For nearly three years, director Dina Khreino interviewed world-class mountain climbing athletes, listening to what compels them to leave behind families, friends, and everyday comforts to risk everything for a fleeting glimpse into the unknown. What she found was a tribe, a diverse group of professional adventurers and amateur philosophers forged by the ultimate test of body, mind, and spirit. In the face of shifting winds, sheer granite cliffs, and impossible odds, they climb. Each for their own reason, but every one connected by the vertical world. In this rarefied air, these athletes are fundamentally changed, not just as climbers, but as human beings.
Since a 100 foot fall in 2002 that took his right leg and left him with spinal injuries, Colorado climber Craig DeMartino has led one hell of a life, including lauded First Disabled and In-A-Day Ascents on El Capitan. But his day-to-day life story is the one that should be making headlines.
“I don’t want to be known as just a one-armed climber,” says Maureen Beck. “I just want to be a good climber.” Beck may have been born missing her lower left arm, but she is not here to be your inspiration.
Born without her left hand, Beck is a multiple title- and medal-winner in the sport of paraclimbing, or rock climbing for people with physical disabilities. When she isn't competing, she's managing the adaptive team for U.S.A. Climbing.
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