Only 1% of climbers bolt new routes. We approach a world unknown to many through the eyes of four climbers from the Basque Country who have devoted their lives to bolting. Their lives intersect to show us a personal story about something that unites all of us – passion.
What do you get when you mix a bunch of ice climbers, a frozen prairie, and a whole lot of determination? You get the Prairie Ice Farmers, the coolest (pun intended) group of climbers this side of the Canadian Rockies! Here in the heart of the Canadian Prairies, a vibrant community of ice climbers live and breathe the thrill of the climb. They pick up where Mother Nature left off, sculpting ice climbing playgrounds on the flatlands. Join us on this epic journey exploring the lives of these ice climbers and the challenges they face in their quest to build and conquer the frozen “peaks” of the Canadian Prairies. It’s a story that will leave you feeling inspired, awestruck, and maybe even a little chilly!
About Kristýnka Kwasniaková, who climbs the legendary Údolka (VIIIb) on Hláska in Teplice in RP style. Where men struggle and groan, she flows with the rock… The story of only the second female free ascent of this route.
To mark the 70th anniversary of the first 7A in Fontainebleau, Seb Berthe and Hugo Parmentier have set themselves quite a challenge: to complete 100 7A boulders on a single day, linking the crags by bike or on foot. An extraordinary journey of over 80 km through the magic forest! And an extraordinary feat when you consider how demanding these rocks are. Crimps, climpers, falls, slips but above all a magnificent human adventure, sublimated by the poetry of director Jérôme Tanon.
“Jamrock” follows the remarkable journey of Kai Lightner, a 12-time national climbing champion and the visionary founder of “Climb for Change.” Against the backdrop of Jamaica, renowned for its vibrant culture but not traditionally associated with rock climbing, Kai embarks on a transformative mission. The film delves into the heart of Jamaica’s emerging climbing community, where passion and determination thrive despite limited resources and recognition. As a sport historically dominated by white individuals, Kai seeks to challenge stereotypes and foster inclusivity by bringing the thrill of rock climbing to a diverse range of enthusiasts. Driven by a profound sense of purpose, Kai sets his sights on an ambitious goal: establishing a rock climbing gym within the iconic National Stadium of Jamaica. Through his unwavering dedication and the support of local climbers, he endeavors to create not just a facility, but a symbol of empowerment and opportunity for the Jamaican community. “Jamrock” celebrates the spirit of unity and perseverance as Kai Lightner and his team navigate obstacles, forge connections, and ultimately inspire a nation to reach new heights, both on and off the climbing wall. With breathtaking landscapes, stirring personal narratives, and the universal language of sport, the film is a testament to the transformative power of passion, community, and the pursuit of one’s dreams.
The spirit of Prince Hohenlohe returns to the Belianske Tatras. Once a figure of flesh and blood, he comes to life again. Over the past decades, the fauna and flora of the Belianske Tatras have gradually freed themselves from the layers of changes and regulations introduced at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries by none other than their owner, Prince Hohenlohe. In the semi-dramatic documentary film *Heritage*, the spirit of Hohenlohe returns to the places of his life. He observes, reflects, and compares. He sees both the victories and mistakes he made, as well as those made by others after him. The film is a generous visual masterpiece with magical dynamism, showcasing never-before-seen scenes of the Slovak mountains, wild animals, and old historical materials. The fragile and untamed world blends with the majesty of the princely spirit, who approaches nature with humility and respect.
In the unforgiving peaks of the Swiss Alps, in the realm of the Matterhorn, an elite team of rescuers battles to save lives in peril, facing an implacable adversary: time. Through the interconnected stories of six individuals – Dominik, Astrid, Samuel, Richard, Philipp, and Dominik – and their vital roles, the film explores the urgency and courage of helicopter rescue missions amidst hostile elements. In the dizzying heights of the Swiss Alps, life itself hangs by a thread, and the slightest hesitation can mean the difference between life and death. Every decision is crucial, every action is a race against the clock.
Iconic big mountains are most often associated with big expeditions, big objectives and big dreams. But what about those whose lives are inseparably intertwined with them? Sadpara is a journey through the heart of Pakistan’s mountains that explores the bond that unites its people with the high lands. What emerges is the simple routine of a small community, strong and pristine in character, set against the immensity of the Karakoram landscape.
A former child climbing-prodigy confronts his struggle with disordered eating to attempt his life-long dream of climbing a groundbreaking 5.15 first ascent, with the help of an unlikely, and controversial partner.
Three Belgian big-wallers endure eighteen days of howling snowstorms, frozen feet, and gnarly runouts in their attempt to make a long-coveted alpine first ascent.
A turbulent 20-year saga of love, loss, and redemption: a whirlwind romance, a crushing defeat on a legendary climb, a religious epiphany, and family betrayal, all building to a desperate bid for a rare second chance—at love, fatherhood, and climbing.
Eva Mareková’s athletic journey didn’t begin until after motherhood—at the age of 33. Starting from scratch and learning from her early running mistakes, she gradually evolved into an ultrarunner, always seeking the toughest challenges.
Last year, she achieved an extraordinary feat: completing the grueling UTMB Mont-Blanc race, fulfilling her ultimate running dream. She has already conquered multiple 100-kilometer races, with many more on the horizon.
At Hory a mesto, Eva will share her story—from her first trail-running steps to the unforgettable moment of crossing the UTMB finish line.
In her village of Le Grand-Bornand, in France, nestled at the foot of the Pointe Percée, Iris is preparing for a challenge that resonates far beyond the summits: to set a record climb on the mountain she’s cherished since childhood. Between intense training sessions and silent doubts, Iris draws on her roots, her memories and her determination for her attempt. Narrated by her twin brother with a mixture of humor and tenderness, the film paints the portrait of an inspiring woman torn between the expectations of others and her deep love for this little-known mountain. Through her journey, we discover a quest for freedom, resilience in the face of adversity, and a reflection on what it really means to “reach a summit”.
An intimate profile of Renee McGregor, world renowned sport nutritionist and eating disorder specialist, ultra runner and trustee of Black Trail Runners, from childhood trauma, to battles for representation, redefining success—both in the mountains and in life. The film is a raw and brutally honest portrayal of trauma turned into triumph. It captures Renee’s lifelong search for safety, acceptance, and belonging in a world, and a sport, that has often told her she doesn’t fit in. The film follows Renee as she prepares for the most significant race of her career. The crew is granted unrestricted access to her friends, family, and clients, exposing the emotional and physical challenges she faces balancing training, career and advocacy work. It shines a light on the racism, stereotypes, and daily struggles of being a woman of colour in a predominantly white sport. Renee’s openness and vulnerability stand at the heart of this story. More than a film about sport, Unfiltered is a testament to a deeply hurt persons ability to rise, heal, and inspire. It’s a story of resilience, and finding peace in the places and people that shape us.
My name is Frank, and I’m a cocker spaniel from Manchester. My story began when I moved in with Maleek, my human. He wasn’t in a great place—having just finished a four-year sentence, he found himself transitioning from one prison to another: the COVID lockdown and a debilitating depression. I gave him no choice; he had to start walking me. One walk led to another, and soon we were running. Before he knew it, we were on our way up Pen Y Ghent, his first mountain. The mountains are his spiritual home, he needs them just as much as I do. His ambition is to run in the Alps. To push his boundaries and tackle a route higher and further than he has ever been before. So that’s our plan. Together we are going to go to the Alps, we’re going to see the peaks, the ridges, the summits, and we’re going to heal together.
Beyond the Finish Line follows the journey of Marisa Pasnick as she prepares for the grueling Bigfoot 200 race while facing the challenges of an eating disorder. Marisa’s story is a testament to resilience and strength as she navigates the dual paths of training and recovery. This film aims to destigmatize eating disorders, highlighting that recovery is ongoing and that support from the community is crucial. Join us as we witness Marisa’s journey and advocate for greater awareness and understanding of eating disorders.
In the remote mountain villages of Bamyan, Afghanistan, a newfound passion for skiing attracts young athletes from rival ethnic groups to the slopes. With minimal gear and makeshift wooden skis, the determined ski coach Alishah Farhang organizes a thrilling ski race that fosters camaraderie, joy, and triumph. However, after the shocking collapse of their country, many of the skiers are displaced across the globe as refugees, and must call upon the lessons learned in the mountains of their homeland to find a way to rebuild. CHAMPIONS OF THE GOLDEN VALLEY captures the thrill of a sports rivalry intertwined with a poignant portrait of a community in profound transition — parallel stories converging to explore what it means to be a champion, in all its forms. The film has been winning the hearts of juries and audiences alike. Recent awards include Audience Choice at Heartland, Denver, Banff, Austin, and Crested Butte; Best Documentary at SCAD Savannah; Grand Prize at Banff; and Best Documentary at Crested Butte.
Follow kayak superstar Nouria Newman and two childhood friends, as they navigate one of the world’s most challenging sections of whitewater: the Rondu Gorge of the Indus River, in Pakistan. Documenting Nouria’s attempt at completing the first integral descent of the Rondu Gorge by a woman, “Big Water Theory” is a compelling exploration of human spirit and the relentless pursuit of adventure. It offers a powerful and inspiring, yet highly detailed and informative look at the world of extreme kayaking. Set against the stunning backdrop of the Karakoram mountains, the film highlights the irreversible nature of the sport, with heart-pounding descents that test the kayakers’ psychological and physical limits. An independent, 90% self-funded documentary film by Emile DOMINE, featuring Nouria Newman, Jules DOMINE, and Maël NGUYEN.
DESCENDANCE is Dennis’ story—the story of a kid who, in the town where he was born and raised, had to answer the question, “Where are you really from?” It’s a story of identity, everyday racism and self-discovery, as Dennis seeks to define himself not only as a skier, but as a Black man who’s spent his life in predominantly white spaces.
To mark the 70th anniversary of the first 7A in Fontainebleau, Seb Berthe and Hugo Parmentier have set themselves quite a challenge: to complete 100 7A boulders on a single day, linking the crags by bike or on foot. An extraordinary journey of over 80 km through the magic forest! And an extraordinary feat when you consider how demanding these rocks are. Crimps, climpers, falls, slips but above all a magnificent human adventure, sublimated by the poetry of director Jérôme Tanon.
A filmmaker retraces the longest known dispersal of a wolf in Europe, from Switzerland to Hungary for more than 1900 kilometres, and the outer journey unexpectedly sparks an inner one. In this nonfiction documentary, Veronica investigates the spectral nature of this animal in the collective imagination and her experience turns in an exploration into wandering and wilderness as therapy. Official Selection: Open City Documentary Festival 2024. Film made during the MA in Ethnographic and Documentary Film by Practice (UCL).
Highliners take us into their unusual, visually extreme practice. From line to line, we move from confusion to its opposite: tangible sensations, and palpable physical and mental challenges. Within a team that seems unstoppable, we share in their pursuit of balance through imbalance.