In the world of rock climbing, there’s nothing bigger than Yosemite Valley. Yosemite is ground zero for climbing history, not just in America but in many ways, the world over. Everything from the rope-work and climbing techniques we use today, to the types of gear that was invented to make these big walls possible, to—most important—the counter-cultural ethos and mindset of the quintessential rock-climbing dirtbag … All these elements were forged in the roiling cauldron of drugs, risk, egos, sex and rock-climbing that was Yosemite in the 1960s and 1970s.
And now, finally, this grand story of climbing’s counter-cultural roots is coming to the silver screen this fall in “Valley Uprising.”
For as long as I’ve known filmmakers and directors Peter Mortimer and Nick Rosen (Sender Films) and Josh and Brett Lowell (Big UP Productions), these guys have been talking about making this film. The “definitive Yosemite climbing film” has been the white whale they’ve whispered about over beers whenever we’ve gotten together, always filled with awe and wonder over the possibilities, and fear about the magnitude of the undertaking. It’s a story that you have to do right, and judging by the trailer, they have. “Valley Uprising” has been their big passion project, years in the making. And I’m super excited for them to see that the film has finally come to fruition, and honored to have a few of my own stills included in the feature.
Whet your appetite and watch the trailer for Valley Uprising, if you haven’t already seen it. And if you have, watch it again. I think I can join the rest of the climbing world in saying hats off to Pete, Josh, Brett and Nick, and everyone else at Sender Films and Big UP Productions who was involved! The trailer looks fantastic. And I can’t wait to see the whole film during the REEL Rock Tour this fall.
Click here for REEL Rock Tour dates.
