FREE SOLO | HURT (Award-Winning Short Film 2022) | Squamish

With his mental health at an all time low, a veteran Free Solo’s for what may be the last time.   
  
In years following the Oscar winning film, Free Solo, the act of soloing may have grown to become a glamorized endeavor. This film explores a man's controversial motivations behind free soloing.  
  
In today's climate, the amount of service members challenged with suicidal thoughts are at an all-time high. HURT is an 12min fictional short following a veteran who free solo’s recklessly as an escape when PTSD and heartbreak thrusts his mental health into decline.  
  
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𝐀 𝐧𝐨𝐭𝐞 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐝𝐢𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐨𝐫:   
As a Squamish climber and helicopter rescue swimmer veteran struggling with PTSD, and having known multiple climbers who've died soloing in my community, I drew on my past to bring this vision to light in the hopes of preventing more deaths like those we've lost.
  
I created this film following military traumas combined with a hard separation which created what I can only describe as cerebral warfare. This evolved into a cycle of self-hatred where I didn't want to commit suicide, but I also didn't want to be here anymore. I didn't want to deal with the pain; a pain which seemed to go away when the stakes got higher soloing; when in actuality the stakes should never feel raised soloing.  
  
Pushing my limits eventually led to being stuck 5 pitches up a climb in a position where I didn't want to down-climb nor did I feel comfortable doing the next move up. If anyone was around, I would have begged for help. I felt the pump building; frozen on the crimps I was desperately gripping. I recall looking down and imagining, as though reality, my body bouncing down the cliff into the talus field below. For the first time I thought "wow, this is not worth it". Though I managed to walk away from that situation, I felt like I'd entered an alternate reality where I'd somehow survived. In truth, a part of me felt like I'd actually fallen that day.
  
Following this incident, I started noticing how prevalent soloing was in Squamish. So I started talking with members of the climbing community about the motivations behind certain peoples' choice to free solo and occasionally, their less talked about/less glamourous motivations. I learned that it wasn't uncommon for individuals in pain to look to this outlet to separate themselves from whatever traumas they were dealing with (breakups, loss of a significant others, anxiety, depression, etc).  Even soloing legends like Dean Potter and Alex Honnold had reportedly pushed their soloing limits following heartache.  
 
So, we decided to make a film, originally with the fairly humorous working title of "SADLO" (soloing sad), to highlight a yet to be shared perspective on free soloing.  
 
NOTE: Some scenes are better understood with headphones and subtitles on.
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𝐒𝐏𝐎𝐍𝐒𝐎𝐑𝐄𝐃 𝐁𝐘: vpo.ca/stores/Squamish  
  
𝐂𝐑𝐄𝐃𝐈𝐓𝐒:  
Written & Directed by: 𝘝𝘪𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘓𝘢𝘱𝘰𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘦  
Produced by: 𝘝𝘪𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘓𝘢𝘱𝘰𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘦 & 𝘈𝘭𝘦𝘹𝘢 𝘐𝘴𝘩𝘪𝘬𝘢𝘸𝘢  
Executive Producers: 𝘝𝘪𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘓𝘢𝘱𝘰𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘦 & 𝘡𝘢𝘤𝘩 𝘏𝘰𝘶𝘴𝘵𝘰𝘯  
  
𝐂𝐀𝐒𝐓:  
John: 𝘞𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘔𝘢𝘵𝘻𝘩𝘰𝘭𝘥  
Sarah: 𝘏𝘢𝘯𝘯𝘢𝘩 𝘋𝘰𝘣𝘪𝘦  
Therapist & Podcaster: 𝘈𝘭𝘦𝘹𝘢 𝘐𝘴𝘩𝘪𝘬𝘢𝘸𝘢  
Therapist (Voice): 𝘋𝘳. 𝘊𝘰𝘳𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘦 𝘛𝘳𝘦𝘮𝘣𝘭𝘢𝘺  
John’s Mother: 𝘊𝘢𝘳𝘳𝘪𝘦 𝘏𝘶𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘳  
  
𝐂𝐑𝐄𝐖:  
1st AD: 𝘈𝘭𝘦𝘹𝘢 𝘐𝘴𝘩𝘪𝘬𝘢𝘸𝘢  
Stunts: 𝘋𝘢𝘷𝘦 “𝘊𝘩𝘦𝘦𝘤𝘩” 𝘔𝘢𝘳𝘪𝘯 | 𝘝𝘪𝘯𝘯𝘺 2 𝘊𝘳𝘰𝘤𝘴  
1st Camera Unit: 𝘝𝘪𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘓𝘢𝘱𝘰𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘦 | 𝘑𝘦𝘴𝘴𝘦 𝘏𝘦𝘯𝘳𝘺 | 𝘈𝘭𝘦𝘹𝘢 𝘍𝘢𝘺 | 𝘍𝘦𝘳𝘳𝘺 𝘎𝘰𝘥𝘨𝘰  
Edited by: 𝘝𝘪𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘓𝘢𝘱𝘰𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘦 | 𝘈𝘯𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘯𝘺 𝘗𝘰𝘰𝘯 | 𝘑𝘢𝘴𝘱𝘦𝘳 𝘎𝘳𝘢𝘶  
Sound Designer: 𝘊𝘩𝘳𝘪𝘴𝘵𝘰𝘱𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘊𝘭𝘦𝘢𝘵𝘰𝘳  
Composers: 𝘑𝘦𝘴𝘶𝘴 𝘊𝘢𝘣𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘦𝘳𝘰 | 𝘐𝘢𝘯 𝘚𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘳𝘴  
Colorist: 𝘋𝘮𝘪𝘵𝘳𝘺 𝘒𝘶𝘻𝘯𝘦𝘵𝘴𝘰𝘷 
Foley: 𝘘𝘶𝘦𝘵𝘻𝘢𝘭 𝘚𝘰𝘯𝘪𝘥𝘰  
  
𝐀𝐖𝐀𝐑𝐃𝐒 & 𝐒𝐄𝐋𝐄𝐂𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍𝐒:  
Award Winner: 𝘗𝘢𝘳𝘪𝘴 𝘔𝘰𝘷𝘪𝘦 𝘍𝘦𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘷𝘢𝘭  
Semi-Finalist: 𝘚𝘦𝘳𝘣𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘐𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘯𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘢𝘭 𝘍𝘪𝘭𝘮 𝘍𝘦𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘷𝘢𝘭 (𝘚𝘐𝘍𝘍)  
Nominee: 𝘊𝘩𝘪𝘤𝘢𝘨𝘰 𝘐𝘯𝘥𝘪𝘦 𝘍𝘪𝘭𝘮 𝘈𝘸𝘢𝘳𝘥𝘴  
Nominee: 𝘔𝘰𝘯𝘵𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘭 𝘐𝘯𝘥𝘦𝘱𝘦𝘯𝘥𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘍𝘪𝘭𝘮 𝘍𝘦𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘷𝘢𝘭  
  
𝐈𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐦: ⁣⁣ wildertainm...
𝐓𝐢𝐤𝐭𝐨𝐤: ⁣⁣ / wildertainment  
𝐏𝐨𝐝𝐜𝐚𝐬𝐭: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...
  
  
  
  
WILDERTAINMENT MISSION: Bringing you Entertaining Wilderness Adventure Stories whether you're a rock climber, mountaineer, skier, hiker, kayaker or whether you love ice climbing, snow boarding or bouldering, join us in the backcountry for some Wilderness Entertainment!

[@wildertainment]

Reading the description may help understand the inspirations behind this film. NOTE: Some scenes are better understood with subtitles on. Regarding Alex Honnold's film "The Hurt", our film was complete in Fall 2022 and premiered, at Valhalla Pure Outfitters in Squamish, January 2023 before we were aware of the upcoming Reel Rock film "The Hurt". At first we thought: "well, shucks", but then we realized "this could be a blessing in disguise". 😅 P.S. Don't miss the BLOOPERS: kzbin.info/www/bejne/nKelc6WnpaaCmdE

[@kevinv2877]

I'm confused? 🤨Alex Honnold has a free solo film out called the hurt?

[@fredbmurphy]

Wow, you triggered a whole lot of rock lovers out there, as if one's issues with others was a completely non existent thing.

[@wildertainment]

@@kevinv2877 yes, sometime around May 2023, Reel Rock released a bonus film in their series in which Honnold completed a mega link-up by free soloing the Red Rock range (35miles and 25,000+ft of elevation gain).

[@carlswenson5403]

you should take this video down ... and not make anything else ever again

[@ElunearaStarsong]

I've been free-soloing quite a lot over the past years, but this summer I almost died. I was 150 feet up when a hold broke. It was like the descriptions writes, I saw myself falling. It felt impossible that my hand had stayed on the hold that didn't break, and I felt saved by a guardian angel. My body couldn't stop shaking, but I managed to down climb. Then I just sat there and re-thought some of my life. My motivations for free-soloing. Who was I trying to prove myself to?

[@wildertainment]

I think more climbers than might like to agree have had similar experiences.

[@davidgerrard776]

I wanted to die. Bought a sportbike pushed and pushed it to it's limits. The closer I was to dying the more alive I felt. I now have control over my depression and I love life now. Going to Everest in a year. Just base camp but I want to see the Himalayas.

[@MadAboutBusiness]

Go for it brother. You've got this. Good luck with Base Camp.

[@wildertainment]

Thanks for sharing David. Yeah, i feel like pushing the limits in a less than healthy mindset can translate to so many adventure sports. Living in Squamish, mountain biking was certainly also one I'd considered could resonate...we just happened to be climbers so we made that the sport to connect the character to.

[@JohnJohnJR5200]

I can relate big time! I could never get over my dads tragic death when I was 20, and I suffered extreme domestic abuse at the hands of family of friends because nobody could understand the pain I was suffering and they punished me out of their ignorance. And it plunged me deeper and deeper into depression and people treated me worse and worse because It made me dysfunctional etc.f*&#King brutal cycle. Then I turned 37 and I officially wanted to die I started planning my own death. But instead I started solo mountain climbing hoping a grizzly or big foot would eat me. Climbing mountains was the hardest thing I ever did but the experience radically changed my life and identity and here I am alive today! still hiking mountains and beginning to recover from a life of suffering.

[@ddemyanek]

Don’t listen to the haters in the comments who have no idea about what it takes to make a good film, how to free solo climb, or how to give thoughtful feedback. I really appreciate this movie. Thank you for making it.

[@3XD13]

In my opinion, two things are being mixed up here: mental health and free solo climbing. When I'm feeling really down, I can engage in destructive behavior with almost any sport, be it riding a motorcycle, parachuting, or anything else. This film suggests that anyone who practices free solo climbing is mentally ill, and that's not okay, as it harms the sport!

[@sebjan180]

How does it suggest that? As you say, it could have been any sport, in this case it was free soloing. There's even the quote in the beginning that describes how this is not typically what it's about, just that it can be for some. His quote at the end even discusses the difference between self harm or suicidal behaviour and doing something for therapeutic effect.

[@derek96720]

Firstly, no it doesn't suggest that. It suggest that THIS guy practices free solo because of trauma. Moving on, risk-taking behavior is an extremely common reaction to past trauma. Many people in extreme sports have truckloads of unresolved baggage in their past or poor impulse control. It's silly to pretend there isn't a corrolation between the two.

[@klixplus]

Thank you, the timing of this coming up in my feed could not have been better. Grateful for your beautiful work

[@SecretSpots]

This hit me hard. I climb. I also had my wife leave me after 26 faithful years, and multiple failed businesses. I've stood at the top of a cliff, alone, and thought of taking the leap. ... Then by the movement of God and the luck of good signal at the top, my phone rang, it was my daughter calling to say hello. .... BELIEVE!!!!! 🙏🏼❤

[@wildertainment]

Now that's an incredible story

[@SecretSpots]

@@wildertainment You can imagine how intense it was for me to watch this video.

[@wj2036]

Yes, believe in humanity. Live to better yourself and those around you. Create a world that others can enjoy in the future. If you are searching for purpose, find it in making the existence we KNOW we have, better. Don't dwell on what's next, it will only get in your way.

[@multerestreader6324]

Wow! Thats a testimony!! God bless!

[@SecretSpots]

@@multerestreader6324 THANK YOU! God bless! 🙏🏼

[@lovis_hertel]

never have i cried and felt so many different emotions from one short film! what a masterpiece!

[@jiiig8667]

Brother what a truly beautiful project to make. I hope it helped u realise some things about yourself and that you continue to grow from your experiences. ❤

[@catherinepitura8820]

I dont think this was cringe at all because i know it's real. Our external world - what we do, how we live - is a reflection of our internal world. When I was a climbing addict, i was also a person living in a lot of fear and had low self esteem. Climbing was both an escape from regular life and it was the medicine i needed to gain the confidence to grow, heal, and move forward in my life. But like this movie, the key was I had to ask for Help. I'm so happy that was the ending of this film, because asking for help can be the hardest part to recognize but will always change your life for the better. So yes, the ways we self medicate help us temporary as we grow, but we need to keep moving forward in love. and soloing is one way for certain people to heal, but the most important thing is that we have connection to other safe people and can share the internal load we are carrying. I think you guys did a great job on this film and brought forth a truth, because there are many people suffering in the world. i do believe we are collectively healing. Thank you for your contribution 😊🙏🤍🗿 #consciousclimbing #mindtools

[@wildertainment]

Thank you so much for having the courage to share such a vulnerable and thought-filled comment.☺

[@stevensalgan5495]

Honestly, though he doesn't know it yet, he's about to have his best season yet. Nothing like those break-up rage sessions

[@wildertainment]

😂

[@808alldevon9]

I watched the first minute. I’m saving this so I can sit down and give this my full attention. So far I can tell this is building up to a great short film

[@lizosaurusrex]

I don't think I've ever seen a film (well, non-political) with such polar opposite comments. It's like a 50/50 split between omg and wtf. Very interesting.

[@garywheaton7112]

Fellow AW here. Super heartfelt and well written description behind the motivation of the film. As far the film goes… meathead angrily solos 5.8 instead of going to therapy is unbelievably cringy.

[@wildertainment]

Hey now, meatheads are people with emotions to miang 😉

[@great-life-experiences9731]

im happy someone else appreciates running barefooted in the forest :)

[@joshuacarothers2569]

Just ordered shoes called Magic Shoes. It's like being barefoot and are good down to 10 degrees.

[@ThatLaggyNoob]

How on earth is this guy soloing Calculus Crack without other climbers in the shot? St. Vitus' Dance felt like the most popular route in Squamish while I was there, lol

[@Tonybentley456]

covid times bro

[@kevocarey7403]

Wow. As a veteran and climber, I'm embarrassed by this. Did the makers consult with any veterans, or is this just stereotypes all the way through?

[@yuttakarnb]

He knows how to go up , but is much harder to get back down ❤

[@derek96720]

This film resonated a lot with me, less because of the guilt over losing someone overseas (thankfully I was spared that), but the girlfriend poking, insulting, and gaslighting him until he snaps and becomes "the aggressor." I've met too many women like this over the years. They'll do everything to invalidate your feelings while they berate you, push you, and scream in your face to try goading you into a fight. Then when they don't let you walk away, you hit a wall or kick a chair because it's all you can do not to hit her instead. Now you're the "violent man" and she gets to be the victim.

[@pascaljutras178]

this type of behavior start slowly, most important is to never let this come bigger, if the other person does not give you any respect it is simple : just go away and let know you will have discussion only if it is done with respect, it is also a way to protect yourself from doing or saying things you would regret (it also protect the other person).

[@tallboyslim6667]

@@pascaljutras178best possible advice. Unfortunately my ex showed her crazy after already having my kid. Both of us young. Imagine being tied to this for life, or minimum 18 years. Even if you break up, it’s still constant communication for the sake of your kid, except with lots of court involvement, accusations, less time with your kid while knowing your kid is being partially raised by an unstable person, who is talking bad about you to your kid every night, etc. Man I hate my life. This film actually made me want to free solo, albeit for the wrong reasons. I only boulder, so I don’t know how to use a rope anyway

[@ethanbost3]

this is fucking hilarious

[@HippieEraTV]

what type of texture is used within the graphics like to create the characters. not playdough, or clay but i do love the way it just makes the characters look.

[@jasonkohler-zz7mw]

I enjoyed the film and can relate to the subject matter. Once after some extreme emotional conflict i onsite free soloed a new route on Beacon Rock in Washington. (A variation of an existing route) While pulling through a roof 400' above the deck, i fell. My fingers locked above me in a crack and held the fall. Wasnt my time. My story deserves telling but not here. Probably a very narrow target audience? Those who use free soloing as therapy? It happens. Thanks for sharing this film.

[@mohawkman9]

I hope you're doing good now. I wish you all the best.

[@bronsondiamond2025]

relatable. even the writers personal story about not wanting to be here but not wanting to commit suicide. I always wondered if freesolo climbers were escaping, suicidal or just pure awesome humans who don't fear death. Super well done on the fall. Looked pretty real as heck. Even the scenarios in which it happens; and the gravity effect. Crazy shit and I dig it.

[@shawnamarie-evans7588]

Brilliant, poignant, breathtaking. Thank you...

[@pelleplutt-qq2uk]

So cringe, do melodramic, so emotionelly manipulating - I loved it!

[@mjh42777]

Highly recommend bringing in balance and stability into your life before free soling. Meditation and yoga have been time tested methods going back over 10k years. I’m a veteran and went through something somewhat similar situations. I broke both of my legs in a climbing fall. Gladly I’m still Alive. @sadhguru’s tools for bringing inner peace have saved my life. Wish this for all those with mental health imbalances.

[@mikemcintosh9933]

I appreciate you sharing this

[@wildertainment]

Thank you so much for sharing that

[@trevorama]

From one Canadian filmmaker to another, really impressive shots! Well done!! How’d you capture those falling shots? They looked so damn realistic.

[@jonkrause6714]

Read the description. Mental voices, games, horrors and whatever else can be incorrectly portrayed is done beautifully in the movie. As a PTSD combat veteran myself-like climbing-the beta or style is subjective and no one knows or understands your own struggles. My father had the same issues as a Vietnam Veteran and he only opened up when he knew I was in pain, too. Free soloing is a different mindset and doesn’t surprise me of climbers/people in pain/hurt that pushes them to the brink. Glad that seeking help was the true end game. Thank you. Truly beautiful.

[@drygordspellweaver8761]

It’s even harder for a man when we are the ones who break things off. Then you have the loss along with regret, instead of just the loss.

[@uthikoloshe]

Mans climbing a slab all day long and then catches several seconds of air!

[@dawalrus2861]

i cried

[@DeepakTiwari-wx5ee]

Pain is the necessary component to feel the life that is running through our veins. Once we are able to go through our pains whether it is physical or mental we come to place where life begins to appear beautiful on every step of the way.

[@LJFiorita]

What a cool short, as a climber I feel that it is very relevant to this sport right now

[@wildertainment]

Thanks! Whether or not we succeeded, our goal was neither to make an anti-soloing nor a pro-soloing film, but rather to share the reality that soloing isn't always done in the healthiest of mindsets. It can sometimes be done as a reckless escape mechanism, to burry traumas. Then there's also the ever-growing soloists who appear to be doing it to chase fame which, I think most of us can agree, is to be avoided.

[@lewisli9162]

Can someone make a comprehensive list of all the routes? Calculus crack appeared many times. The Shadow, and banana peel?

[@mountainstream8351]

Weird. Can't watch this.

[@steveeb9567]

Low art, low angle melodrama for the easily manipulated. Embarrassing.

[@mitchellsayer180]

What route is he climbing? The one with the low angle splitter twin cracks

[@Steven-ro6os]

I think it's calculus crack

[@2bad2benny]

Big up! Truly only such a majestic filmmaker could make Banana Peel look this scary 🫣🫣🫣

[@TheClimberLife]

Amazing work Vince. So incredible to see this vision come to life. Keep it up👌

[@wildertainment]

Thanks Cam! Also thanks for recommending I reach out to Murray at Valhalla Pure Outfitter Squamish to help with the post-production funding!

[@RafaelLeonHerreraCR]

Why did the name hurt was used? That’s the name of a real free solo movie from Alex Honnold in Red Rocks, Nevada. Actually I clicked on the video thinking it was related.

[@wildertainment]

please read my pinned comment, it's explained there 😁

[@RafaelLeonHerreraCR]

@@wildertainment noted. thanks for the explanation

[@JamesMadelin]

Holy shit what did I just see.... Bravo, congratulations and thanks. Wonderful. The director's comment "I didn't want to commit suicide, but I also didn't want to be here anymore." really struck me, having been there before. Thankfully not any more.

[@ronnier6607]

Mental health is a tough and uncomfortable conversation. Great job and I love the Interesting take on it. Beautiful videography. I live here so love seeing the chief every day.

[@michaelbradford4444]

This looks quite interesting....let the anticipation begin !

[@professionelguide1097]

Great job, Loved the shots, the editing is also insane. Was the music in 1:18 a custom muisc? I loved it, if there are any links for it.

[@wildertainment]

Yes it was composed by Ian Somers. I asked him to create a song to mimic the tone of Closer by Kings of Leon after failing to get rights to that song 😁

[@davidgerrard776]

Thanks everyone it's not letting me reply directly to each of you.

[@BejcarSkater]

Is the topo coming soon?

[@marionomadic6227]

Beautifully made.

[@garyisaacs6526]

at least there wasn't a scene with some toddler clutching their teddy bear while the parents destroyed the place .... I suppose the intent of the piece was well meaning but I hated seening rock climbing dragged into that muck and can't imagine that Honald appreciatied his name being mentioned . . . . IMO a definite thumbs down.

[@jezlevett]

Is this trying to capitilize off the hurt by alex honnald that was released on the same year. Just observing.

[@internalflight943]

I also think it's a nasty distraction from Alex's story. The name on youtube is exactly the same. But it's disgusting. The ego of a large part of the climbing community always takes a hit when someone does something big and at the same time cuts off a large part of the climbing community. They can't repeat it, they can't compare it, because they just don't have that dimension in free solo. Then they try to fit that performance into the system: Depression, autism. And at the same time only their small, aggressively individualistic EGO screams. I have been among climbers for 10 years. 90 percent of sport rock climbers are aggressive egomaniacs. They parasitize the 10 percent of climbers who have nice personalities. The rest of the climbing community tries to put on this mask.

[@alpinejonny]

Well that was incredible. Amazing film.

[@LJFiorita]

So good! 🎉

[@cathmires8990]

Do people that free solo climb up a mountain also free Solo back down? The answer seems obvious, but what if there’s a taxi or a town up at the top and he just catches it back to wherever his car is?

[@a.clement311]

A lot of the times there is an easier path to get down, which doesn’t require you to downclimb but just to hike back, that is for "climbing" free solo. For alpine free solo (more alpinism than climbing, you have to downclimb too most of the time)

[@callmetarif]

😂😂😂

[@tessiepinkman]

This is an amazing film. I have crippling anxiety and PTSD, and this film really captured the feeling of that. Thank you for making this movie. The cinematography is gorgeous and the editing sublime. Once again; Thank you.

[@jesseseese2539]

Inspirational, I don't have much climbing experience, and by that I mean none at all. But I feel the answer I've been searching for is somewhere in this video. I'm going to start free solo climbing this weekend and my life will be better!

[@offcenterconcepthaus]

Outstanding

[@JohnVoltz-rv3dn]

Excellent short fim inorder for someone to risk there lifes like they do i can see where alot of them have to be feeling similar feelings may the lord be in there Hearts .

[@coryupton669]

damn, I felt that one.

[@tormtorm62]

I liked it, as one who practices buddhism, and who has dealt with traumatic life events in negative ways for decades, I see this film as not so much about climbing but in dealing with pain through risky behavior, its about finding the healthy path to heal not distracting yourself. The people saying "cringe" were probably expecting something else and probably are not interested in contemplating their own demons and how they avoid them, good for you for making a thought provoking film!

[@lucasgomez9188]

Wish i could see the dislikes

[@climberkitchen]

i feel same...

[@Jos3M4d]

WoW Love it!!!!!!!

[@Mikannsen]

Why did you name it HURT? Same as Alex honnolds new project

[@dancingoctopus9888]

Yeah i thought at first maybe this was a trailer or sneak peak of it. Thats why I clicked.

[@mauriciomaezakacominato5696]

haters take your cameras, assemble your team, invest your money, and do better, if you have talent. To the creator of this film, congratulations, your story is moving, your film touched me and I'm sure it would touch a lot of people. keep climbing your mountain.

[@wildertainment]

Hahaha definitely a thought i had but couldn't share 😅, thank you for the kind words

[@schoeferfilm]

Absolutely awesome docu 👏 best cinematic greetings from a small german KZbin filmmaker 😅

[@p0851035]

John free soloing the Shadow!! Insane in the membrane👽👽👽

[@wildertainment]

🤣 he's really pushing the limits. That shot wasn't in the original edit. But we went out for a re-shoot cause we thought that'd make for a fun little tip of the hat to Squamish

[@mikemcintosh9933]

Good on you widertainment. Viewers are talking about mental health, which is good, and about safe climbing, which is good. Any cringe I feel comes from my own discomfort with both topics, which I'm working on.

[@wildertainment]

Wow, thanks for having the courage to voice an assumption i had also made. Sure this passion project was made on a micro-budget, an extremely tight time constraint and a new director, which may have resulted in some elements which could have been executed more tactfully, but i do think it's worth some viewers asking themselves: "is this simply a poorly executed film, or is it just resonating in some way i don't want to think about? And that cutting it down because it makes me feel uncomfortable may be easier than the reflection it was attempting to facilitate". ...this is of course just a theory. That said, of note, many individuals since the release have reached out privately to share their connection with this project and several have even shared losing friends soloing whom were also dealing with mental health problems.

[@barneyadams9869]

This is a great piece of work. It hit me hard emotionally because it is very close to my experience. What a way to wake up this morning and watch this! Very well done (although the running through the woods at the beginning was a tad cheesy!) Yes it raises questions over the dubious decision to climb solo under extreme emotional stress but we're not all Alex Honnold and alot of us that climb alone do so to get respite from our busy minds and the stresses we face. Except for the grades climbed in this film I think it is very relatable. I could write a whole article on this but I don't think KZbin is the place to do that. Bravo 10/10 from me 👍😊❤️

[@wildertainment]

Thanks for having the courage to share this amazing comment!

[@TheFlyPirate]

Sensacional!! 🛡️⚖️🔥🔥⚔️🏴👏👏👏

[@ryanpeterscott]

This looks quite anticipatory....let the interesting begin !

[@michaelbradford4444]

Lol !

[@kimtreadaway3470]

As a retired climber and surviving solo climber , when he topped out , it reminds me of being born again to life here and now ,not spiritually but to life here and now .

[@henrymackay6724]

Jesus Christ it’s Jason Bourne

[@leoiezzi]

👏🏼👏🏼

[@swellhunter8605]

I 100% believe people with trauma seek adrenaline as an outlet. But in general this is likely because it’s genetic as some studies have shown how neurological processing pathways are different in those that need more and more of something on the edge. I would argue that someone that volunteered to enter a combat zone and engage already has those genetics. So the transition to other dangerous activities to try and quench the addiction is natural. The emotional “bottom” will come when it’s now not enough. Then what? God willing - clarity.

[@michaelbradford4444]

I must have more...please !!

[@wildertainment]

Hahaha, we have a silly Alaska-based documentary coming out soon and definitely more in the works. 😁

[@IdRatherBeHiking]

Excellent shots and storytelling. I make adventure films and this has given me a lot of great ideas to incorporate into my own films.

[@mitcholineck5345]

Great job on this 🙏🏼

[@greyed0ut]

No one reading the description, betting a lot of commenters aren’t climbers either. As a climber & Vet myself I thought it was well done.

[@BarontheDoberman]

Was this an SNL skit?

[@shm3tss]

going hard

[@jesselima_dev]

WoW

[@davidwaclo]

Loved this. Moving and great writing.

[@kiefekiefe9542]

👍👍👍

[@bobrobe7121]

How to sell out your own sport by leaning into misconceptions held by the masses. You might be a filmmaker who climbs, but the only certain thing is that you are no climber.

[@hoffmanfiles]

Brutal comment

[@BzAdt]

Brutal, and seems off the mark. Maybe you mean to take issue with the writing, directing?

[@masterpropper2485]

Yeah, although people might argue about the definition of "climber", all real climbers certainly will get the feeling that this guy is the definition of a gumby.

[@jiiig8667]

Isn't climbing secondary here..

[@derek96720]

Cry harder. Mental health issues is something frequently dismissed in extreme sports because no one wants to admit they have issues that drive them to such behavior in the first place. Risk-taking behavior and poor impulse control are the hallmarks of past trauma. Maybe you're a paragon of mental health, but don't pretend it's not an issue in the community.

[@LoganFarrow-bq8gd]

Yoooooooooo!

[@stefanobergamaschi1322]

Amazing work.

[@lonniecarlson8866]

I really enjoyed how it touched on depression and how everyone copes in their own way.

[@wildertainment]

Thanks Lonnie! I'd say typically soloing can be a meditative, grounding and peaceful experience for myself and others. However, in this film I wanted to highlight a time when I was personally doing it more chaotically, recklessly and with constant voices in my head, which is by no means the norm.

[@joshmormino03]

I mean, mad respect for the climbing but this is cringe😭

[@matthiasjosue7058]

Shut up man is expressing himself in an insane way

[@mic3387]

​@@matthiasjosue7058I think they meant the beginning and the writing just doesn't feel natural and too forced. It's a fictional film so I think it comes down to bad acting.

[@DeepSouthBuilder]

There are a whole bunch of people at the cutting edge of action sports, for whom this story is actually pretty on point. I know this character several times in real life. The acting is not good though. Read about John Yablonski. This story seems to reference him in some ways. I suspect that the name is in honor to him.

[@mic3387]

​@@DeepSouthBuilderthe story was a good idea and reading the description looks like the director took inspiration from their own life and is understandable being a real phenomenon but oh nice, thanks I'll check it that guy 👍

[@BobbyAstronomy]

@@DeepSouthBuilder I don't believe Yablonski's free soloing was because he was suicidal. I think this short is conflating the two. Giving people the wrong impression.

[@sirbedivere5670]

Not sure why some people are booing in the comments. It looks like a well made and surprisingly thoughtful short film to me.

[@charlysolo3702]

FUuuuuuuuuckkkk! Thank you

[@beanie2315]

Ignore the negativity, I’m not a climber but found this powerful and it did resonate so well done for doing something different

[@bminnemann]

So awesome. COngratulations, the climbing scenes are very good, very very good, there are Blockbusters from USA that are not that good. Loved the entire thing. The shots, the editing, the Soundtrack, the script, very well made. Congratulations.

[@heckemoi8252]

This was very beautiful and touching. I hope, that people take the time to understand the intention behind the movie. You can find some information on it in the description. It makes me a little sad to read the negative comments and I have the feeling, that some of the critics misinterpreted the film. Don't take it personal and keep on fighting my friend. I have been able to heal from complex PTSD, that I suffered from for almost twenty years. You will find peace and wisdom. Don't stop believing. Thank you for caring about other people's lives and their mental and physical health. Much love.

[@feelingood2u]

Wtf did I just watch, like those new American releases on IMDB with a 9/10 rating, lmoa

[@marienkaferchen2531]

Totally true!!!

[@groundingbrothers]

Very deep. In my opinion the movie shows the biggest fear of a man in life.

[@Hamasisfilthytrash]

Fear in who’s life lmao this shit is trash and they used the free solo name to get clicks off of a real climbers documentary shits a joke!

[@barneyadams9869]

So good to see an emotive climbing film with an actual climber climbing in it! (Vertical limit, the climb, cliffhanger......)

[@realisticclearmind3531]

What's the problem with the comments? It's just a movie and it's made well. Stupidity is everywhere.

[@marienkaferchen2531]

Why is there no self harming/ suicide disclaimer before watching this? It would be helpful for people, who are suffering from mental problems.

[@einbubatzkanndieschmerzena5111]

was für nen Disclaimer meinst du denn?

[@marienkaferchen2531]

@@einbubatzkanndieschmerzena5111 Z.B. Dieses Video zeigt sensible Inhalte zu den Themen Suizid etc.

[@squamishstu]

Hahahahahahahaha

[@joeguinand4622]

Wtf did I just watch 😅

[@nickkane4746]

Speechless