2026 Queenstown Mountain Bike Festival Video

My entry to the 2026 Queenstown Bike Festival video competition, cut to focus on people rather than podiums — the volunteers, the crowd, the amateurs alongside the athletes. Filmed and edited solo across the festival, and placed third.

2026 video competition, 3rd Place Winner

This video is my contribution to the 2026 Queenstown Bike Festival video competition.


I have been capturing the human connection for years, and I always endeavour to craft imagery that communicates the nuances of the human experience.

After many years of capturing mountain biking, I felt the need to share a bit of the obvious…that this sport (and all sports for that matter) is NOTHING without its people.

Everyone plays their part, the volunteers, the crowd, the athletes, the amateurs. Everyone brings their unique human energy into every event, every gathering…to make the sport so meaningful.


I chose to pick this Maori proverb as the thru line to the film because I think it perfectly encapsulates a universal truth that the people that we share experiences with are what really makes the experiences memorable.


This one was a bit of a rush edit, but I am glad to have taken home 3rd place in the competition this year and I hope this video inspires you to just get out there with your people and appreciate everyone’s unique contribution in this world.

Picture of Chris Chase

Chris Chase

Commercial photographer, documentary filmmaker and registered New Zealand teacher based in Queenstown.

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Services Shown In This Project

This project used adventure and action sports photography in New Zealand for operators, athletes and gear brands.

 

This project used documentary and brand film production in Queenstown — from concept through to final cut.

 

Photographer, filmmaker and educator.  Capturing the human connection through relatable, impactful and candid imagery.

Queenstown Based, available across New Zealand and the US.