And so its time for me
to take my place on the Hot Aches blog, and reveal this summer’s major film
project. We have been quietly planning this for months and keeping it all under
out hats! Like Adrian Samarra, who by now is hanging out on a glacier in
Alaska, I am very pleased to be guest directing a climbing film for Hot Aches
Productions, to be ready for this seasons film festivals.
So, a little about
me……
My name is Dom Bush
and I am a documentary filmmaker working primarily within the climbing and
adventure industries. I have been lucky enough to work alongside Hot Aches on a
number of occasions, as well as working freelance under the banner of Land and
Sky Media. Recent work includes a 36minute climbing feature, ‘Islands,
traditional Tales of Lakeland Climbing’, (watch here) and an award winning short film
‘My Own Hands’ (watch here). With their unrivaled experience in the climbing film
industry, I very much look forward to working alongside the Hot Aches team to
create this film, not to mention the four talented North Face athletes.
So enough about me,
what’s the film?
‘Odyssey’ is a road movie that celebrates
the best of British trad climbing, from the clean steep Basalt of Dumbarton
Rock to the raging sea cliffs of Gogarth, four world renowned climbers take an
exclusive tour round the UK to tick off some of our most fierce and inspiring
routes. Cinematic filmmaking, cutting edge traditional climbing and a 7.5 ton
converted truck - the Odyssey begins!
James needs
little introduction. He has been at the cutting edge from a young age and since
leaving our fair shores has punched through the 9a sport barrier, whilst
returning home frequently to pick off new lines and hard repeats in Pembroke
and further afield.
Caroline, a world cup
competition climber has topped 8c+ and flashed E8. Fresh back from a host of
trips abroad and looking to get to grips with British Trad, Caroline looks set
for some strong climbing on the ‘Odyssey’ tour.
Hansjorg has a hugely
impressive climbing CV, which spans hard bouldering, sport climbing up to 8c+
and solo ascents of long alpine routes, most notably ‘The Fish’ on the south
face of the Marmolada, certainly one of the most audacious free solos of all
time. With little experience of British trad climbing but a bold and confident approach,
Hansjorg should be well prepared to tackle some of the UK’s hardest routes.
In 2011 Hazel became
the first woman to climb E9 with her repeat of Dave Birkett’s ‘Once Upon a Time
in the South West’. Like many talented UK climbers, Hazel excelled in
competition and was British Junior Champion 6 times. Recently Hazel has set her
sights on big walls across the globe making (amongst other things) the first
female ascent of Golden Gate in Yosemite.
So we leave on May 12th
with a 10 man team and we are keen to have your input. Where would you
recommend we visit? Got an idea for a little known gem or a gruelling
super-route? We want to hear from you. Get in touch through the Hot Aches blog
or post on the Hot Aches Facebook, and spread the word!
We will be posting
updates, photos and behind the scenes action on the Hot Aches Facebook, so keep
your eyes peeled for progress! See you on the other side!
