Earlier this week I attended the Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour. I saw eight different films and the one that blew me away the most was called Young Guns. The film, by Reel Rock Films, introduces the future of climbing. From the production company’s website:
Meet the new faces of climbing: 15-year-old Ashima Shiraishi and 16-year-old Kai Lightner are the leaders of the next generation, already taking the sport to the next level. A trip to Norway puts their skills to the test, and Ashima attempts to make history on a V15 boulder in Japan.
Both Ashima and Kai are impressive, but I was absolutely riveted by Ashima’s story. She’s unbelievably amazing to watch as she does apparently impossible things. At age 15 she is one of the most impressive and accomplished climbers in the world. Her father is a retired dancer. Perhaps it’s in the genes because Ashima applies the grace of a dancer to her astonishing climbing style. I know nothing about climbing but there’s no denying that she’s outstanding.
I recommend Young Guns. If you ever get a chance to see Ashima Shiraishi do anything, take it.
Here’s a link to the teaser.
It was my favorite too. Loved it!