Die Filme:

The Alpine Run Project

28′

Filmmaker: Cut Media
Produced by: Alex Harris-MacDuff
Directed by: Andy Ashworth
Prominent cast: John McAvoy

Locations: UK and France, Switzerland, Italy (UTMB race)

About Cut Media: Based in Scotland, Cut Media is a sports content agency creating captivating sports films, documentaries, and branded entertainment campaigns for over a decade. Their impactful work reaches global audiences across all screen sizes, focusing on telling stories from the world of action sports.

12 young athletes are changing the world, here to defy the odds and show that nothing is Impossible.

Only 43% of young people in inner cities complete the weekly recommendation of physical activity. This is reflected in the sport of trail running which is still largely the domain of middle-class white men. By 2027 the Alpine Run Project with John McAvoy, Nike, JD Sports and YBB will help 100,000 young people from diverse backgrounds in cities across Europe

take part in trail running. By doing so this year, these 12 runners are part of a movement that will change the face of sport.

From city streets to the epic alpine trail race at UTMB, this documentary captures their emotive and powerful journey, to inspire change.

Start like a Coward: Running the Juan Finca Trail

27′

Filmmaker: Will Millar

47km along the western coast of Vancouver Island, the Juan de Fuca Trail is mostly used for multi-day backpacking. A handful of trail runners have run the entire length in under 6 hours.

Finding Community: A Trail Running Community Story

16′

Filmmaker: Chad Charles Kirvan, Kasper Wabinski

„Finding Community: A Trail Running Community Story“ charts the transformative path of a former basketball coach turned long-distance runner. At 30, having never run competitively, the protagonist embarks on a journey of self-discovery through the world of cross country and marathon running. This documentary captures the initial struggles and profound revelations encountered when embracing a new passion later in life.

The film opens with our protagonist reflecting on the burnout experienced from years of coaching basketball and the serendipitous invitation to join a school’s running team. This leads to a challenging yet rewarding venture into running, starting with a half-marathon that sparks a deep love for the sport. The narrative delves into the mental and physical transformations that follow, highlighted by the protagonist’s first daunting 50K trail run in rugged terrain.

Throughout the documentary, viewers are taken on scenic trail runs where every step is meditative and each breath of fresh air brings a sense of peace. The protagonist explores the contrasts between city and trail running, finding solace and strength in the natural landscapes. The film also emphasizes the community aspect of running, showcasing how local running groups and events foster a supportive and motivating environment.

„Finding Community: A Trail Running Community Story“ is not just about running; it’s about overcoming personal barriers, finding community, and reconnecting with oneself through the simple act of moving forward. It is a testament to the human spirit’s capacity to find new passions and redefine personal limits, even when starting later in life.

Mental: The Kenyan School

36′

Filmmaker: Pedro Damasio

„Mental – The Kenyan School” is a documentary about passion and dedication to sports. It follows the journey of four Brazilian runners training in the Land of Champions, the city of Iten, in Kenya. More than portraying an experience, the film investigates the social and cultural contexts that helped transform this small rural village into the mecca of one of the toughest and most competitive sports on the planet. A place that leaves profound marks on those who come to run on its red dirt roads, life lessons that go far beyond running.

Footprints

22′

Filmmaker: David Byrne

Footprints, a trail run film exploring the unique environment of the Ningaloo Coast, featuring The North Face athletes David Byrne & Blake Hose, will be touring around Australia throughout March, April & May.