On | Solace – Running the Alps in 30 days – Karel Sabbe's Via Alpina FKT In the summer of 2021, ultrarunner Karel Sabbe ran the Via Alpina trail in just 30 days. Averaging two marathons on a daily basis, he navigated the route 14 days faster than anybody else. As well as the Alps, Karel overcame sleep deprivation, illness and extreme weather. And he did it all with a camera crew in tow, documenting every step.
Once is Enough (2020)
After losing his mother to obesity, a thirty-two year old chubby ginger comedian and vegan son-of-a-pig-farmer sets out to avoid the same fate by running one hundred miles through the mountains of Colorado in one of the world's most difficult ultra trail marathons...and lives to tell jokes about it.
Des Blocs En Valais (2008)
Boulders in Valais presents the canton of Valais in Switzerland, its bouldering climbing spots and some of its historical and current actors and driving forces including Lucien Abbet, Benoît Dorsaz, Fred Nicole, Dave Graham... Frédéric and François Nicole gives us spectacular demonstrations of this sport, showing us routes like "Radja", the world's first 8b+. A topo-video part contains 28 climbing sites with a geographical map, and more than 160 video sequences for as many chosen blocks... more than 2h30 of climbing.
Refugee Poetry (2016)
The Kurdish Iraqi poet and actor Zeravan Khalil travels with his dog through an Alpine gorge after fleeing from IS war and genocide. As he remembers the abomination, he writes a poem with the title “You drive me mad” in Kurmanji Kurdish. In his home country, Yazidic Kurds are forbidden to work in his profession. Then he eats his apple and wanders through Europe’s middle with more hope.
Silbergeier (2012)
Silbergeier is a long pitch route (8b+ max) built by Pietro del Pra in 1993 and organized by Beat Kammerlander. In this film, Nina Caprez achieves the first female ascent with her then partner Cédric Lachat. A beautiful production by Vladimir Cellier, carried by essential music.
Pure (2009)
PURE is 19 extraordinary climbers in six countries on three continents; Nalle Hukkataival: This young climber from Finland spent his time on the World Cup circuit and now focuses on climbing some of the toughest rocks on the planet. Kevin Jorgeson: Exclusive footage of his first solo ascents in California. A unique perspective on the mental control needed to solo and the re-education needed when making a mistake. Kilian Fischhuber: Winner of the 2008 Men's Bouldering World Cup. Anna Stoehr: Aged 20, she won the 2008 Women's Bouldering World Cup. Fred Nicole: The legend of bouldering, author of achievements in hardest boulders in the world. The leader and grandmaster of the sport. Cody Roth: Enthusiastic about climbing just about anything, he achieves breathtaking first ascents here from Rocklands to Europe.
Pacing the Pacific (2023)
Few hikers start the PCT and finish. Even fewer clock a time faster than five months. Professional dentist, dedicated dad, and casual ultrarunner Karel Sabbe is not like most hikers. Backcountry’s new full-length documentary follows Karel as he vies to set the speed record... again.
Running Out (2021)
A Bryan Hynes documentary following the story of Ultra Runner Lucy Bartholomew as she runs the the 231km Larapinta Trail in the Northern Territory Australia. From Lucys early beginnings into the sport of Ultra running, the film looks behind the curtain into the raw and upfront realities of ultra running and the undertaking of a project on this scale. The film shines a light on going beyond limits, the value of community, and showcasing some of the most beautiful landscapes of central Australia.
#17 - To Finish The Barkley Marathons (2024)
An unprecedented look into the psyche of Karel Sabbe in his attempt to finish the legendary Barkley Marathons. As the first documentary focusing on a finisher, it unveils Sabbe's mental fortitude and physical resilience in tackling the brutal course. Through intimate interviews and captivating footage, viewers gain invaluable insights into the mindset required to endure the grueling challenges of the Barkley.
Cervino 1901 (1901)
In 1953, in an old cabinet of a former photographer from Zermatt, a first mountaineering film was found. It was a silent film from the first era showing the ascent of the Matterhorn by a group of guides across the Hornli ridge. The film is attributed to the American Frederick Burlingham and dated 1901 and is therefore the first mountaineering film in history. The story of the discovery was also dressed in a certain aura of legend and mystery as it was told that the original copy of the film had been lost forever in a shipwreck in the Atlantic and was the only copy printed that remained. The film was renamed Cervin 1901 or Cervino 1901, and in 2014, after being restored again. But the truth is that this whole story, which has somehow held together throughout this period, is full of inaccuracies...
Denis Urubko - My Own Way (2016)
Denis Urubko is one of the strongest Himalayan climbers of all time: he has climbed all 8000 meter peaks without supplemental oxygen, establishing new alpine style routes on Broad Peak, Manaslu, Cho Oyu and Lhotse. He also made the first winter ascents of Makalu and Gasherbrum II. Add to his legend, the incredible rescue of Elisabeth Revol in distress on the Nanga Parbat in January 2018, and that of about eight other climbers. Urubko's story is simply unique, tells us about him and his journey to becoming the best in very high mountains. Denis Urubko is not just an exceptional climber, he is a true legend whose feats of arms will remain etched in the history of mountaineering.
The Mirage (2022)
Join us for a series of films which explore the highs and lows of long distance trail running. In this thrilling collection brought to you by adidas TERREX, watch the world’s best runners test the limits of resilience and endurance to live the sport they love, and be united with their families at the finish line. As well as following pro athletes Sabrina Stanley, Stephen Kersh, Ruth Croft and Pablo Villa, it’s a chance to watch the UK premiere of ‘The Mirage’ with ultra runner Timothy Olson, documenting his attempt to run 50 miles a day for 50 days to break the fastest known time on the Pacific Crest Trail. Braving record high temperatures and impending wildfires, he must outrun nature to reach the trail's end before the birth of his daughter. Being present in the moment, finding your purpose, and pushing through the pain are what all runners chase after. On the world’s longest trails, these brief moments of joy can be the only thing keeping you going.
The Trail Running Film Festival 2023 (2023)
We're proud and excited to present the Official Selection for the Trail Running Film Festival 2023 Global Tour. We're honored to bring these amazing stories by wonderfully talented filmmakers to theaters, trail races, running stores and community centers around the globe. FROM THE SHADOW OF A MOUNTAIN - Alex Massey, SOLO - Ellie Green CHASING CRAZY - Lady Mountain Films, RUN FREE - Ethan DeLorenzo, THE REALITY OF RUNNING - Milo Zanecchia, FAITH IN THE FUTURE - Adam Wells and Ryan Scura, FOOTPRINTS RUNNING CAMP - Max Romey, NETTIE FROM OHIO - Jessica Vandenbush, OUT TRAILS - Nick Danielson
Matterhorn - The North Face In Winter (1976)
The first filmed winter ascent of the north face of the Matterhorn. To set the scene, the tragic story of Edward Whymper's first ascent is skillfully pieced together. The modern expedition, a team of three British climbers, is also plagued with epics: Eric Jones is hit by an avalanche and can only come to a dangerous stop at the edge of a 1000 foot drop. Then the worst storm ever recorded in Zermatt hits the Matterhorn. With time and weather against them, the team is forced to climb in the dark as thunderstorms rumble around them. This adventure captures the skill and courage of the climbers, their agony and tension, and the beauty of the assault on this spectacular mountain. Grand Prize at the Les Diablerets festival (Switzerland) in 1976.
Ice Up (2005)
Unique shapes, no two the same, formed by the action of water and frost. The water that once ran from the summits in torrents and waterfalls is immobilized for a few weeks. The thing is to be there, in time, just at the moment when they become solid, just before they return to water. A question of balance. Around seven top-level climbers who represent all the richness of the activity, these images will highlight different techniques and different approaches. Although the athletic performance is impressive, it is there only to emphasize the dazzling shapes, the warmth of friendships, the stories of teamwork.
In the High Country (2013)
Anton Krupicka’s running has evolved from trails to mountains to free-soloing. Filmed over a season “In the High Country” thin air, river baths, and itinerant mountain living.
Brian Reynolds: The Leadville Trail 100 (2024)
Brian Reynolds, a double amputee below the knee athlete, has triumphed over numerous challenges throughout his life. Growing up without a role model to guide him, he has embarked on a mission to empower para athletes by demonstrating that nothing is beyond reach. Join us in this documentary as we follow Brian's journey to make history by becoming the first double amputee to conquer the legendary Leadville 100 Ultra Trail Marathon in Colorado.