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FILM DETAILS 2006

Notes: FP = Filmmaker or Representative in person; W = World Premiere; H = UK Premiere

2nd Base          Norway          8 mins

Directed by Espen Wang Naveen          Produced by Oslo Base

Over the past 5 years the Oslo BASE team have been seeking out eye popping locations from around the world. Hold on to your seats for these two chapters from the film.

Antarctica - The End          USA          9 mins          H

Directed and produced by Sam Lowe Anker

The observations of a 13 year old boy filmed during a first journey Antarctica , the film is a very personal and fresh assessment of man's impact on most remote and wild of our continents.

Arctic Team Challenge          Denmark          26 mins          H/FP

Directed by Eskil Hardt          Produced by Ace and Ace

Over 5 days, the "Ultimate Adventure Race" in East Greenland covers 250 kilometres - a mixture of running, glacier and mountain trekking, mountain biking and canoeing through ice bergs. This is one of the toughest, most remote and spectacular of all endurance races. The English Saab Solomon team from the Lakes are hard pushed to retain their title.

Asiemut Canada          57 mins          H

Directed and Produced by Olivier Higgins and Mélanie Carrier

A bike film which is so much more than just record a young couples' 6 month, 8000 km odyssey from Mongolia the Bengal Bay in India . It beautifully captures the spirit of discovery, endurance, humility and pain and a human relationship while travelling through some of the most hostile landscapes, yet most hospitable communities, on the planet.

Balancing Point          USA          6 mins          H

Directed and Produced by Dan Brown

A film which is shot entirely in reverse, with only the human mind seeking a sense of time moving forward, and a bit of magic to explain the rock sculptures which appear mysteriously in the wilderness apparently at the beckoning of sorcerers.

Becoming a Man in Siberia          France          52 mins          H

Directed Benoit Segur          Produced by Manuel Catteau (ZED)

Across the huge expanse of Asia , nomadic tribes still perpetuate their ancient cultures. The film follows the epic ordeals of young men from two communities - in the great frozen north of Siberia and in the Altai Desert of Mongolia. They face different challenges in their rites of passage - the threat of wolves, drought, blizzards and famine - but a common goal - to become men in the eyes of their community.

Cerro Torre - Arca de los Ventos          Italy          20 mins          H

Directed and produced by Ermanno Salvaterra

On his fifth expedition to Cerro Torre, Ermanno Salvaterra finally succeeds in climbing the route claimed by Maestri 47 years ago from the Col of Conquest. The light weight team of three eventually get the weather they need to complete what Salvaterra's says is; "at last, a route on the north side of the mountain."

Circumnavigation of Tasmania          GB          31 mins          FP

Produced and Directed by Justine Curvengen

The Tasmanian coast extends for 850 miles and is known for notoriously bad weather and high seas. Using kayak mounted cameras, Curvengen records this gritty story of three young women as they battle with 3 story high waves and their own doubts, sharing tears and laughter in this warts and all documentary.

Clorophilla          Italy          5 mins          H

Directed by Francesco D'Alessio       Produced by Magamtic Studios

As the title suggests, Mother Nature and the environment takes a leading role as the location for some stunning bike footage in the excerpt we feature.

Dist Urban Behaviour          Canada          11 mins          H

Directed and produced by Antoine Sequin

How do you define and climb the best lines in an urban environment? A group of young builderers take on the challenges in and around Montreal .

Duet        Trans  European          7 mins          W/FP

Directed by Keith Partridge Produced by Proisert Nan Ealan (Gaelic Arts Agency)

This short film is part of a pan European arts project to be released next year. The story is based around the struggle for survival of the community on St. Kilda. This vertical 'love' dance, performed by a Compagnie Retouramont, represents the ebb and flow in a relationship between two lovers flying in the face of a dangerous existence, a small sequence from the full film to be shown next year.

E11          GB          41 mins          FP

Directed by Paul Diffley       Produced by Dave Brown

A new style, very personal documentary of climbing master Dave MacLeod as he seeks to take traditional rock climbing to the next level of difficulty. His goal is the creation of the first E11 and the location is his local crag - Dumbarton Rock. The film follows his personal battle, some might say obsession, as he struggles to overcome the difficulties, frustration, a strained relationship, massive falls and injury on this multi year project. (The soundtrack performers -DJ B-Burg and MC Hasta - will be performing at the Film Awards ceremony on the 19th).

Falling Forward          USA          6 mins          H

Directed by Darrel Miller          Produced by Storm Show Studios

The Wyoming mountains are the setting for skiers and riders to navigate their way through dangerously powder and massive exposure to find the new extreme descents.

First Ascent          USA          85 mins          H

Directed by Peter Mortimer           Produced by Peter Mortimer and Timmy O'Neill

This engaging and at times hilarious film follows climbers on their quest for first ascents from Yosemite to Thalay Sagar, from Switzerland to Hollywood . Much more than just an action climbing film, it is a tribute to the individuals and the quest to be the first and to understand just what that might mean as the struggle to balance achievement and fame with humility and respect unfolds.

Generation Game          GB          3 mins          FP

Directed and produced by Paul Howard and Justine Wastnage

A lighthearted look at the challenges of fell running and parenthood over three generations - a slightly extended, very entertaining re-edit of one of last year's Extreme Film School finalists.

Harvest Moon          Switzerland/USA          43 mins         H

Directed and produced by Stephan Siegrist and Rob Frost

Hard climbing and cold hostile conditions create a touch and go situation for a light weight capsule style ascent of the unclimbed North West Pillar of Thalay Sagar in the Gharwal Himalaya. Despite the weather and altitude, the camera records the ascent from all angles including fixed locations above the lead climbers.

Hockey Night in Ladakh          Canada         9 mins         H

Directed and produced by Pat and Biaba Morrow

The Canadian embassy ice hockey team from Delhi fly to Leh to take part in a tournament at 3500m. Canada 's national sport seems to have taken hold (with help from the NHL) in this Buddhist capital. The out of shape Canucks face defeat on the ice and overwhelming hospitality everywhere else.

Jack Osbourne - Adreneline Junkie          GB         46 mins          FP

Directed and Produced by Ed Stobart, Craig Pickles and Jon Turner

In this third episode of the three part series, Jack Osbourne has completed his detox from drugs and is training hard to climb El Capitan . But can he overcome his doubts and emotional mood swings as he continues a life saving personal journey that few would others would have found the will and courage to undertake?

Johnny's Rants          GB         10 mins         H/FP

Directed and produced by Alun Hughes

The iconoclastic icon Johnny Dawes is questioned by Alun Hughes and is lectured in return on his lack of knowledge of rock climbing history, style, motivation and just about everything that Johnny has excelled at over the years - "no one knows how good I am!"

Kayaks on the Roof of the World          Australia          20 mins         H/FP

Directed and Produced by Chris Jones and Sharyn Smith

The film follows a white water expedition down the Tsangpo River of Tibet and also tells the story of a growing new industry as the team train local Tibetans to become River Guides.

Kurt Diemberger - K2          GB         3 mins         H/FP

Directed and Produced by Naz Sadoughi and Edward Salkeld

Kurt talks candidly about the 1986 K2 tragedy, the affect which the loss of his long time companion Julie Tullis had on his life and of the spell binding attraction which the mountain still hold for him to this day.

Kurt Diemberger - The Giant Meringue         GB          3 mins         H/FP

Directed and Produced by Naz Sadoughi and Edward Salkeld

The story of the climb on the Konigsspitze in 1953 which helped to launch Diemberger's long and distinguished climbing career.

Khumbu Mighty Mites         USA         3 mins         H/FP

Directed and produced by Karl Swingle

Like children anywhere, when it snows, the children of Khumbu go out to play. A variety of improvised skis and sleds provide the means for fun, thrills and spills.

Le Beatnik         GB         9 mins          W/FP

Directed by David Crawley          Produced by Pip Piper and Dominic Green

This short documentary explores the character and life of Gary Hemming, the American hero of a dramatic rescue of two climbers on the Dru. Chris Bonington, Martin Boysen, Pierre Mesaud and Andy Parkin breath life into the myth and ultimate tragedy of his story. The film began as a two minute short in last year's Extreme Film School .

Linea di Eleganza (Line of Elegance)         Italy          19 mins         H

Directed and produced by Elio Orlandi

A new route on the North East Face of Fitzroy in Patagonia is the subject of this film. Camera records a film diary of this capsule style ascent by a group of friends, set to music, with n0 sense of commercial pressure to achieve or to break any records, just to climb.

McKinley - Nightmare at 20,000ft.          GB         52 mins         W/FP

Directed by Crispin Reece          Produced by Darlow Smithson

A gripping tale of an attempt on the West Buttress of McKinley which goes horribly wrong, not once, but twice. Two of the British team are trapped high on the mountain suffering from hypothermia while the third member falls attempting to alert the rescue. A tale of endurance, perseverance and the will to recover from terrible injury. The film is part of the next Alive series to be broadcast in the spring.

Mountains Without Barriers         USA          25 mins          H/FP

Directed by Michael Brown          Produced by Serac films

The lively story of a convention of disabled people who share two key characteristics - love of the mountains and a determination not to let their disabilities stop them from enjoying life in the outdoors, which includes climbing blind on the 6+ Cassin route.

Mujaan         USA         25 mins         H

Directed and produced by Chris McKee

A 'day-in-the-life' documentary film which tells the story of a builder constructing a new yurt for a nomadic family. The film does not shy from the realities of the nomadic life, capturing the sights, sounds and music of the Mongolian steppes.

Nanga Parbat - the Naked Mountain          Spain         55 mins         H

Directed by Sebatián Alvaro           Produced by Miguel María Delgado

A strong Spanish team which includes Edurne Pasabán are joined by Swiss climber Marianne Chapuissat and Ester Sabadell to attempt Nanga Parbat . The mountain lives up to its reputation for danger and bad weather but eventually team work and determination win through.

Natural High         Switzerland          5 mins         H

Directed and produced by Michael Buehler

An exhilarating film which follows a group of fiends who have devoted their lives to extreme skiing and mountaineering. The final chapter of the film captures its essence.

Ne Pofa         France         9 mins         H

Directed and produced by Xavier Leonti

Beautifully shot deep powder ski film, with an excellent sound track and haunting images - we have two shorts taken from the film in Kasmir and heli-skiing in British Columbia .

Obsession          GB          26 mins          W/FP

Directed and produced by Chris Doyle

Obsession follows a young climber from the midlands as he sets out on his quest to make the first British ascent of Wolfgang Gullich's legendary test piece Action Direct in the Frankenjura of Germany. Is two year's hard training enough?

On the Road with the Red God Macheddendranath         Nepal          52 mins         H

Directed and Produced by Kesang Tseten Lama

A remarkable documentary, shot over the space of one year. A great wooden chariot with a towering fertility symbol, dedicated to the Red God Macheddendranath, is constructed and then hauled by huge crowds through the Kathmandu valley. They wait for auspicious signs to travel, fight internal battles between castes of workers, face rival chariots and pray that in this year there will be no lose of life during the procession, that the valley will be blessed with fecundity and that the threat of civil war will not totally destroy their traditions.

Parking          USA          5 mins         H

Directed and produced by Bill Plympton

An animated short in which a proud car park attendant is thwarted from opening his acres of tarmac by a single blade of grass - a battle to the death ensues.

Patagonia Ice Cap Expedition          Germany         35 mins         H

Directed by Georg Dehghan          Produced by Moving Adventures Media

Borge Osland and Tomas Ullrich combine their arctic and mountaineering skills to make one of the most difficult crossings on the planet - a complete traverse of the Patagonia Ice cap from sea to sea. Their food and technology seem barely adequate when faced with horrific weather and unknown terrain.

Pururambo         Slovakia         56 mins         H

Directed by Pavol Barabás           Produced by K2 Studios

New Guinea , the largest tropical island in the world, still holds many undiscovered secrets hidden behind walls of nearly impenetrable deep forests. Entering the territories of the native people can be a dangerous adventure, where cannibalism still exists but where the codes of respect and sharing offer a glimpse of life unchanged since the Stone Age.

Quebec Givre (Crazy Quebec )         France          26mins         H

Directed by Samuel Beaugey & Erwann le Liann       Produced by Seven Doc (Severine Gauci)

A small French ice climbing team visit Quebec in search of new experiences, ice that doesn't collapse and the perfect ice wall to both climb and BASE jump.

Set in Stone          GB          45 mins         FP

Directed and Produced by Alastair Lee and David Halsted

Over the past ten years Dave Birkett has created an unequalled list of top end extremes - most unrepeated - on the high mountain crags of the Lake District . He is the latest Birkett star in a tradition that extends over 70 years. This in depth, humorous and at times gripping profile of one of the greatest but modest rock climbers in the UK is, for the production team, a stunning transformation from their usual less serious approach, but despite the fact that it is primarily a climbing film, humour and innovation abound.

Solilochairliftquist         USA         5 mins         H

Directed and produced by T. M. Faversham

What do you think about when you ride a chair lift? An inane, hilarious, sparklingly cynical and touching insight into one ride in the life of a ski bum on his hundredth plus day of the season.

Stone Monkey with Johnny Dawes Commentary          GB          26 mins         FP

Directed and produced by Alun Hughes

When Stone Monkey came out in the 1980's, it was hailed as the greatest rock climbing film ever made - a true breakthrough in technique and story line. Over the past 20 years, it has held much of its reputation. This version has all the original footage and much of the sound track but with the added insight on Johnny as he remembers the making of the film.

Synergy Freeride         GB          25 mins         FP

Directed and produced by Richard Lawrie

With a pacy soundtrack and commentary on lifestyles, Richard Lawrie goes onto the faces, into the gullies and around the all night parties that make up the world of the ex pat extreme ski scene in Chamonix .

The Devil's Miner          Germany          83 mins         H

Directed and produced by Richard Ladkani and Keif Davidson

In Bolivia , not far from Potosi , is a gold mine employing 6500 children and young men between the ages of 7-16. For most, there is no escape from a backbreaking short life, but two brothers aged 12 and 14 work hard and plan for an escape to a better life. Deep in the mine is a shrine to the Devil where the miners take offerings believing belief that only the Devil can protect them - a strange anomaly in Catholic community.

The Escape from Alcatraz         USA          13 mins         H

Directed and produced by Chris Alston

After ten years of looking at the route, Rich Parnell attempts to escape from his obsession by completing the route of the films title. Six attempts, 25 bolts, 3 drills, 24 hours of work and 7 stitches later, he finally success and rates the route M14 - but what will Will Gadd give it?

The Fool Looks at the Finger that Points to the Sky         GB          8 mins

Directed and produced by Aaron Bradbury

A magical and usual animation in which a normal puppet is attracted to a mysterious mountain like object in the centre of a city and finds away to escape for a while to there stars and return with the memory to a sleeping city. Created as a video for the band - The Little Explorer.

The Khumbu Climbing School          USA         6 mins         H/FP

Directed by Karl Swingle          Produced by Conrad Anker and Jennifer Lowe

Now in its third year, the Khumbu Climbing School continues to train and teach safe practices and technique needed by the aspiring young climbers to help them become mountain guides.

The Magic Mountain         Canada          50 mins         H

Directed and produced by Pat and Biba Morrow

Cynthia Hunt is the founder of Health Inc - which aims to teach literacy and good health and environmental practice in the remotes villages of Ladakh. She treks the high mountains for weeks at a time, overcoming her own physical problems through a fierce drive to help the people of her adopted home. This award winning film is a testament both to one woman's commitment and drive, and to the local people who respond openly and with great results.

The Other Side of K2         Spain         43         H

Directed by Xavier Casillanis Narcís Noguera           Produced by Televisió de Catalunya

A documentary which follows the 2004 Catalan expedition that made the second ascent of the 'Magic Line' on K2 . After the inevitable lengthy battles with weather and adverse conditions, one team member reaches the summit and safely descends the Abruzzi Spur, but for the rest of the team, the decent back down the magic line is a nightmare that ends in tragedy.

The Story of Indian Face          GB         31         H/FP

Directed and produced by Alun Hughes

An insight into the fascinating and controversial story of what has been for many years Britain's hardest traditional rock climb - Indian Face E9 6c. Excellent archive footage and a well scripted text narrated by Jim Perrin is enhanced by contributions from Joe Brown, John Redhead, Nick Dixon and Johnny Dawes - the hero of the piece.

This is the Sea - Kamchachka         GB         15 mins         FP

Directed and produced by Justine Curvengen

One of the most isolated and fascinating peninsulas in the world is visited by a sea kayaking team. Along with spectacular mountains, wildlife and high seas are the occasional reminders of the failed ambition of the Soviet Union .

Transfer          GB         8 mins          W/FP

Directed by Josie Clyde and Lesley McKenna          Produced by Josie Clyde

An all girl international snow board film - the sequel to Dropstitch - in which the film makers explore the sport, the personalities and the culture.

Trapped Under A Boulder         GB         45 mins         FP

Directed by Nick Copus           Produced by Darlow Smithson

On a remote Island of the east coast of Australia , two hikers meet and decide to climb a peak together, approaching via a difficult river gorge. Responding to a call of nature, Warren MacDonald pulls a huge boulder onto himself, crushing his legs. Should his companion Geert van Keulen go for help, and try to save his companion form drowning in rising waters. Part of the 'Alive' series a truly remarkable tale of survival against the odds.

UFO         USA         6 mins         H

Directed and produced by Stephen Burgess

Pilots on a night flight are forced to speculate on mysterious lights that have appeared in the sky above them. Are they UFOs?

Why He Skied          USA          45 mins         H

Directed and Produced by Per Saari

In 2001, ski-mountaineer Hans Saari fell to his death on Mont Blanc du Tacul. A year after the accident his younger brother Per sets out to interview Hans friends and family in an effort to explain what happened the day his brother died. Each stop on Per's journey - from his birthplace on a Macaw Indian Reservation to Chamonix brings him closer to understanding why he skied.