Darkest Before Dawn | A Dawn Wall Story

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Peek into the world of Belgian climber Siebe Vanhee’s authentic, raw process of his first season climbing on Yosemite’s hardest big wall. The infamous Dawn Wall proves to be a challenge in more ways than one.
“Darkest before Dawn” combines genuine storytelling with a cinematic approach bringing together a story beyond just the climbing. The film encapsulates the beauty of the body's language when hanging from it's fingertips thousands of feet off the ground.
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Venez jetez un coup d’oeil au monde authentique et brut du grimpeur belge Siebe Vanhee durant sa première saison sur le big wall le plus difficile du Yosemite. Le monstrueusement connu “Dawn Wall” s’avère être un défi à plus d’un titre.
"Darkest before Dawn" combine des entrevues sincères et une approche artistique pour créer une histoire au-delà de l’escalade. Le film capture la beauté du langage corporel lorsqu'il est suspendu du bout des doigts à des centaines de mètre du sol.
In association with @TheNorthFace
DIRECTOR : Alex Eggermont - / a.eggermont
CLIMBERS:
Siebe Vanhee: / siebevanhee
Séb Berthe: / sebertheclimber
Darkest Before Dawn | A Dawn Wall Story

[@EpicTV]

We have English + French or Spanish subtitles if needed, just click on the ‘cc’ button, had to change language, click on on the ⚙️

[@aeiro5390]

The English subtitles seem to be French, not English.

[@EpicTV]

@@aeiro5390 ah ok, most of the English subtitles are embedded, so hopefully that ok…thanks for pointing it out though 🙏

[@thephore]

This is beautiful, and not just cinematically. I'm glad we're at a point with our community where we can show vulnerability and not just successful assents.

[@Nick-B78]

^^^ The perfect comment right here ^^^

[@jakobbauz]

I love that too.

[@xavierolivera4090]

I said the same among my relatives

[@jakobbauz]

@@xavierolivera4090 That's cool. I wish I was at that point with mine...

[@13donstalos]

*ascents

[@user-xt4ip8un5m]

WOW!! This is so powerful how Siebe shows his vulnerability in trying hard routes whilst being a pro climber and travelling the world non stop to climb SICK ROUTES!!

[@skip1860]

Whilst lmfao 🤣

[@BRADSZ99]

"With Adam I wish it would have taken him like one more year" I respect the honesty lolol. I just hope no one forgets that pioneering a line like this is infinitely harder than just climbing it!

[@alexanderjarde3971]

That comment from TC really cracked me up 🤣

[@SCOclimbing]

After all the route hardest pitch is a 9A, not taking away that from anyone, but for Adam a 9A is pretty much like a 6B for a good climber on 7B+ and above levels, takes some effort but it is not like it's impossible to flash or do in a few tries.

[@borrf2335]

@@SCOclimbing eh, sorta. I mean, he’s flashed a few 14d’s but most were burlier, more overhung routes. The delicate face climbing of yosemite granite is a different animal. It’s also very different to do it when you’re sleeping on the wall for days on end, hauling gear, and trying hard at 2000 feet. Ofc he’s much much stronger than Tommy on any given move, but it’s a very different sort of project than simply going out and doing 30 semi-hard pitches.

[@SCOclimbing]

@@borrf2335 You are correct but an 8A will be an 8A at 30meters or 500meters, plus Adam is super good on slabs aswell, his weakness should be perfecto mundo type stuff (super shouldery moves), not the case in Dawn Wall, Adam and any top tier climber with proper preparation for a 1 thousand meter climb should be able to climb it in between 15 to 25 days on average, I am talking about guys like Stefano, Will Bosi, Seb Bouin, etc etc.

[@the_zenclimber]

@@SCOclimbing Climbing Dawn Wall is not just skills but it needs a LOT of motivation. That's where Adam is also very good at. Remember, the guy who opened Burden of dreams, the hardest boulder in the world, Nalle Hukataival, has also tried Dawn Wall but he bailed. The thing is just too big, too massive for most elite sport climbers.

[@michaelcarruth7138]

I want so much more of this, a beautiful short film about climbing. Trying, failing, learning, and growing. That is the essence of climbing. The more of this the better our sport.

[@williamleventhal7826]

As a climber who has done over 25 different routes up El Capitan, I am amazed by the terrain you are able to free climb up there! I always would imagine doing sections of the routes free, but the blank sections always seemed so daunting. What Tommy accomplished in envisioning the line, putting in the work to link all the sections together into a free ascent is an amazing feat. I hope you get back up there again soon and finish it off in good style. Cheers to your future success.

[@unknownh3ro]

Alex honnold can probably free solo this Wall no problem

[@williamleventhal7826]

@Brian Dao Uh, not a chance. While I greatly respect Alex and his amazing climbing feats, not only is this climb more difficult than anything Alex has climbed, WITH a rope, but it has so many difficult sections that require full-on leaps and dynos, that I can say with confidence that this climb will never be free soloed.

[@barrettself4183]

@@williamleventhal7826It will be another generation or more before anyone free climbs each consecutive pitch with no falls. The best in the world are on the wall for weeks

[@tegridyfarms6197]

@@barrettself4183 Or u are Ondra and need 8 days total...

[@crispycrimps865]

@@unknownh3ro Not this route, no

[@callmetarif]

Dude, that was mad inspiring to watch. Thank you for pushing out a jewel of a film just like that. I appreciate it, since I'm home with a fuqd up foot (beware of inclined mats when bouldering) and unable to climb and work. Life goal, the dawn wall.

[@matthewwall9489]

Old mate...you are one of the legends who has graced the Dawn Wall..!!

[@EpicTV]

🙌

[@danielkumada6434]

Thank you so much for sharing your journey with us!! You climb hard and should not doubt yourself! It's a legendary wall for a reason and you have the heart to come back and send!! Please document that for us!!! Climb on....

[@EpicTV]

🙌🙌

[@Leander_]

What an absolute masterpiece of a climbing documentary. Hats off to the director Alex Eggermont and to Siebe Vanhee. Good luck on the send.

[@asfarfafar]

Really inspiring and beautiful film. I think in climbing, failure is such a big part of the experience, that it should be shown more often and with no shame or embarrassment. Not all projects are a success, and that's ok :)

[@shawntronclimbing]

It's refreshing to see a short about a climber revealing his anxieties and doubts about himself while navigating his pursuit of gnarly adventures. Alex - great job! It's hard cutting a short about a theme rather than a chronological adventure. At first I didn't like the slow motion montage - but then I thought it served the film well - it let the ideas Siebe was talking about breathe for a moment. Awesome work!

[@DeepakTiwari-wx5ee]

The marks on the fingers speak louder than any words. It was one of the most difficult climbing attempt. Respect! More strength! Best wishes!

[@gamantri6540]

INCDREDIBLY WELL DIRECTED AND FILMED! Congrats Alex! AMAZING JOB!

[@LeCaNiVideos]

Beautiful in so many ways. Good effort and inspirational revelation, Siebe! And good job, film crew, what a cinematic masterpiece! I wish you the best of luck during your time home, and on your return! Send it!

[@maverick7ization]

Wonderful story of the ultimate battle not just with rock but with ones self.

[@JohnSoldano-yn7je]

Back when I was living in the park, there was a party stuck at least 18 pitches up in a snow storm for 2 weeks. This route is by far one of the most spectacular on El Cap. Great video guys, thank you!

[@CalmTurtle2023]

Full respect to these guys... I, literally, can only imagine.

[@denyscpoyner]

I did a lot of rock climbing when I was in my late 20's early 30's. Don't do it any more because now I'm 53 and my arthritis won't let me. Most people might not realise that climbing is pretty much 50 % physical and 50% mental. There are times when you have to battle you own mind when it's screaming at you " you can't do that" but you overcome and do it anyway.

[@billking8843]

I'm 62 but very little arthritis for my age so still at it. Still having the mental battles!

[@erin_de]

This was a really lovely story, an authentic and cringe-free viewing experience.

[@Aspire4Lyphe]

It's always they made it or they amazing did this impossible thing, but this show the reality of the subject. It takes a different and better person to post their failures in this time of social catalyst in the form of constant POSTED success. Amazing video.

[@RenaudV]

SO inspirational!!! Can't wait for the moment you start doubting to go back, go for it again and send the whole thing!!! Let's gooooooo!

[@rssla4537]

love such videos. I wish it would be more on the channel!

[@peschi79]

Really enjoyed this, thanks for sharing.

[@EpicTV]

🙌🙌

[@kathyjackson3751]

This was amazing. Such a challenge

[@Karodrinker]

The slow motion montage of Yosemite life where he boulders The Silly Roof was really touching and makes me feel homesick. 😢❤

[@GEOGEO33caher]

Amazing video! Bravo. Especially loved the section with the Schubert piano-Sonata. Beautiful. Would appreciate more classical music in climbing videos!

[@recbeatloop]

It is a pleasure to see how hard the downwall is for you and your belgium colleague, downgrading historical routes in the alps in order to receive publicity. You will never reach the grad of the best climbers and the charisma of the legends. :)

[@DanielDobbelstein]

Thank you all who participated in making tjis awesome video! ❤

[@4kxxx944]

just wow, the cinematography the story and the just pure hard climbing. makes me want to train even harder

[@bushwhacker-f9z]

Excellent job of finding and following a narrative that made it more interesting and that more than makes up for the lack of coverage of the climbing itself

[@miguelzapato59]

that's the best climbing-video i've ever seen...

[@loveroos627]

Siebe - It was a pleasure to meet you in Bohuslän for the talk, and to see the trailer. Been waiting for this one! As someone who myself have the same type of feelings that you experience, big ups and downs, I really appreciate your honesty in this film. Cheers from Bohuslän and Sweden / L

[@SalmanSalman-dd7xe]

Woouuwwww so cooollll 👍👍👍 .. wrealy wrealy beautiful landscape ... wrealy wrealy hard work ... profesional climber ...i ❤it👍👍👍🍎🍎🕷️

[@cedricnicolas2662]

Magnifique vidéo du grand art. J'ai grimpé le Nose et je connais l'endroit, le Dawn Wall semble être la voie ultime à ce jour en terme d'engagement mental.

[@camillenavailles4781]

Super reportage merci ! Belle leçon de vulnérabilité et humilité

[@christkind3067]

The cutter did a great job, this is awesome!

[@mattmarcroft8931]

Beautifully made film - stunningly shot.

[@JockDoubleday]

A very intense and well-shot film. I'm watching a lot of climbing videos. A very intense sport. Great job. I love the concrete mountains of the True Ancients who built the continents. #TerraformingofTerra

[@sal2b1]

Well done on sharing your feelings bro. I can see what this Maria sees in you

[@SylviavanNierop]

Thank you Siebe for sharing this story. Ver nice insights. And the shots are awesome to watch as well!

[@IdRatherBeHiking]

Great film, definitely learned some techniques I can use for my own films.

[@MrMoppeh]

Synth music: When the Sunrise yehezkel Raz

[@zimarron40]

so perfect for a friday night ...

[@alyssaryan3166]

Beautiful! Keep learning and growing!

[@MrKrecke]

Beautiful

[@mellevanschaik6823]

Wow so inspiring it touches the heart 🙏

[@quinnthompson]

Incredible video, thank you!

[@gabrielpereiraramos8990]

very very beautiful movie! thanks guys

[@thomassalakenos]

Super Inspiring Siebe ! Definetly the key is to build that confidence positive circle, again and again ! See you Out 😃

[@turquoisevoid4536]

truly epic film

[@davidlongmuir2388]

Wonderful!!!

[@arrrriba]

Awesome film!! Great work from everybody

[@eddyray2012]

This is crazy.

[@EyesofZoey]

Very nice one. Thanks.. One day he will get it done im sure

[@johanneswildcountryevolv6391]

The green helmet of Siebe is amazing! :_)

[@user-zh6hu7bi4m]

Unreal short film! Anyone know the last synth track during the credits?

[@Chris-xi4kk]

Makes you realize just how amazing and probably crazy what Honnold did.

[@SamulationTV]

Alex has not climbed the Dawn Wall. Not everything has to be about Alex.

[@ryanvanhorne5837]

beautiful

[@mattiasea]

wow love this film :D so fun to get insight how much work it is behind those big wall climbs.

[@SalmanSalman-dd7xe]

I hope someday i Will come USA ... climbing with you ..

[@barbaracameron-smith7093]

So glad he has protection in place. As in try, try and try again.

[@SebaCufer]

On 15:30 when the music starts 😍🙏

[@Arnau_climbs]

Siebe looks like there's a knee bar at minute 9:38!😂 The route looks awesome and the video super well shot!👌 It really gets you psyched to climb there...

[@Karodrinker]

With the kneebar it gets downgraded to 14c 😂 jkjkjk

[@IT-fr4wb]

Class clip… cheers

[@SalmanSalman-dd7xe]

Good job guys

[@DrCrimp-sg5pb]

amazing

[@VelascoFlorencia]

Beautiful :)

[@ridelifegaming13]

Am i the only one who saw the crazy flying thing between 7 and 8 seconds into the film? Theres actually 2 of them. The first one is hard to see, but the second one you can pause it just before the rock face, as well as just after the face, and both frames give you a pretty descent look. They're REALLY FAST and they're tiny, white, little craft or tic tac looking little things, or whatever, but they both fly at a constant speed, and man, are they haulin ass. Can anyone else see it? The one that shoots from east to west flies right by the face about 3/4 of the way up.

[@10laws2liveby]

Guys with nuts & guts. I was going to add luck, but its skill

[@carlswenson5403]

fur vest, yoga pants. legend.

[@JB-rt4mx]

If you here screaming in Yosemite...It's the Dawn Wall !! 😉

[@MrUncut310]

Whats the music around 16:00?

[@gariklaw]

When the Sunrise - Sivan Talmor, Yehezkel Raz

[@SwissCHeessee]

#epic ☯

[@ruhrml]

My friend Miguelito is a pro climber.

[@PreSsWuRsT89]

@alex! Nice Film You made their! Wow! You’re a beast! If you around the alps some time, hit me up. Greets Martin sedlacek

[@nickchan7651]

It was inspiring to watch. However, whats the point of dramatic and cinematic music when the traverse climb is so on fleek? Totally unncessary.

[@loisadams837]

Ok, I have a stupid question and I am obviously not a climber at all. ?how do you get down? Please don’t tell me you have to climb back down after making it to the you. Helicopter?

[@kevinjohnston8399]

Google "rappel". Sometime they rappel the same line they got up, sometimes from the top they walk along the rim to rappel a different line. Sometimes they walk along the rim to a trail that goes all the way back down.

[@loisadams837]

@@kevinjohnston8399 thank you for the great answer. I don’t think I’ll be climbing or rappelling anytime soon. Just the thought of having to go back down makes the bottom of my feet sweat🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@sinawarwas3649]

Does anyone know the name of the piano song starting around minute 13:00?

[@DTSsb95]

Tom Poster, Impromptu in G-Flat Major, D. 899 No.3

[@Yurikyurik]

what is that portaledge at 2:54?

[@NEMESIScreator]

I love the film guys❤. As a colorist I would say the look is a bit too flat and doesn’t help telling the story of this incredible piece of rock and these people. (Watch on an IPhone 13 Pro Max and an Eizo calibrated monitor on my desktop) Cheers,

[@patrickhurley7029]

European men seem much more fluent with their emotions that Americans and some other countries

[@jurerepe5641]

The real question is where can one get these flashy 80s looking yoga pants they have in some of the pictures...

[@princenabby1]

I'm not a fan of the almost constant use of slow motion; it gave the whole film a really artificial feel.

[@WayneLinorice]

The dawn wall is a project created by a man trying to get over a devastating heartbreak. So of course it is seemingly impossible puzzle

[@6OceanSoul9]

They all have colourful leggings and i love it 😂❤

[@EpicTV]

That is a welcome bonus 😍

[@Pnw208]

Its so crazy to think someone climbed this whole thing without ropes and did it in record time

[@jiwablandongan]

👓☕🙏🙏

[@remingtonevernia7652]

Incredible video. How do you climb something as smooth as a baby's ass? This was beautiful in so many ways. 👏👏💪🍿🍿💐

[@EpicTV]

🤘🤘

[@gaspardvidal1106]

We don’t see any real climbing moment, any highlights... juste Forest and sometimes a fail...

[@ianjones2731]

Ultimately its a 20 commercial for The North Face. A shame really because it's a good video but all that north face corporate bullshit is pathetic really.

[@migueljorge8082]

Blah blah blah . Talk to Alex Honnold and ask for classes.

[@JoBianco]

I wonder if he's bipolar with the ups and downs?

[@GnomicMaster]

When Batso and Dean put that route up in 1970 they named it the Wall of Early Morning Light. "Dawn Wall" is an abomination. I still call it by its original name because I honor Warren and Dean.

[@tyler.knowles]

Dude chill. The dawn wall (this route) and the wall of the early morning light are completely different climbs… this route shares several pitches with other routes (Mecalito, New Dawn, The Tempest) but it’s it’s own unique line up the wall.

[@GnomicMaster]

@@tyler.knowles Fair enough, but really "Dawn" and "Early Light"? Is that called plagiarism? Besides, Batso was a pal.

[@tyler.knowles]

I totally agree hahah definitely could have been a touch more original

[@James-nc2zx]

Do any of the new gen of climbers do any climbs without filming it. Not many soul climbers left

[@ferrells0987]

beautiful