Kenji Boekholt

Aotearoa (New Zealand) Athlete, Photographer & Outdoor Storyteller

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Educated in nature, Kenji Boekholt is a Aotearoa (New Zealand) based athlete, photgrapher, and creative working at the intersection of mountain sports, movement, and visual storytelling. 

Through film, photography, and community projects like Gritt, Kenji collaborates with global brands and local communities to tell meaningful outdoor stories.

Selected Works


I. The Last Light Falls Gently - Film  (Arc’teryx)
II. We Are Gritt - Community
III. PAAM IV: Outer Terrestrial - Photography  (MAAP x PAM) 
IV. Visions - Film  (Arc’teryx)
V: Fast & Light - Campaign (Arc’teryx)
VI. Spiritual Pursuits - Film (Arc’teryx)
VII. Personal - Photography

Contact


Email
Social Network


We Are Gritt
I.

The Last Light Falls Gently - Film


Athlete

‘The Last Light Falls Gently’ is an exploration of the glacier’s profound influence on the lives of a community. 

A collective meditation on change, connection, and acceptance. We invite you to remember humanity’s inherent ties to the land and to each other.
 
Director: Matt Cherubino
Producer: Nick Stevenson (Hunt Cinema)
Supported: Arc’teryx
Writer: Harry Crean
Director of Photography: Carlos Garcia Knight
1AC (Block 1): Raj Patel
1AC/Gaffer (Block 3): Jake Munro
Production Assistant (Block 3): Cam Henderson
Cultural Consultant: Jessica Sanderson
Archival Footage: Carlos Garcia Knight, Hunter Paul, Scott Robb, Chris Maunsell, Tom Christie

Frame fabrication: Fayne Robinson, Art Fetiche

Official Selection - Finalist Banff Film Festival


 43.4627° S, 170.0090° E




II.

We Are Gritt: Non-Profit Organisation


Director / Coach / Mentor / Stills 

Gritt is a modern take on the development of New Zealand youth, providing an organic connection with the outdoors and the pathways available.

We offer mentoring, coaching and ancillary support to upcoming and established athletes, and those who experience financial barriers when accessing the outdoors.

2025 Impact:

300+ participants, 10 events, 6 grants, 2 mentoring programs.

Founders:

Charles Murray
Craig Murray
Julian Hampton 
Nick Pascoe
Kenji Boekholt

Supporters:

Arc’teryx
POC
Inspire Foundation
Yeti
Snowsports New Zealand
Selwyn NZ


  43.1934° S, 171.6067° E
III.

PAAM IV: Outer Terrestrial


Production Assistant / BTS Stills

MAAP x PAAM 
Producer: Harry Creahn
Director of Photography: Carlos Garcia Knight
Stills Photographer: Parker Carruthers
Camera Operator: Cameron Henderson
Stylist: Sierra Vance
Production Assistant & BTS Stills: Kenji Boekholt

Talent: Lili Bay & Cameron Haylock


Brand Lead / Creative Direction: Misha Glisovic 43.6035° S, 172.6448° E


IV.

Visions - Film 


Athlete

A film and limited edition hardcover book about self-discovery, nature, harmony, exploration, and rock climbing in Kura Tāwhiti Castle Hill in Aotearoa, New Zealand.

Kura Tāwhiti is a place that seems to thrill the human heart. It has long been a site of spiritual significance and a source of artistic inspiration. In more recent times, it has become a magnet for rock climbers.

Climbers are like water in reverse here, slithering and flowing against gravity, so much so that climbing the limestone is often referred to as an art rather than a sport.

Director: Ben Clement
Producers: Goodsport Magazine / Arc’teryx
Cinematographer / Editor: Mondo Hayes  
Book Design and Titles: Joshua Briones-Yap
Words: Erica Gatland  & Isaac Buckley
Colour: Matty Ower
SFX: Mondo Hayes
Sound Mix Master: Maayan Barnatan
Animation: Max Willem
1 EQ - Light Chasers, Offshoot: Marcus Cropp

Creative Direction & Brand Lead: Hayden Stevens

Featuring:

Alec Mccallum
Elijohn Felope
Erica Gatland
Isaac Buckley
Joshua Briones-Yap
Kenji Boekholt
Matilda Plant
Matthew Corbishley
Max Brown
Riley Jean Butler
  43.2086° S, 171.7178° E



V.

Fast & Light -  Arc’teryx Campaign


Line Producer & Talent

Fast & Light embodies the relentless pursuit of
forward progress across mountainous
terrain. Hiking, running and climbing blur together.

As the trail (or lack thereof) unfolds before you.
Conventional routes are boring: the real adventure
is found in drawing a straight line across the
mountains and adapting on the fly. No competition.
No time to rest. No Plan B. No worries.

Executive Producer: Miguel Porteus
Line Producer: Kenji Boekholt
Stills: Matthew Cherubino
Super 8mm & 35mm Film: Miguel Porteus 

Talent: 
Judy Watson (Super Management)
Ellie Boekholt
Kenji Boekholt
Vilma Karppinen


Creative Direction / Brand Lead: Hayden Stevens 42.9402° S, 171.5620° E

VI.

Spiritual Pursuits - Film


Producer

Mind and body in motion, balanced. The point at which meaningful movements begin to feel like art.  

While skiing, climbing and running tend to flow at different tempos and engage wirth different mediums. The intertwining of these reflects the convergance of a river, flowing into one, forming it’s identity. 

This short film is a reflection of my identity, my process, and my connections. Through the activities I pursue and the people I will forever cherish.  

Produced: Kenji Boekholt
Supported: Arc’teryx Aus/NZ
Filmer & Editor: Jeremy Black
Typography: Joshua Briones-Yap

Brand Lead: Hayden Stevens 43.1934° S, 171.6067° E
VII.

Personal Works (Photography)

 43.6327° S, 171.6470° E