Recipient of the Ulsan Ulju Mountain Culture Award 2023 is ambassador for alpinism Stephen Venables.

Stephen Venables (b.1954) is an ambassador for alpinism who has shared the deeper world of mountaineering with readers around the world through pithy remarks and beautiful proses that convey the surreal moments of moving beyond the limits of alpine world. He has written fifteen books, three of which were acclaimed with prestigious awards - the Boardman Tasker Prize, the Grand Prize at the Banff Mountain Book Festival, and the Best Book-Mountain Literature at the Banff Mountain Book Festival.

As a mountaineer Venables has succeeded many challenging climbs, some of which are worthy of note in the history of mountaineering. In 1988, he attempted a new route on the Kangshung Face of Mt. Everest, the face which was and still remain the most difficult area to ascend the peak. While other groups on the mountain chose existing routes, benefited from local workforce, and shared the tasks of climbing with a number of partners, Venables, as part of a four-member team, reached the summit alone and without using supplemental oxygen.

In addition to his climbing achievements, Venables has made significant contributions to establishing ethical standards in mountain sports, such as promoting the style of lightweight climbing with self-responsibility. He has expanded the horizons of exploration throughout his lifetime, serving as president of the Alpine Club and as president of the South Georgia Association.

Venables asserts that even on the mountains that seem to be too familiar and likely not to offer any new discoveries, one may still find out opportunities for adventure. His advice that we can find rich experience in nature and on mountains regardless of their fame or height is a valuable piece of wisdom that can lead us to rediscover and climb the mountains around us, which are increasingly degraded by climate change and environmental crises. He has appeared in various films and, above all, has motivated people throughout his lifetime to seek the true world of adventure, rather than just fame. His spirit of climbing certainly fits well with the meaning of slogan of the 2023 Ulsan Ulju Mountain Film Festival, " Climbing together, cinema mountains".

The Ulsan Ulju Mountain Culture Award ceremony will be held on October 20, 2023, during the opening ceremony of the 8th Ulsan Ulju Mountain Film Festival. Visitors will have the chance to meet the ambassador for alpinism, Stephen Venables, during the festival period through various cultural events such as lecture, exhibition, and Film.