The thrill of the climb coming to Cyprus
Four films that capture the drive to push beyond limitations, life-changing mountain climbs and bold expeditions are coming to Cyprus. The Mountains on Stage event showcases remarkable films with real-life stories, portrayed not by actors but by ordinary people and their honest journeys in the search for adventure in the mountains.
On May 7, Pantheon Cinema in Nicosia will screen the films Why I Fly, Queen Swing, Patagonian Chimeras and The Cherry on the Cake. Screened in their original language (English or French), all films will have subtitles in English, welcoming audiences of varied backgrounds to witness people’s extraordinary quests.
Patagonian Chimeras follows Lise Billon’s adventure with Fanny Schmutz and Maud Vanpoulle as they aim to be the first all-female ascent of the Southeast Ridge of Cerro Torre in Patagonia. This legendary line, on the world’s most beautiful mountain, is full of exploits and controversies. While this movie reveals an extraordinary achievement, it also explores questions about the place of women in mountaineering and the dreams they are entitled to pursue.
The film Cherry on the Cake embarks on a sea journey bound for Greenland. Three Belgians and one Swede spend two weeks sailing between storms and icebergs, reaching the base camp of the Mythic Cirque. Their goal is to establish dream lines on these untouched summits, armed with their musical instruments.
The short film, Why I Fly, is only four minutes long and is a nod to E.T. and Peter Pan. Directed by Jean-Baptiste Chandelier, it is a poetic and moving film about the sensations he experiences while flying, but also an invitation to listen to the inner voice that urges us to go after dreams and live a full life.
The final film of the night is The Queen Swing, which places speed climbing at the core. Kate Kelleghan and Laura Pineau give themselves 24 hours to complete the Triple Crown – El Capitan, Half Dome and Mount Watkins. The challenge for this all-female team is intense as they have to climb three big walls of over 2,000 meters of extreme difficulty. Risk-taking, determination and complicity will be the keys to their success.
Mountains on Stage
Four film screenings on real-life stories of mountain adventures. May 7. Pantheon Cinema, Nicosia. 7pm. In English and French, with subtitles in English. https://www.mountainsonstage.com/