Lorena, Light-Footed Woman

Release Date: November 2019
Rating: 8/10

This here is a cracking documentary about a long-distance runner called Lorena Ramírez, a young woman of the Rarámuri, a group of indigenous American people living in Chihuahua, Mexico. Amongst other things, the Rarámuri are well-known for their long-distance running abilities, something Lorena happens to excel at.

Directed by Juan Carlos Rulfo, the film follows Lorena’s daily life in the Sierra Tarahumara mountain range, along with her near-innate training rituals, and the ultramarathons she enters around the world. Aside from winning three of these marathons by the age of 22 – and, well, being astonishingly good at running – Lorena also happens to accomplish all of this in sandals. Yep. That’s right.

If you’re looking for motivation for a career in alpine sprinting or fell-running – this might be your sign.

Mountain Queen: The Summits of Lhakpa Sherpa

Release Date: July 2024
Rating: 9/10

‘Mountain Queen’ is the story of Lhakpa Sherpa as she completes her – not first, not second – but TENTH summit of Mount Everest (Qomolangma). While bringing up two daughters and surviving an abusive marriage, Lhakpa becomes the first woman in the world to achieve this incredible feat. Way back in 2000 in fact, she she became the first Nepalese woman to summit Everest and survive.

Following her life as a girl in rural Nepal, her experiences upon migrating to the USA, and her tales as a single mother working as a dishwasher – Mountain Queen is an intimate account of a woman who seeks to create a better life for her children. Directed by oscar-nominated Lucy Walker,  this is one hell of a journey. (Fun fact: In 2016, Lhakpa was listed among the BBC’s 100 most inspirational and influential women.)

Broad Peak

Release Date: September 2022
Rating: 7/10

Broad Peak is based on the extraordinary life of Polish mountaineer and guide, Maciej Berbeka. Having accomplished – what he thought was – the first winter ascent of Broad Peak (8047m) in 1988, Maciej later learns he was 17 metres lower than the true summit. 25 years later, he returns to finish what he started.

With stunning cinematography and an all-immersive sound experience, this one’s pretty good at sticking to the facts while still continuing to keep you gripped. Though incredibly tense and harrowing in parts, there’s also tender moments littered throughout, and a nice bit of insight into Maciej himself.

Resurface

Release Date: September 2017
Rating: 8/10

Backed by research detailing the healing properties of the ocean on the mind and body, Van Curaza founded Operation Surf, vowing to dedicate his life to helping veterans find peace through surfing. Little did he know the life-changing effects this would have on Iraq war veteran Bobby Lane who had been suffering for years with PTSD and depression.

Resurface follows Bobby’s journey, the stories of other veterans and their struggles, and the unbelievable power of the ocean. A deeply moving documentary – this is a must watch.

The Summit of the Gods

Release Date: Sept 2021
Rating: 7/10

This french animation (‘Les Sommet des Dieux’) is a mountaineering adventure drama based on a Japanese manga series of the same name by Jiro Taniguchi. In short, it follows the photojournalist Fukamachi as he stumbles across a camera he suspects belongs to British mountaineer George Mallory who went missing in 1924 when attempting to summit Everest.

It’s not everyday you find an animated adventure film based around mountaineering so we thoroughly enjoyed this one, especially the intricate shots of the Nepalese mountains and the beautiful colours captured in the snow. We won’t give too much away though…but you’re definitely in for a tense ride here…

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