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

                                                                                                                                                        TIME: 7.30PM

DATE: TUE NOV 19TH 2019

PLACE: PAVILION ARTS CENTRE, BUXTON OPERA HOUSE, BUXTON

COST: £15 / £12.50 CONCESSIONS. TICKETS.

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BREAKING NEWS: CLIMBING BLIND WINS GRAND PRIZE AT 2019 KENDAL MOUNTAIN FILMF FESTIVAL

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. Jesse Dufton, star of Climbing Blind, will also be at the show for a Q&A after the films.

The Big Deal?
produced and directed by Alastair Lee - 12mins
 
An action-packed profile of one of the UK’s strongest female boulderers on rock; Frances Bensley. As a relative newcomer to rock we charter Frances’ 12-month journey on some stunning and increasingly hard problems throughout the UK as she makes an extraordinary rise to a world-class level. Beautifully filmed, this featurette revels in Frances’ refreshing approach to bouldering all accompanied by her every enthusiastic and entertaining sister Alice.
 
Dream of White Horses
produced and directed by Paul Diffley  - 8mins
 
A celebration of one of the UK's most impactful climbers: Edwin Drummond. We pay tribute to his life with a look at the historic first ascent of what's now considered to be one of the world's greatest trad multi-pitches 'A Dream Of White Horses'. Located on the spectacular cliffs of Gogarth this ascent was made by Ed Drummond and Dave Pearce in 1968. We bring the ascent to life through reenactment with James Mchaffie and Lex Pearce(Dave's son) accompanied by Ed's poetry which was as big a part of Ed's life as climbing. The two blend together beautifully in this atmospheric tribute to a man who changed the climbing scene forever.
 
Nightmayer
Petzl/BMCTV - 6mins
Climber Steve McClure has always been inspired by the Cromlech in Llanberis Pass gradually making his way through all the classics over the years, however, one challenge remained: 'Nightmayer' at a hefty E8 6c'. In this short and engrossing film we join Steve on his goal to make a successful 'on sight' of this infamous route a feat which as never been achieved before.
 
CLIMBING BLIND
The incredible story of the first blind lead of the Old Man of Hoy
directed & produced by Alastair Lee in association with Montane -  60mins
 
Jesse Dufton was born with 20% central vision. At four years of age Jesse was diagnosed with Retinitis Pigmentosa: a rare genetic disease that breaks down the retinas' cells. At aged 20 Jesse could no longer read, by the time he was 30 his vision was reduced to just light perception with around 1 or 2 % field of view. As a life long climber, Jesse flies in the face of adversity training for world cup events and leading traditional rock climbs with his sight guide and fiancée Molly. As his sight degenerates his climbing continues to make remarkable progress. Despite his devastating condition Jesse only takes on bigger challenges by attempting to be the first blind person to make a 'non-sight' lead of the iconic Old Man of Hoy sea stack in Scotland.

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.