BRITAIN'S BEST ADVENTURE FILMMAKER AND THE BRIT ROCK FILM TOUR

                                                                                                                                                        TIME: 7.30PM

DATE: TUE JAN 15TH 2019

PLACE: PAVILION ARTS CENTRE, BUXTON OPERA HOUSE, BUXTON

COST: £15 / £12.50 CONCESSIONS. TICKETS AVAILABLE VIA THE BUXTON OPERA HOUSE WEBSITE

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ALASTAIR LEE

Alastair Lee has probably won more awards for his films than any other adventure filmmaker in the UK. He's produced cutting edge climbing films with sublime soundtracks for twenty years so knows his stuff. As well as making the films he's also responsible for the Brit Rock Film Tour, an annual programme of British climbing films that tours cinemas, theatres and climbing walls around the world. Al will explain how to make a film in the most inaccessible and inhospitable places on the planet, he'll regale the audience with stories from his many filming trips, and then introduce this winter's Brit Rock Film Tour (films below):

The Brit Rock Film Tour 2018 from Posing Productions on Vimeo.

The Brit Rock Film Tour is back for 2018 with its strongest line up to date
 
The Brit Rock Film Tour has all the best new climbing films from the UK’s top adventure filmmakers, featuring some of the country’s most popular climbers. The 2018 tour delivers a stunning line-up of compelling stories from the vertical world in its strongest program to date launching from late October.
 
Brazilian – 20 mins, Dir Rob Johnson/Alastair Lee
 
A maverick bunch of Brits go big wall hunting in Brazil. Lead by pioneering legend Mike ‘Twid’ Turner with Steve Long and some youth in the form of the super-strong James Taylor and Angus Kille (just climbed Indian Face!), the team head for the giant monolith of 'Pedra Baiana’ dreaming of a new line on perfect rock. From the outset the plan begins to unravel with fuel blockages, wasp attacks, a shortage of equipment and time all pinning back progress in this spectacular and charming film.
 
Just Anna – 15mins, Dir Alastair Lee
 
In an era where searching out and developing new routes seems uncomfortably out of vogue: all is not lost as we meet Anna Taylor. This remarkable Lakes-based 20 year old is bucking all the tends with stunning new sport routes and bold traditional lines. Including a nervy introduction to Deep Water Soloing by climbing partner Neil Gresham, we face all the challenges and difficulties along with Anna on her journey to one of the great unclimbed lines.
 
North Base  – 5mins, Dir Alastair Lee
 
The ultra pragmatic Tim Howell is a specialist in climbing cliffs and jumping from the top of them, commonly known as ‘climb to base’. This short film introduces us to Tim’s way of life and his long-term goal of being the first to climb and jump all six of the classic alpine north faces. This epic concept will surely test even Tim’s steely nerves and seemingly inexhaustible energy.
 
Whiz Kid: Rainshadow – 20 min, Dir Paul Diffley
 
In 2016 at the age of just 17, William Bosi became the youngest Brit to climb the ultimate magic grade: 9a. Whiz Kid: follows William’s journey to climb Steve McClure’s Malham test piece, Rainshadow. Documented in an observational style the film gently reveals what it takes to climb at this level.
 
Free Flow – 7 mins, Dir Paul Diffley
 
Hazel Findlay enjoys an epic day of mountain running and solo climbing in the Welsh mountains of Snowdonia. Stunning shots combine with a considered soundtrack underpinned by a subtle environmental message.
 
Blood Moon – 20mins, Dir Alastair Lee
 
The film follows Robbie Phillips, Calum Cunningham and Alan Carne as they attempt to open
a new climb, ground up, on a 700m Big Wall; Tsaranoro Atsimo in Madagascar. The walls of Tsaranoro are as wild and bold as the country, the rock beautifully carved and the story... that of a real adventure of friends taking the risks that come hand in hand with pushing boundaries. Once the free climbing begins disaster strikes, Alan takes a bad fall shattering his lower right leg, an epic ordeal unfolds to get Alan from the remote big wall to safety. From here the mood changes, Robbie and Calum are left with some big questions and bigger fears as they must decide whether to continue with their push or give in to their emotions as they learn the hardest way possible what it takes to open a Big Wall on one of the sheerest vertical faces in Africa.
 
Undiscovered – 10min, Dir Chris Prescott
 
Dave MacLeod has spent the past 25 years putting up cutting edge routes all over the world but most frequently on his native Scottish rock. ‘Undiscovered’ explores the passion for pioneering first ascents and examines the effort that goes into developing new routes as Dave unearths more jewels on the crags that seemingly just keep on giving.

A few words about Alastair Lee

Alastair Lee is a director and camera man specialising in the outdoor world. Twenty years in the industry he is a veteran of expeditions to the likes of Baffin Island, the Venezuelan jungle and Antarctica. Producing award winning films and TV commercials with stunning photography his special talent for combining the spectacular with the human have made him one of the leading forces in his industry with over 100 international awards to his name.

Not to be confused with the disposable ‘adrenaline’ fuelled clips that dominate social media Alastair’s work is born of a deeper understanding and respect for the mountain world where a genuine passion and will to preserve these extraordinary environments is at the heart of Alastair’s work. Exploration, not only of the wild places to the furthest corners of the earth but also of the human condition. Delving into the complex psychology of the paradox of a modern person’s desire to challenge themselves in the natural arena. The quest not just for the summit but the search for purpose and meaning amongst the ever-increasing western safety and comfort.

Alastair has embraced the full gambit of modern devices at the film makers disposal, from drones to jibs to cineflex camera systems and 4k slow motion shooting. However Alastair is also acutely aware that the ‘eye-candy’ means nothing without a strong sense of narrative and human depth. Alastair’s consistent success at combining world class cinematography with his trade-mark humour are testament to his true love of his art and dedication to always doing the best job possible and continually attempting to eclipse his own high standards.

In May of 2013 Alastair was awarded one of the top awards in his industry, The Grand Prize from the International Mountain Film Alliance at the Trento Film Festival IMFA website.