X-Pyr 2024 – The Pyrenean Challenge, the stunning film following the 2024 race across the Pyrenees, has been awarded Best Aerial Sports Film at the prestigious El Yelmo Film Festival, held recently in Andalucia. This honour recognises the film’s breathtaking cinematography, powerful storytelling, and its celebration of human endurance against nature’s grandeur.
Created by acclaimed Czech director Jaroslav Jindra, X-Pyr 2024 – The Pyrenean Challenge follows the epic feats and triumphs of athletes tackling the iconic X‑Pyr traverse through the Pyrenees, capturing one of the most gruelling multi-day hike-and-fly endurance races in the world. From the Atlantic’s crashing waves to the Mediterranean’s calm shores, this film features the essence of this extreme race – how elite pilots navigate extreme weather, altitude, and terrain while carrying only minimal gear.
The documentary highlights rampaging storms, torrential rain, freezing fog, complex thermal conditions and strategic decisions under pressure—truly a testament to endurance and alpine flying resilience. With immersive visuals and pilot comments, the film captures the physical and emotional journey of crossing 600 km of rugged mountain terrain over 7 days, bringing viewers into the heart of an extraordinary athletic feat. With breathtaking aerial drone shots, behind-the-scenes moments, sweat, tears and triumph, the film brings viewers right into the tension of each stage—promising both high adventure and human storytelling.
“This award is an incredible honour, especially from such a prestigious and long-established film festival” said Íñigo Redín, race director and founder of the X-Pyr race series.
The award was announced during the festival’s closing gala on July 5, 2025. X-Pyr 2024 – The Pyrenean Challenge was one of 11 documentaries shortlisted for the top prize at the film festival.
El Yelmo Film Festival is Spain’s premier celebration of mountain, sports, and environmental cinema. Held each summer in Granada province, the festival attracts filmmakers, pilots, and nature enthusiasts worldwide, fostering storytelling that inspires conservation and adventure.
Where to see the film
The film is available in English, Spanish, Basque and Catalan. The English version can be seen here:
