INTERNATIONAL FILM
COMPETITON 2019
THE PROGRAMME

SHARE THE ADVENTURE

WITH THANKS TO OUR PRESENTING PARTNER AND SUPPORTING PARTNER
Artistic Director
Claire CarterCover image: One Breath Around the World
© Frank Seguin
This year we have been working with ‘Openness’, a key trait to an adventurous mindset, essential in the face of climate crisis, and deepening rifts and rising walls in global politics.
How can we stay open and adapt? Think outside the box and problem-solve as a community, as the Festival originators; 70’s high-altitude climbers would have done at base camp back when Kendal began.
Adapted athletes in Climbing Blind, Out On A Limb, Broken, Limitless and Moving
On are forced to accept change, enter new worlds and find a way through; a direct metaphor for the challenge we all face, either on the mountain, in the boardroom, or at home.
In two new collections; Outside Thinkers 1 and 2 we celebrate innovative thinking; youth using their sport and adventure to rise up and resist, and conservationists, farmers and explorers fighting for stewardship.
Also new for 2019 is Women Led ; a programme featuring or created by women, and excitingly for us, Youth Programmed, a Film Hub North funded initiative, finding the next generation of curators and content.
At the backbone are our A–F collections; curated journeys through passion and pursuit, and our core sessions; Climb, Mountaineering, Bike, Run and Snow, celebrating the best of these adventures.
This year we have over 50 international filmmakers gathering at Kendal to share their adventures in person; we are thrilled the festival continues to such a hub where those who dare to dream collide and catalyse new ambitions.
Finally, People’s Choice; this is your voice; tell us what you liked, tell us what challenged you, stay in touch.
We hope you have a fantastic film experience this year at Kendal.
Know what film you want to see, but not sure when it’s being shown? Use this index to ensure you don’t miss it!
For 2019, we are excited to be introducing a new system for viewing the films that make up our Film Programme. We are selling individual Film Session Tickets instead of Day Film Passes.
The reason for doing this is to maximise capacity at venues and allow you more flexibility to enjoy the full depth of our programme, whilst keeping film at the very heart of our Festival.
Please note: we are offering a discount for purchasing multiple Film Session Tickets. The website explains in more detail or the Box Office will be able to assist.
We are delighted to welcome over 50 filmmakers to Kendal this year. Wherever you see this icon next to a film, it means the filmmaker is present. If you are lucky they might even introduce their film!
In this collection, an old, washed-out boat is the key to a secret surfing lake, a ‘small’ female Sumo wrestles tradition for the right to take the ring, skiers adapt to take to the heights of the alps, and Leo Houlding grasps the wind by the teeth to reach the end of the earth.
SHOWTIMES
Friday 09.30 BAC - Screen 1
Friday 16.30 Shakespeare Centre
Saturday 09.30 BAC - Studio
Saturday 16.30 BAC - Screen 2
Sunday 09.30 BAC - Screen 1
What drives us to step beyond the bounds of what we know even when the stakes are high, possibly fatal?
French Skydiver Remi Angeli must face his fears in order to explore new expressions of movement while BASE jumping in Mexico. On the other side of his fear he discovers life in its purist form.
3’ / USA
GENRE: BASE JUMPING
Trevor found the hull of an abandoned fishing boat in a field. He brought it home and built it back to a sea-worthy state over the course of a summer. Then, he took it on its maiden voyage to British Columbia in search of waves.
9’ / USA
GENRE: SURFING/ADVENTURE
Female sumo wrestling champion Hiyori confronts obstacles in an attempt to change Japan’s national sport forever. Banned from competing Hiyori will have to retire at the age of 21, Hiyori is forced to question the reason females are forbidden from professional wrestling. She has drive and ambition, but is it enough to succeed in a country and sport overwhelmingly led by tradition?
18’ / UK
GENRE: CULTURE
JAMES JOEL DANN
Follow Geoff, Dan and Isaac, three wheelchair users as they embark on a mission to conquer the Swiss Alps and prove that having a disability won’t tame their sense of adventure.
10’ / SWITZERLAND
GENRE: SNOW
SPECTRE EXPEDITION: TO THE END OF THE EARTH
ALASTAIR LEE & LEO HOULDING
1000 miles, 200+ kgs, 65 days, 3 mates, 1 mountain. Unsupported, using snow-kites to travel great distance, with massive loads at speeds up to 60kmph this is the epic tale of Leo Houlding, Jean Burgun & Mark Sedon’s daring dream to reach the summit of the most remote mountain on Earth; The Spectre, Antarctica.
49’ / UK
GENRE: MOUNTAINEERING/ EXPLORATION
MIKHAIL LINNIKOV
Filmed during an expedition to the island of Olkhon, a slackliner ventures over the sacred Lake Baikal across a 62 metre line at an altitude of 100 meters!
3’ / RUSSIAN FEDERATION
GENRE: HIGHLINING/CULTURE
STARK
A story about Sverri Steinholm, a Faroese trail running pastor and an avid runner – both on the roads and ‘in the fields’ as he says – who uses his time on the trails to work through not only his personal conflicts, but the conflicts of others he often is burdened to bear being the local Pastor who must keep everyone’s secrets.
8’ / FAROE ISLANDS
GENRE: RUN/CULTURE
A Siberian highliner tiptoes above ice water to find her shamanic vision, London ‘lads’ find solace in cold water in the city, a pastor herds his philosophy running high in the Faroes, Hazel Findlay climbs solo in a North Wales playground, and the elders and youth of native Wyoming tribes find ritual spirit through skateboarding.
SHOWTIMES
Friday 09.30 BAC - Theatre
Friday 16.30 Ye Olde Fleece Inn
Saturday 09.30 BAC - Screen 2
Saturday 11.45 BAC - Studio
Sunday 09.30 BAC - Screen 2
JACKSON TISI
Three friends make the trip to ride the Postman’s Path, a singletrack path clinging to the edges of the ragged shores of the Isle of Harris, and to find out more about its history.
8’ / UK
GENRE: BIKE
In South Africa, an impending water crisis grips an entire town.
13’ / USA
GENRE: ENVIRONMENT
HOLLY BUTCHER
Through the winter, a group of middleaged men, who dub themselves the East German Ladies Swimming Team, plunge into the freezing waters of a pond in London.
24’ / UK
GENRE: SWIM
AN INTERVIEW WITH...
HOLLY BUTCHER
THE HOME FOR BROKEN TOYS
Describe yourself in three words. Hooked on stories.
And another three words on why we should discover your film? You’ll feel warmer...!
What was the biggest challenge of the project?
The end of the film...
A short film looking at how the youth and elders of the Shoshone and Arapaho Tribes find peace and healing through skateboarding and tradition.
8’ / USA
GENRE: SKATEBOARDING/ CULTURE
PAUL DIFFLEY
Hazel Findlay enjoys an epic day of mountain running and solo climbing in the Welsh mountains of Snowdonia.
4’ / UK
GENRE: CLIMB
JANE DYSON & ROSS HARRISON
An intimate story of longing and belonging in India’s sacred mountains, ‘Spirit’ explores what it takes to make a home in a remote community in the thralls of change.
19’ / AUSTRALIA
GENRE: CULTURE
Within the world of outdoor film, what does ‘open’ mean to you? A playground for exploration.
What are you looking forward to most when visiting Kendal? Meeting others in the field, in a beautiful and picturesque location. What’s next?
Developing my next film.
Mountain bikers and parkour artists race from London to Paris with wheels and feet negotiating the same streets. Sasha Digullian battles injury, wildfires and 9000ft of rock wall to shift ‘what matters’ along the way.
Friday 09.30 Shakespeare Centre
Friday 19.00 BAC - Screen 2
Saturday 09.30 BAC - Theatre
Saturday 11.45 Shakespeare Centre
Sunday 09.30 Ye Olde Fleece Inn
HAYDEN GRIFFITH
‘Limitless’ chronicles the story of Jezza Williams, from life as a rogue adventurer to a life-changing accident that left him a C5 tetraplegic. He’s been to some dark, wild places yet it seems the journey is just beginning. He runs an inclusive adventure tourism business who’s mission is to make adventure sports accessible to all.
10’ / AUSTRALIA
GENRE: ADVENTURE
ANTONY LAHOUT & NICK MARTINI
In the rugged mountains of New Hampshire, Lahout’s has remained open 365 days a year since 1920. While technology and conglomerates have stripped the country of local, independent retailers, a family of Lebanese immigrants has prevailed for a century. A timeless story of the American dream and the family that put a community on skis.
21’ / USA
GENRE: SNOW
Bike vs Parkour. London to Paris. Who will take the victory?
4’ / USA
GENRE: PARKOUR
THABANG
DEAN LESLIE & HANNAH SLEZACEK
Thabang Madiba lives in Ga-Rankuwa township, without a mountain in sight… or a physio, chiro or dietician for that matter. But through hard work, dedication and passion, he has won the South African Trail Running Championships and was the first black South African to represent the country in Trail Running.
14’ / SOUTH AFRICA
GENRE: RUN
Describe yourself in three words. Fun. Adventurous. Open minded.
And another three words on why we should discover your film?
Awe, Mindfulness and Challenges. What was the biggest challenge of the project?
In actually deciding and committing to go and do it.
Within the world of outdoor film, what does ‘open’ mean to you?
I think being open minded about
LENA STOFFEL
The movie Circle of the Sun takes you on an almost surreal journey to Norway. It describes one circle of the sun. One day of magic. Steep mountains and the ocean, the sun and the aurora borealis. Skiing and surfing in one day.
5’ / GERMANY
GENRE: SURF/SNOW
TRILOGY
TOMMY JOYCE
Sasha DiGiulian, sets out to become the first woman and second person to complete ‘Rocky Mountain Trilogy’; a compilation of three of the hardest 5.14 big walls in the Canadian Rockies.
30’ / USA
GENRE: CLIMBING
nature and what nature provides us on our adventures we go to.
What are you looking forward to most when visiting Kendal?
I am really looking forward to being there and enjoying the programme and seeing different movies from different sports. I am excited to meet other like-minded people and filmmakers and talk about adventure and nature.
What’s next?
I am looking forward to winter, to skiing the mountains at home and road tripping through the Alps in my camper van at some point in the season.
REUBEN KRABBE
Pro photographer Reuben Krabbe ventures into the backcountry of British Columbia to attempt to shoot a deep space ski photo of the Orion Nebula with a skier in the foreground.
13’ / CANADA
GENRE: SNOW
FOREST WOODWARD, ANNA CALLAGHAN & MARIE SULLIVAN
Bears Ears National Monument is one of the most talked-about public lands under threat, though the dialogue often glosses over how sacred it is to many Native Americans. In 2017 a group of tribes put their differences aside and came together to run 800 miles to Bears Ears – and to send a message of unity.
12’ / USA
GENRE: RUN/CULTURE/ ENVIRONMENT
HEATHER
RIVER RUNNER & A SOCIAL BACKCOUNTRY
Describe yourself in three words. Adventurous! Meticulous. Driven. And another three words on why we should discover your film? Independent. Thoughtful. Refreshing. What’s been your most eyeopening adventure so far in life?
A Kendal award winner Reuben Krabbe, ventures into the BC back country and photographic deep space to find night-skiing unity, a newbie Kryzstan instagrammer inspires tourism, the Canadian Rockies guide rookies while conserving the wild and wonderful, a Kiwi couple venture out of signal and into the land of seals and ice by kayak and comradeship.
SHOWTIMES
Friday 09.30 Ye Olde Fleece Inn
Friday 19.00 BAC - Studio
Saturday 09.30 Shakespeare Centre
Saturday 19.00 BAC - Screen 2
Sunday 14.15 Ye Olde Fleece Inn
The story of a dear friend who, imprisoned by his depression, could not leave the house. Only on taking his therapy sessions into the outdoors was he able to see the world from a less fearful perspective.
6’ / UK
GENRE: INCLUSIVE
MAX ROMEY
Running through the Alps it is important to stop and smell the roses... or at least sketch them.
1’ / USA
GENRE: RUN
ALEX PRITZ & NOAM ARGOV
Social media-obsessed entrepreneur Emil aims to put his home and one of the most remote places on earth: an abandoned mining village in the mountains of eastern Kyrgyzstan, back on the map.
13’ / USA
GENRE: ADVENTURE/CULTURE
HEATHER MOSHER
As the population of southwest BC booms, and interest in backcountry travel is at an all-time high, tensions in the outdoor community are inevitable. What does it take to still find adventure?
11’ / CANADA
GENRE: ADVENTURE/ ENVIRONMENT
JANE DYSON & ROSS HARRISON
Two people, two weeks, two kayaks. Sophie and Ewan took a journey beyond wilderness, a self supported journey via sea kayak to connect with an uninhabited land of ice and penguins.
28’ / NEW ZEALAND/AUSTRALIA
GENRE: PADDLE
In 2015 I won a grant from the Alpine Club of Canada to head up to the Yukon to go do some exploratory ski touring for two months. Two months! Looking back on it, I can’t believe that we were so bold - it also opened my eyes to how much we’re capable of.
What’s exciting about visiting Kendal?
This is my first time! I’m excited to meet filmmakers from the UK and Europe, share my work, and watch some great films.
Deep in the ocean, a free diver drifts past borders and beasts, a Zuni map artist recentres the world with watercolour, a young kayaker comes a-cropper in the Grand Canyon, and Robert Macfarlane voices the course of the River Dee over forest and fell.
Friday 11.45 BAC - Screen 2
Friday 21.00 BAC - Studio
Saturday 09.30 Ye Olde Fleece Inn
Saturday 19.00 BAC - Studio
Sunday 14.15 Shakespeare Centre Creek Sessions
French apnea champion Guillaume Néry and Julie Gautier take viewers on an underwater odyssey across the globe.
13’ / FRANCE
GENRE: SWIM/ADVENTURE
The unbalanced walk on a thin line between trees in the Amazon forest is a unique experience. Either up on the highest tree or across a river bank, highline starts when you focus, stand up, breathe and find your balance.
8’ / BRAZIL
GENRE: SLACKLINING/CULTURE
MAX ROMEY
HOW NOT TO CAPTURE THE GRAND CANYON & SKETCHING THE ALPS
Describe yourself in three words. Alaskan Running Painter (Goofy Looking Dude).
Jim Enote, a traditional Zuni farmer and director of the A:shiwi A:wan Heritage Centre, is working with Zuni artists to create maps that bring an indigenous voice back to the land, countering Western notions of place and challenging the arbitrary borders imposed on the Zuni world.
9’ / USA
GENRE: CULTURE/ ENVIRONMENT
MAX ROMEY
What a young (over confident) videographer learned while trying to capture the Grand Canyon from a boat.
17’ / USA
GENRE: PADDLE
TAHRIA SHEATHER
Nature has a rhythm – it just takes one to tune into it. Musician, climber and conservationist, Jess Kilroy, travels to wilderness areas creating music from the natural sounds she finds there, with the goal of sparking people’s love for these wild lands.
7’ / USA
GENRE: CULTURE/ ENVIRONMENT
ROB PETIT
Shot entirely from the air, ‘Upstream’ follows the course of the River Dee in Scotland all the way to its source in the Cairngorm mountains, the highest of any river in Britain. A journey into wildness, winter and strangeness. 28’ / UK
GENRE: CULTURE/ ENVIRONMENT
And another three words on why we should discover your film? Explore life differently.
What was the biggest challenge of the project?
How do you film as a story when the Grand Canyon eats most of your cameras? This project challenged my sense of wilderness, creativity, and what really counts when telling a story when I lost most of the cameras during a once in a lifetime trip.
Within the world of outdoor film, what does ‘open’ mean to you?
To me, open means opportunity. An open range, and open entry or a wideopen weekend. Whatever it is I hope to keep lots of open in my life!
What are you looking forward to most when visiting Kendal? No Bears! Looking forward to exploring the Lake District and spending time with the people who call it home. Not to mention not having to worry about any animal more vicious than a sheep.
TIM KEMPLE & ANSON FOGEL
In recent years, underrepresented communities have been transforming the sport of running into something beyond the realms of fitness and competition. In cities from London to Tokyo, misfits, punks, and others far outside the mainstream athlete mold have been gathering into run crews that take to the streets in defiance.
16’ / USA
GENRE: RUN
JULIE CLEVES AND ROBBIE SYNGE
Over eight years ago, Julie and Robbie set about investigating the physical possibilities of moving and dancing together on the floor. The search for new ways of sharing everyday experiences in turn highlights problems to be solved through novel means.
4’ / UK
GENRE: INCLUSIVE
ZAK BENTLEY
A kayaking teacher throws her students into white water, runners make a street beat into a movement, a bachelor party smashes icebergs instead of long island iced teas, and Peak District runners pace themselves with pints to glory in the peaks.
Friday 11.00 BAC - Studio
Friday 21.00 Shakespeare Centre
Saturday 14.15 Shakespeare Centre
Saturday 21.00 BAC - Studio
Sunday 11.45 Shakespeare Centre
BRETT WILLIAMS & SIMON WATERHOUSE
After an ill-fated expedition to northern Patagonia, in search of one of the oldest living trees on Earth, three explorers reflect on their discoveries and what it means for the future of rainforests.
15’ / UK
GENRE: ENVIRONMENT
MADDERSON & JONO STEVENS
In 2016 brothers Gary and Paul O’Donovan became the world’s unlikeliest Olympic heroes when they won Ireland’s first ever rowing medal. Hailing from tiny Skibeereen, west Cork, this is the uplifting underdog story of how a rural community took on the elite sport of rowing.
13’ / UK
GENRE: PADDLE/INCLUSIVE
A story of cultural identity and rock climbing exploration as we follow one of Australia’s top rock climbers – 14 year old Angie Scarth-Johnson – on an adventure to a remote and rugged island in the South Pacific.
24’ / AUSTRALIA
GENRE: CLIMB
MATT HARDY & DAN TWORT
The Dark Peak Fell Runners weave tracks through the fields, peat bogs and rocky outcrops of the Peak District, creating a tapestry of eccentricity, endeavour and endurance. The film follows in their footsteps to reveal their well-trodden routes including the club’s flagship race, the Edale Skyline.
17’ / UK
GENRE: RUN
Friday 11.45 BAC - Theatre
Friday 21.00 BAC - Theatre
Saturday* 14.00 BAC - Theatre
Saturday 16.30 BAC - Studio
Saturday 21.00 Shakespeare Centre
Sunday 11.30 BAC - Screen 1
FRANZ WALTER
Every year we get a little older. One day you turn 50. How you choose to celebrate is up to you. Alpinist and mountain guide Robert Jasper is heading out to Greenland for a solo expedition. He leaves the small village of Kulusuk with his sea kayak. After twelve days of paddling and carrying heavy loads Robert reaches his basecamp at the foot of Molar Spire. Calmly, concentrated and all by himself he begins the ascent of this 500m rock face.
10’ / GERMANY
Two veterans set out to climb Everest in a year where record climber numbers make the mountain treacherous. Being an arm and a leg down means they will have to train above and beyond to stand a chance of reaching the highest peak of The Adaptive Grand Slam. We follow the trials of acclimatisation and training on Everest’s infamous neighbour Pumori and the summit attempt itself.
24’ / UK
JEAN-PIERRE
In spite of its modest altitude (6,864 m), the summit of Changabang, hidden in the Indian Himalaya, has seen few visitors but has already been the scene of far too many dramas. Three alpinists from the French High Mountain Military Group had a very short weather window during which they could attempt to conquer this thousand metre vertical wall. Their adventure provides the opportunity to explore questions about what pushes humans to face the dangers and maledictions of a mountain.
52’ / FRANCE
*Please note: as part of the Mountaineering programme on Saturday 16th at 14.00, we will be joined by several special guests for the Changabang film screening: Chris Bonington, and Doug Scott (first ascent), John Porter (South Ridge), Andy Cave, Mick Fowler, Andy Perkins and Julie-Ann Clyma (N Face), and Seb Moatti (N Face in the film). There will be a short Q&A after the film.
A captivating exploration of fear, mentorship, and deep water soloing in Ha Long Bay, Vietnam with psicobloc pioneer Tim Emmett and competition climber Kyra Condie. Watch as Kyra learns from the master, tackles the fear of climbing high above the water, and then succeeds on one of the hardest deep water solos in Vietnam, The ‘Lightning Crack’.
18’ / USA
EUAN RYAN
Professional rock climber, Kev Shields, has been faced with multiple challenges in his life - disability to his hand from birth, epilepsy, career changing injury and struggles with depression.
25 / UK
PAUL DIFFLEY
A beautiful short film taking a look at the historic first ascent of ‘A Dream Of White Horses’ by Ed Drummond and Dave Pearce. Celebrating Ed Drummond’s legacy by recreating the first ascent with James McHaffie and Dave Pearce’s son, Alexis Pearce, we get to relive the legendary ascent accompanied by a beautiful mix of music and Ed Drummond’s own poetic writing about the ascent.
8’ / UK
Friday 14.15 BAC - Theatre
Friday 16.30 BAC - Studio
Saturday 11.45 BAC - Theatre
Saturday 16.30 Ye Olde Fleece Inn
Saturday 21.00 BAC - Screen 2
Sunday 09.30 BAC - Theatre
DAVID PETT
In 2017 Emma Twyford walked across a rocky outcrop towards the historical crag of ‘Lower Pen Trwyn’ with the sole intention to “have a play and see what 9a feels like”. That 9a was ‘The Big Bang’. Follow Emma on this ambitious journey to becoming one of the most respected climbers in UK. 30’ / UK
EUAN RYAN
WE NEED TO TALK ABOUT KEV
Describe yourself in three words. Impatient. Productive. Grafter. And another three words on why we should discover your film? Funny. Emotional. Challenging. What was the biggest challenge of the project?
The edit. After 3 years of filming, trying to edit what you can’t remember filming is a real struggle! Within the world of outdoor film, what does ‘open’ mean to you? Open, to me, means keeping an open mind. I went in to this project with an idea for the end film and story line. But I kept an open mind and, in the end, the film took a completely different (and in my opinion a better) direction.
DANIEL HOLZ & KAARE IVERSON
Set amidst the emerald waters and soaring limestone islets of coastal Vietnam, Captain ‘Chu’ Bien spends more time in a modest boat at sea than at home. Embodying simplicity –the items he uses daily can be counted on one hand – he confirms that happiness and fulfillment are found in the relationships we forge, not the things we accumulate.
8’ / USA
What are you looking forward to most when visiting Kendal? Catching up with others in the industry whom I always bump in to at Kendal! Chatting projects, equipment, ideas, watching each other’s films and then making future plans...!
What’s next?
I’d love to make an expedition film, and I have a few ideas up my sleeve... I always find expedition films at Kendal really inspiring and they always get me psyched to plan a big project.
Saturday 16.30 Shakespeare Centre
Sunday 14.15 BAC - Screen 2
Witness Manali like never before. An amalgamation of downhill mountain biking in Manali, Himalayan cultural nuances and a catchy Bollywood song that will make your foot tap and keep your eyes glued to the screen.
4’ / INDIA
BEN KNIGHT & TRAVIS RUMMEL
A story about pizza and bikes, and how the combination really can fix anything!
11’ / USA
& CHRISTOPHER NAUM
Ride of the Dead takes us into the world of the Mexican mountain bike culture during the famous annual celebration known as Dia De Los Muertos.
12’ / USA
After a devastating breakup, Rafael finds solitude and restoration on the open road, pedaling his way to emotional health from Mexico City to northern Colorado. With just $500 to his name, he spearheads a revolution to help the underprivileged members of his new neighborhood the best way he knows how – repairing their bicycles.
7’ / USA
Duncan Booth lives in Keswick with his family, 10 years ago he was diagnosed with M.S. This disease has huge affects on a persons ability to walk but by using an electric mountain bike, Duncan has been able to keep moving and continue to live a life of adventure.
6’ / UK
CHRIS SEAGER & ROBBIE MEADE
A film about inclusivity, standing alongside your heroes and redefining the status quo. ‘Vision’ blends the creative worlds of Veronique Sandler in a coming together of art, design and sport.
37’ / UK
Bob and Marion have done so many miles and marathons between them and continue to run within marriage and ‘maturity’.
5’ / UK
Rickey Gates decided to run every single street in San Francisco – to get to know a very small area of America, as well as its people, intimately. With over 1100 miles of street the film documents Rickey’s journey, and the people he meets along the way, as he runs into the midst of one of the most iconic and diverse cities in the world.
18’ / SOUTH AFRICA
RYAN SCURA & DYLAN LADDS
Paddy O’Leary grew up in Wexford, Ireland, but didn’t discover his love for running until he moved to San Francisco. He returns to Ireland to take on the self-navigated 115km Wicklow Round, and to rediscover his home through the lens of running. 24’ / USA
Friday 11.45 Shakespeare Centre
Saturday 14.15 Ye Olde Fleece Inn
British inov-8 athlete Nicky Spinks takes on The Barkley Marathons in a bid to be the first woman to complete the race since 1986. Set in the wild and unforgiving Frozen Head State Park, Tennessee, USA. 40’ / UK
BOB & MARION
Describe yourself in three words. Sparkly. Visual. Enthusiastic. And another three words on why we should discover your film? Inspirational. Charming. Important. What was the biggest challenge of the project?
Bruised coccyx and budget. Within the world of outdoor film, what does ‘open’ mean to you? Unlimited imagination, epic expanses, massive landscapes, total immersion, creative freedom.
What’s next?
I’m forming a collective of insanely talented creatives called HUNGRY GHOST to make more epic and exciting adventure films.
SHOWTIMES
Friday 14.15 Shakespeare Centre
Sunday 14.15 BAC - Screen 2
STEFAN MORROCCO
As skiers we all have to develop our own comfort zones. They will vary from person to person and depend on different factors. Comfort Zones explores what motivates some people to expand their comfort zones and move from piste skiing to explorative steep gully skiing in Scotland.
12’ / UK
COLLEEN GENTEMANN
A comedy documentary about a girl working in the ski industry who decides to become one of the stars, ‘Dream Job’ begs the question - how hard can it be? The film follows comedian Katie Burrell through ‘days in the life’ with three of the industry’s biggest names. Needless to say, Katie finds out how hard it really can be.
15’ / CANADA
LÉO BRUNEL, LORIS CAVALIER, CAMILLE JALABERT & OSCAR MALET
The two best rescue workers of the region are ready for their new mission. Despite their professionalism and their determination, it will not go as planned...
6’ / FRANCE
BROKEN SIMON PERKINS
After losing his leg to cancer as a young adult, Jon Wilson struggled with the emotions of feeling broken. Challenging himself in the outdoors presented a possible remedy. Today, crutching up and skiing down mountains at night provides a distinct backdrop for Jon to explore, accept, and embrace the idea of ‘brokenness,’ allowing him to find a more genuine and honest connection with life.
7’ / USA
BEN CLARK
Three ski mountaineers, Hilaree Nelson, Jim Morrison and Chris Figenshau travel to the peaks known as Dharamsura and Papsura - the peaks of ‘Good’ and ‘Evil’. As viewers journey with Hilaree from her first Indian Himalayan expedition in 1999 until 2017, the commitment to the line she would ski and the line she would have to walk for half her life to attempt it are exposed. This film is a harrowing account of the deepest commitment to the grips of dreams.
14’ / USA
TOM ELLIOTT AND SIMON REICHEL Contradiction and addiction both blend into one when it comes to the passion of snowboarding. Elias Elhardt pursues the questions which are most important to him. How can you bring snowboarding in line with a responsible life? How can you deal with the contradictions which come along? How about the ecological footprint? How about the conflict of growing up with a sport, which keeps the kid in us alive and kicking?
33’ / UK
KRYSTLE WRIGHT
An ode to the athlete who relishes in getting dirty, who chuckles after a long day in the mountains, effortlessly glides through the crystal clear waves and most importantly, is unapologetic in pursuing their love of getting rowdy in adventures.
4’ / USA
GENRE: ADVENTURE
RIVER RUNNER
HEATHER MOSHER
For high school teacher and whitewater kayaker Crista Wiles, hucking 20 foot waterfalls isn’t a big deal. But to her, pushing her sport isn’t about taking on bigger risks. It’s about personal challenge, introducing new people to the rivers, and celebrating the tight-knit community that surrounds this niche sport.
15’ / CANADA
GENRE: PADDLE
SIMON STRAETKER
The story of climber Gosia and her 10 year old daughter Olivia, who spend most of their free time in the Tatra National Park in Poland.
3’ / GERMANY
GENRE: CLIMB/ ENVIRONMENT
Thanks to audience feedback we’ve created this session of films led by women in front of or behind the camera; find new mentors, get inspired or just enjoy the ride...
SHOWTIMES
Friday 14.15
Ye Olde Fleece Inn
Saturday 11.45 BAC - Screen 2
Saturday 14.15 BAC - Studio
Sunday 11.45 BAC - Screen 2
CELIA POWELL & JONNY MAHON
Ultrarunner Jasmin Paris and mum of two, and fellrunner, Mhairi Helme with assistance from legendary climbers Dave Birkett and runner Josh Jardine take on the Classic Rock round. Fighting against time and the unpredictable harsh weather the pair battle on to try to complete an epic and unforgettable adventure in the Lake District.
11’ / UK
GENRE: CLIMB
KATIE MOORE
When Hitler’s troops entered Austria in 1938, many of Austria’s Jews fled the country. Katie’s mother and grandmother were among them. Looking over old family photographs, some of the landscapes looked familiar so she decided to investigate.
7’ / FRANCE
TAHRIA SHEATHER
Nature has a rhythm – it just takes one to tune into it. Musician, climber and conservationist, Jess Kilroy, travels to wilderness areas creating music from the natural sounds she finds there, with the goal of sparking people’s love for these wild lands.
7’ / USA
GENRE: CULTURE/ENVIRONMENT
ZAC BARR
While the world’s best boulderers push standards close to the ground, Nina Williams’ sights are set higher. She is among the only women who climb elite-level problems that are 30, 40, even 50 feet tall – with no rope. In this profile of an emerging athlete, Nina Williams flexes her guns and tests her nerves well into the no-fall zone.
18’ / USA
GENRE: CLIMB
KATE DRUCQUER, WHITNEY BLANK & AMY WALKER
A collaboration born out of a shared love of wild swimming, bringing together ideas around swimming for positive mental health and the joys of body acceptance in the wild swimming community.
3’ / UK
GENRE: SWIM
ELISABETH TOVA BAILEY
When a woman is bedridden by a mysterious pathogen, a forest snail unexpectedly takes up residence on her nightstand. Together, the woman and snail share an intimate journey of survival and resilience.
15’ / USA
GENRE: CULTURE
BEN KNIGHT & TRAVIS RUMMEL
A story about pizza and bikes, and how the combination really can fix anything!
11’ / USA
The youth of today are using their bodies for adventure and for activism within unexpected environments; escaping oppression, finding both individuality and unity, and above all else, to play.
Friday 19.00 Ye Olde Fleece Inn
Sunday 20.00 BAC - Screen 2
JACOB OSTER
Inside the communist country of Cuba exists a small but passionate community of surfers who, due to a lack of economic opportunity and governmental support for the sport, number no more than 150. This film colourfully documents the Cuban surf community’s struggles and how they overcome them in order to pursue their passion.
15’ / USA
GENRE: SURF
JACKSON TISI
A short film looking at how the youth and elders of the Shoshone and Arapaho Tribes find peace and healing through skateboarding and traditions.
8’ / USA
GENRE: SKATEBOARDING/ CULTURE
Describe yourself in three words. Curious. Ambitious. Maker.
And another three words on why we should discover your film? Parkour. Photography. Freedom.
MATT KAY
Female sumo wrestling champion Hiyori confronts obstacles in an attempt to change Japan’s national sport forever. Banned from competing Hiyori will have to retire at the age of 21, Hiyori is forced to question the reason females are forbidden from professional wrestling. She has drive and ambition, but is it enough to succeed in a country and sport overwhelmingly led by tradition?
18’ / UK
GENRE: CULTURE
TIM KEMPLE & ANSON FOGEL
In recent years, underrepresented communities have been transforming the sport of running into something beyond the realms of fitness and competition. In cities from London to Tokyo, misfits, punks, and others far outside the mainstream athlete mold have been gathering into run crews that take to the streets in defiance.
16’ / USA
GENRE: RUN
MICHAEL ROWLEY
As the Israeli military occupation of the Palestinian territories approached its 50th year, ‘Hurdle’ reveals an important story emerging from the Palestinian youth. Sami and Mohammad teach the practices of parkour and photography, to their communities as a means to overcome personal and political obstacles.
63’ / USA
What was the biggest challenge of the project?
This was our first feature. It’s also an international doc in a fraught environment with a beautiful story at the center of it. So you want to tell the best story, but telling that story requires a lot of scrupulous decision making. Without that previous experience, the scale was daunting at times. But that also made it all the more exciting. Each benchmark we hit or grant or festival acceptance email we received, validated that we were on the right course.
Within the world of outdoor film, what’s does ‘open’ mean to you? Hurdle reframes the way I think
GENRE: PARKOUR/CULTURE
about the word open. Through Hurdle you experience how freedom isn’t a universal liberty experienced by all. Doors aren’t always open. There are literal walls meant to hold people back. But still, there are individuals within those confines redefining what openness and freedom can look and feel like – you see young men literally parkouring on and up the walls meant to hold them back. So I’m thinking about how I can better amplify those individuals and stories who amidst literal obstacles are finding ways to open their stories up to the world.
A short film highlighting Albertine Kimble, a local duck hunter and coastal plan manager who lives in the heart of Louisiana’s disappearing wetlands.
10’ / USA
GENRE: ENVIRONMENT
As Singapore dredges sand out from beneath Cambodia’s mangrove forests, an ecosystem, a communal way of life, and one woman’s relationship to her beloved home are faced with the threat of erasure.
16’ / CAMBODIA
GENRE: ENVIRONMENT
Describe yourself in three words. Curious. Adventurous. Stubborn.
And another three words on why we should discover your film?
Relevant. Important. Urgent.
What was the biggest challenge of the project?
Our documentary was filmed in four indigenous communities in the remote Peruvian Amazon with limited time in each location. We wanted to take a slow and respectful approach to building relationships and establishing interviews and so our biggest challenge was time. However, despite our initial concerns
People across the world are caring for their lands in such innovative ways. Join us to follow their challenges and joys in the stewardship of Cumbrian fields, Amazon jungle, Cambodian mangrove forests, Mississippi ducks and the most beautiful species of butterflies....
Friday 10.00 Kendal Town Hall
Sunday 16.30 BAC - Screen 2
A window into the lives of those who create the food we eat. The film will follow two young conservation trained farmers, Adam Crowe and Helen Rawlinson as they establish their business over the course of a year here in the Lake District. Adam grew up on a small tenant dairy farm in the Rusland valley where his dad Raymond still farms at the age of 72.
20’ / UK
GENRE: CULTURE/ ENVIRONMENT
about how we would be perceived and if the people we’d meet would be willing to share their stories, we were overwhelmed by the welcome and generosity we were shown in each community and in the end, filmed over 50 interviews.
Within the world of outdoor film, what’s does ‘open’ mean to you?
Being ready to see and experience the
BETHAN JOHN & EILIDH MUNRO
Deep in the Peruvian Amazon a road is quietly destroying a protected rainforest, causing conflict and fear. But for some indigenous communities, desperate for change, it is also bringing hope. Many are struggling to live in this ‘paradise’ and the road brings the promise of a better life. But at what cost?
24’ / UK
GENRE: CULTURE/ENVIRONMENT
KRISTA SCHLYER
The story of three characters in the Lower Rio Grande Valley of Texas whose lives are upended by plans to build a US-Mexico border wall.
57’ / USA
GENRE: CULTURE/ENVIRONMENT
world in new ways, to learn from other people’s world views and to be willing to challenge your own preconceptions.
What are you looking forward to most when visiting Kendal?
There’s nothing more motivating than spending time with people who are passionate about the outdoors and whose work pushes you to create and explore more, so I’m most looking forward to meeting people and watching other inspiring films. What’s next?
We’re also in the early stages of a new documentary which is also based in Madre de Dios, and generally open to working on inspiring projects – so, if you’re reading this and up for collaborating, let’s chat!
Join us for the Future! In a British Film Institute funded initiative, we consult the audience and content creators of tomorrow. Discover what’s adventurous to young people today, what’s at the cutting edge of their excitement and concern. Programmed by 10 Cumbrian young people who will be presenting the session and doing a live Q&A with filmmakers Remoy Philip, Reuben Krabbe and Bren Orton.
Saturday 11.45 Ye Olde Fleece Inn
Sunday 11.45 BAC - Screen
BREN ORTON
There is no good without bad, all we can do is be thankful that the good times outnumber the bad and remember what they truly are. A reminder to live life to the fullest.
7’ / USA
GENRE: PADDLE/ADVENTURE
EDWARD LOVELACE & JAMES HALL
1 in 5 children in the UK have never seen the ocean. Volvo & Sky Atlantic present a true story of one man’s mission to connect inner city kids with the sea. Before it’s too late.
6’ / UK
GENRE: ENVIRONMENT/CULTURE
FRANCOIS VERSTER & SIMON WOOD
In South Africa, an impending water crisis grips an entire town.
13’ / USA
GENRE: ENVIRONMENT
REUBEN KRABBE
Pro photographer Reuben Krabbe ventures into the backcountry of British Columbia to attempt to shoot a deep space ski photo of the Orion Nebula with a skier in the foreground. Planned over two years and only achievable on a clear moon-less winter night that happens a few times a year the pressure is on Reuben to prove to himself that he can capture another impossible photograph.
13’ / CANADA
GENRE: SNOW
PAUL DIFFLEY
Hazel Findlay enjoys an epic day of mountain running and solo climbing in the Welsh mountains of Snowdonia.
4’ / UK
GENRE: CLIMB
DEVIN GRAHAM
Bike vs Parkour. London to Paris. Who will take the victory?
4’ / USA
GENRE: PARKOUR
MICHAEL ROWLEY
As the Israeli military occupation of the Palestinian territories approached its 50th year, ‘Hurdle’ reveals an important story emerging from the Palestinian youth. Sami and Mohammad teach the practices of parkour and photography, to their communities as a means to overcome personal and political obstacles.
63’ / USA
GENRE: PARKOUR/CULTURE
WELL PRESERVED
MICHAEL RAIMONDO
A group of women brave the waters of the Faroe Islands for their morning dip.
4’ / SOUTH AFRICA
GENRE: SWIM
KAI JONES
TETON GRAVITY RESEARCH
11 year old freeskier Kai Jones tears up the terrain at his home mountain.
5’ / USA
GENRE: SNOW
PACIFIC LINES
BRETT WILLIAMS & SIMON WATERHOUSE
14 year old Angie Scarth-Johnson goes an adventure to South Pacific island.
24’ / AUSTRALIA
GENRE: CLIMB
JORDAN HALLAND
A collection to celebrate the adventures pursued by the older and younger generations; you’re never ‘past it’, and you’re never too young for an adventure.
SHOWTIMES
Friday 11.45 Ye Olde Fleece Inn
ALEKSANDRA MACIEJCZYK
Robert ‘Rusty’ Bailey’s meditation on the adventurers remorse.
22’ / USA
GENRE: MOUNTAINEERING
KEVIN STEEN
Erik Wilkie reflects on his love for surfing in the Great Lakes.
4’ / USA
GENRE: SURF
ALLEIN
FRANZ WALTER
Mountain guide Robert Jasper heads to Greenland for a solo expedition for his 50th birthday.
10’ / GERMANY
GENRE: CLIMB
CIRCLE OF THE SUN 5’ SURF/SNOW
WHERE THE WILD THINGS
KEEP PLAYING 4’
ADVENTURE
WELL PRESERVED 4’
SWIM
ONE BREATH AROUND THE WORLD 13’
SWIM
SIBLINGS 3’
SKETCHING THE ALPS 1’ RUN
THE UNSEEN OCEAN 5’ ENVIRONMENT
GOOD MORNING 5’ SNOW
RIDE 3’ FREE-FLIGHT
PERSPECTIVES INDIA 5’ BIKE/CULTURE
HORS PISTE 6’ SNOW
One day in the life of a 50-year-old couple. Blind Krzysztof goes skiing with Wiola, who is his wife and guide.
18’ / POLAND
GENRE: SNOW
AMANDA BLUGLASS
Bob and Marion have done so many miles and marathons between them and continue to run within marriage and ‘maturity’.
5’ / UK
GENRE: RUN
SHOWTIMES
Saturday 09.30 Kendal Leisure Centre
Sunday 10.30 Kendal Leisure Centre
THE FLIP 3’ BASEJUMPING BAWLI BOOCH 5’ BIKE
KAI JONES 5’ SNOW
BIKE VS PARKOUR 6’ PARKOUR/URBAN
DANNY DAYCARE 4’ BIKE
Witness what it’s like to be engulfed in a Himalayan avalanche, cross a crevasse and stare deep in its depths, be caught out in a storm, and take in the view from the top of the world.
Big thanks to filmmaker Jonathan Griffith.
All weekend | Tickets £5 from the Box Office over the weekend
SPECIAL FILM SCREENING PRESENTED BY FJÄLLRÄVEN EDIE
Edie tells the story of an elderly lady played by Sheila Hancock who after a miserable life sets out to try and capture a little of the magic she had as a young girl, embarking on the adventure of a lifetime to climb Suilven in Scotland’s northwest Highlands. Followed by a Q&A with the producer Mark Stothert.
Friday 15 Nov | 16.30 – 18.30
BAC - Screen 2
Tickets £7.50 / £5 u18s
WORLD FILM PREMIERE PRESENTED BY SHAND CYCLES EASTBOUND
‘Eastbound’ follows the incredible endurance cyclist Jenny Graham on her round-the-world by bike record breaking trip. Followed by a Q&A with Jenny.
Friday 15 Nov | 17.00 – 18.30
BAC - Theatre
Tickets £12.50 / £8.50 u18s
Dave MacLeod travels to some of the remotest and scenic corners of Scotland, culminating in a voyage to the remote island archipelago of St Kilda on board Bob Shepton’s yacht Dodo’s Delight. Dave will be joined by Captain Bob, Natalie Berry and filmmaker Chris Prescott for a Q&A.
Friday 15 Nov | 19.00 – 20.30
BAC - Theatre | Tickets £15
Home shares Sarah’s incredible journey traversing the globe by bike, kayak and rowing boat, travelling over 20,000 miles by human power alone. A story of heart and soul, of determination and joy, and one woman’s trek towards true emotional acceptance.
Friday 15 Nov | 21.00 – 23.00
BAC - Screen 2
Tickets £9.50
SPECIAL FILM SCREENING PRESENTED BY PATAGONIA ARTIFISHAL
A film about people, rivers and the fight for the future of wild fish and the environment that supports them. Alistair Maltby from the Rivers Trust and activist Corin Smith from Salmon and Trout Conservation will join for a panel discussion following the film.
Saturday 16 Nov | 09.30 – 11.30
BAC - Screen 1
Tickets £9.50 / £5 u18s
PRESENTED BY TREK GOING IN
In professional mountain biking, every moment matters. Get up close with Trek MTB athletes as they experience the highs and lows of training, racing and living for the sport they love.
Saturday 16 Nov | 12.15 – 14.15
Kendal Town Hall
Tickets £9.50 / £5 u18s
FILM
PRESENTED BY MONTANE CLIMBING BLIND
At four years of age Jesse Dufton was diagnosed with Retinitis Pigmentosa. Despite his devastating condition Jesse attempts to be the first blind person to make a ‘non-sight’ lead of the iconic Old Man of Hoy sea stack. Jesse, partner Molly Thompson and filmmaker Alastair Lee will be on stage.
Saturday 16 Nov | 16.30 – 18.00
BAC - Theatre
Tickets £12.50 / £8.50 u18s
WORLD FILM PREMIERE PRESENTED BY BERGHAUS THE BERGHAUS DRAGON’S BACK RACE
Behind every great race is an even greater event team: this is their story. Follow the journey through Wales, as they place check points, move the event through Wales, and deal with incidents on the course. Followed by a Q&A with race director Shane Ohly and guests.
Saturday 16 Nov | 16.30 – 18.00
Kendal Town Hall
Tickets £7.50 / £6 u18s
UK FILM PREMIERE PRESENTED BY PATAGONIA ROTPUNKT
Rotpunkt documents the advent, the agony and the art of the redpoint through Alex Megos’s efforts to redefine the boundaries of the form. Followed by a Q&A with Alex Megos.
Saturday 16 Nov | 19.00 – 20.30
BAC - Theatre
Tickets £15 / £8.50 u18s
WORLD FILM PREMIERE PRESENTED BY INOV-8 RUNNING THE WAINWRIGHTS
Paul Tierney’s incredible attempt at breaking the Wainwrights record. Followed by a Q&A with Paul.
Saturday 16 Nov | 21.00 – 22.30
BAC - Theatre
Tickets £15 / £8.50 u18s
WORLD FILM PREMIERE PRESENTED BY PICTURE ORGANIC CLOTHING SHELTER
Five friends embark on a human-powered journey exploring the historic mountain huts of the Alps with their guide Serge. Followed by Q&A with filmmakers & guests.
Saturday 16 Nov | 14.15 – 15.45
BAC - Theatre
Tickets £9.50 / £5 u18s
The true story of the climbing attempt on K2, the last Himalayan peak unconquered in winter.
Sunday 17 Nov | 20.00 (part of Best of Kendal)
Venue TBC | Tickets £12 / £6 u18s
The Festival aims to show the very best in outdoor film, across the broadest spectrum. Films are judged against twelve competitive categories including prizes for genre and creative excellence, by a panel of film and outdoor experts, and in the case of the People’s Choice, the audience itself. A trophy sculpted by Andy Parkin and cash prizes will be awarded to the best films in the categories.
KEME NZEREM (CHAIR)
Keme is a keen outdoorsman, British Journalist and is best known from his work as a news anchor and reporter at Channel 4 News. He’s been the Chair of the Jury for the last four years and we’re delighted he’s back again!
PAULA FLACH
As an editor, film programmer and runner with a soft spot for hard weather, Paula combines her passion for the great outdoors with her curiosity for story and connection. She is part of the creative team behind the European Outdoor Film Tour and the International Ocean Film Tour.
ED BIRCH
Ed is the founder and Director of Salt Street Productions, a Sheffield based production company that makes bold and exciting films about action sports. Ed set up Salt Street while still at university, and his burnt-out ski film RED RUN went viral, amassing more than 10 millions views worldwide. Since then Ed and the Salt Street crew have produced content for C4, BBC Sport, Red Bull and DJI.
JENNY TOUGH
Jenny’s passion is in human-powered endurance challenges, and exploring this beautiful planet, but particularly in mountains. Through her adventures she is always pushing and finding her limits, and she enjoys sharing her stories and encouraging others to explore their own limits, love the natural world, and protect our wild places.
DAVID SMART
David Smart is the editorial director of Gripped Publishing and founding editor of four magazines, including Gripped, Canada’s Climbing Magazine. The author of five climbing guidebooks and articles in both the Canadian Alpine Journal and Climbing magazine, as well as two novels and the memoir A Youth Wasted Climbing.
Grand Prize Free Solo
Judges Special Prize
Wonderful Loser & Chasing Monsters
Best Short Film AMA
Best Environment Film
The Islands and the Whales
Best Mountaineering Film
Dirtbag: The Legend of Fred Beckey
Best Adventure & Exploration Film Zabardast
Best Climbing Film The Dawn Wall
Best Culture Ascending Afghanistan
Best Adventure Sport Divided
Best Sound Parasol Peak
Best Visual This Mountain Life
People’s Choice Underdog & Ar Gefn Y Ddraig (Riding The Dragon)
19.00 – 21.00 SATURDAY 17 NOV BASECAMP STAGE
Our ‘Oscars’ of mountain film, hosted by our Jury Chairman Keme Nzerem and panel of judges, will reveal the winners across 11 categories of film prizes, plus the winners of our Photo Competition. FREE TO ATTEND – LIMITED NUMBERS
For filmmakers, the People’s Choice film prize is a big deal. It is direct confirmation, from the people who matter – you, the audience – that their film is your favourite.
To vote, first watch one of our many film collections shown throughout the festival, then visit kendalmountainfestival.com/vote or follow the link from the homepage. Fill out the online form rating the films you saw from 1 to 5.
When voting you will be able to enter our prize draw to win a YETI Tundra 45 Cool Box. Full details on the voting page of the website.
Votes close at 6pm Sunday 17 November 2019. Votes are limited to one vote per ticket. Votes are checked against unique ticket order numbers, any incomplete, invalid or duplicate votes will not be counted.
The winner will be announced at 8pm on Sunday at the Best of Kendal screening in the Town Hall.
SUPPORTED BY13.00 - 17.00 FRIDAY 15 NOV KENDAL TOWN HALL (INVITATION
In it’s sixth year, this event celebrates our industry; the challenges and innovations of filmmakers, brands and adventurers.
We connect over 200 professionals in a down to earth, fast-paced, opportunity focused event. The festival theme this year is openness, and this event will challenge us to think outside the box, be adaptable and most of all; be open to the concerning, the strange, the science and the magic. Listen out, lean in and make yourself heard.
We are delighted to welcome back Channel 4 and the Outdoor Industry Association as our key sponsors and welcome as our innovative technology partners Aiper.