Portable and Lonely Planet TV asked you to show us around a place that means something to you – whether it be the place of your birth, or where to get the best greasy late night hamburger in town; somewhere far away and exotic, or something down home and personal. There’s a story everywhere you go, and Worldwide Encounters heard yours, from all over the world – from Mt Everest to Bendigo, Tibet to the Outback, the sharks of BoraBora to the streets of Japan, the competition received entries from every corner of the globe!

Eight finalists were chosen - our judges made their decision, you, the viewing and voting public made yours, and there’s nothing left but to now ceremoniously unveil the winners of Worldwide Encounters:

The Lonely Planet TV Choice Award of US$1000 plus $100 worth of Lonely Planet books goes to

Journey as Destination – Dave Achtemichuk - Tibet

An exploration of some of the highest, most remote, and most challenging roads in the world, filmed while on a 4500km cross-Tibet cycling trip in 2007. A visual account of the local culture, the challenges faced there, and a sampling of the cycle touring lifestyle.

Here’s what you had to say:
BeefPatty says:

Fantastic, honest and touching. A beautifully composed film. While elegantly and truthfully exploring the hardships Tibetan people face you have really retained their dignity and illustrated a delicate humanity in your piece. Excellent narration mate! 5/5 from Sydney, Australia. Cheers, Pat

Dorothy Byrne says:
Incredible! From a middle aged person who wished they had done what you have done. You tell me "maybe it isn't too late" to explore and understand". Thank you!

Colechi says:
Wow! Loved it! You have captured so much and presented a rare and fascinating glimpse into your trip, the Tibetan people and their culture, and the gorgeous countryside. Can't wait to see what you have in store next...Colette, Austin TX

Check out Journey as Destination here: http://portablefilmfestival.com/video.php?video=926

The Audience Award of US$750 plus $100 of Lonely Planet Books goes to:

Balloon Project: Amsterdam – Luca Antonucci and Ira Mowen - Holland

The Balloon Project takes on Amsterdam in a new adventure and reunites with some old friends. The Balloon Project is an art project that attaches a video camera to helium balloons in attempt to get an aerial shot of a city.

Here’s what you had to say:
Linda Smithey says:
"Fantastic project! So clever. You guys rock!" Linda

The Ashley Kind says:
"I died laughing when he almost got hit by the car!!!!!! Is that
wrong?"

Check out Balloon Project: Amsterdam here:
http://portablefilmfestival.com/video.php?video=925


Now, you might have thought that was all, winning-wise.

But that’s not all! The good folk at Lonely Planet TV have very generously announced two extra LPTV Choice Runner Up Awards, to recognize the fine traveller story-telling on display through Worldwide Encounters…

Both of these films will receive the cash prize of US$500:

Buiten – William Head, Holland

The mystique of Amsterdam; the expectations of travel, and getting to know the locals.

Here’s what you had to say:
Spunkycynth says:
"It reminded me of how much I loved it when I was there. The bikes, the canals, and the people. How they are both liberal and conservative at the same time! Love the visual style too!"

Kirsten Spry says:
"Spot On!! Captures the quirkiness of the place and is so accurate!"

Check out Buiten here: http://portablefilmfestival.com/video.php?video=935

Morocco Adventures Pt.2 – Genevieve Bailey, Morocco

"A journey through a Moroccan village, with a language difficulty, that doesn't turn out to be so difficult."

Check out Morocco Adventures Pt.2 here: http://portablefilmfestival.com/video.php?video=930

And every finalist will receive their choice of $100 of Lonely Planet books!

You can also still see all of the Lonely Planet TV Worldwide Encounters Finalists here: http://portablefilmfestival.com/lptv.php

And if you wanna check out the full catalogue of Worldwide Encounters entries, head over here to the Lonely Planet TV Worldwide Encounters Channel. (http://www.lonelyplanet.tv/Topic.aspx?id=1076)

Thanks again to everyone who was a part of Portable Film Festival and Lonely Planet TV’s Worldwide Encounters Competition for 2009!