewpoints.

We received three times the number of entries from last year, and the standard of application was exceptionally high. With story pitches from 12 countries that ranged from animation to action, and from introspection to imagination, it was a tough task for our panel to whittle down to one grant winner.

The winner of this year’s Run the Alps x On short film grant is:

For Sisters Who Run by Ainslie Senfuka.

For Sisters Who Run follows members of ASRA Club – a UK based community centering Muslim women in sports, wellness, and sisterhood – as they take their first trail run through the Alps. For these women, movement is more than physical- it’s spiritual, emotional, and communal. In a space that often sidelines them, they choose to take up space, on their own terms. It’s a story about reclamation, belonging, joy where it’s not expected, and strength that’s quiet, spiritual, and collective. 

Ainslie Senfuka is a filmmaker focused on telling stories that feature underrepresented voices and connect emotionally with audiences. His approach is honest, resourceful, and intentional— rooted in lived experience and a clear point of view. 

“As a Black male filmmaker, I approach this story with deep respect and responsibility. I grew up surrounded by strong Black women—my mum and two older sisters—who shaped how I see the world. I’ve witnessed both their strength and the weight they carry, often silently. That’s part of what draws me to this story: it’s not mine to tell for these women, but I can use my craft to hold space for it—to listen, to elevate, and to honour their voices on their own terms. This film is rooted in care, and in the belief that storytelling can be a way to stand alongside, not in front.”

Congratulations Ainslie!

We can’t wait to see this project come to life.

Ainslie’s film will be part of the 2026 Run the Alps film festival, and will be considered by Kendal Mountain Festival for selection for this year’s event taking place in November.

Have a film you’d like to share?

We will have a call for submissions of completed films to be part of our 2026 film festival later this year, so watch this space!