Unseen Peaks

After enduring discrimination and trauma due to her blindness, Addie seeks freedom through skiing, ice climbing, and rock climbing, facing both the challenges of these activities and acceptance within the outdoor community as a person with a disability.

“I’m blind and although that’s part of who i am, it doesn’t define who i am…”

Addie told me after we sat down in my living room in front of a big blue sheet of paper for the interview. It was our final day of filming and after hours and hours of conversations about inclusivity in the outdoors during our adventures together, I feel Addie summarized it perfectly in that one sentence.

But, before we dive into that, let’s look at how we made it - This documentary, which celebrates the remarkable story of Addie, an outdoor enthusiast with a vision impairment, took us to breathtaking locations and pushed the boundaries of filmmaking. Here's an in-depth look at what it took to capture the triumph of the human spirit in the great outdoors.

 The Genesis of "Unseen Peaks"

The idea for "Unseen Peaks" was born at Eldora Ski Resort, where I had the privilege of meeting Addie through the Ignite Adaptive Sports center. It was there that the concept for the film began to take shape. The desire to showcase Addie's inspiring journey, her challenges, and her relentless pursuit of freedom and acceptance became the driving force behind the project.

As we brainstormed ideas for the film, Addie's passion for outdoor adventure and her determination to overcome challenges resonated deeply with the entire team. We knew we had a unique and compelling story to tell.

 The Team

Filmmaking is a collaborative endeavor, and "Unseen Peaks" was no exception. To bring this vision to life, I had the invaluable support of a talented and dedicated team.

Working closely with Danny Rodriguez, our camera assistant, was a seamless experience. His technical expertise and creative input elevated the film's visual storytelling to new heights.

Will Cannistrano, our behind-the-scenes documentarian, captured not only the challenges we faced but also the moments of camaraderie and triumph. His lens provided a unique perspective on the filmmaking process.

my experience as a filmmaker trying to find empathy by Skiing Blind

Understanding Addie's world meant stepping into her shoes, or rather, her ski boots. To truly empathize with her experience, I decided to spend a day skiing blind. It was an eye-opening (or rather, eye-closing) experience that left a lasting impression.

Despite the initial anxiety and uncertainty, skiing blind allowed me to appreciate the courage and trust required for such adventures. It was a day that deepened my connection with Addie's journey. Experiencing the mountain without sight reminded me of the power of empathy in storytelling. It reinforced our commitment to sharing Addie's perspective authentically.

 Filming on Location in the rocky mountains

The heart of "Unseen Peaks" lies in the diverse outdoor settings where Addie thrives. We embarked on a journey to capture the essence of each of her passions—skiing, ice climbing, and rock climbing. Eldora Ski Resort provided the perfect backdrop for our initial shoots. The snow-covered peaks around us and Addie's fearless descents created breathtaking visuals that perfectly encapsulated the spirit of the film.

For the ice climbing day I recruited my friend and fellow filmmaker, Marshall Burnette, to help lead the experience for myself, Addie, Will and Danny. I’ve ice climbed about 10 days before so felt comfortable filming it but not leading anything, which is where Marshall really saved the day. Venturing into the heart of frozen landscapes for the ice climbing scenes was both exhilarating and challenging. It tested our team's adaptability and resilience in harsh conditions.

Challenges Faced

Filming "Unseen Peaks" was not without its share of challenges. Adverse weather conditions, logistical complexities, and the unpredictability of outdoor settings kept us on our toes. But every challenge was an opportunity to learn, adapt, and grow as filmmakers.

One of our most memorable challenges was shooting in sub-zero temperatures during the ice climbing scenes as the snow began to fall. My camera, body and bones felt frozen and wet but we all still had big smiles through. Overcoming these challenges reinforced our team's commitment to telling Addie's story with authenticity and integrity. We learned that adaptability and teamwork are key to overcoming any obstacle.

 The Editing Room

After wrapping up the outdoor shoots, it was time to weave together the narrative. The editing process was a labor of love, requiring meticulous selection of footage and sound design to transport the audience into Addie's world. The goal was to capture the freedom, joy, and acceptance she found in the outdoors.

In the editing room, I faced the challenging task of condensing hours of footage into a cohesive and emotionally resonant story. It was here that I realized the power of post-production in shaping the film's impact. Sound design played a crucial role in immersing the audience in Addie's experiences, in large part because of my own experience skiing blind. I noticed I became hyper aware of all the sounds around me so I wanted to reflect that experience in the final film.

Because I was the director, producer, cinematographer, and editor of this whole film (with zero budget) I realized I was working simply because of my unwavering belief in its importance. The outdoor industry, and society as a whole, has become a lot more aware of how to include others in these sorts of activities but I didn’t see a whole lot of discussion around blindness in the outdoors. So, getting to know Addie and holding up a camera to her experience, felt important to me.

 The Message of "Unseen Peaks"

"Unseen Peaks" is more than just a film; it's a testament to the indomitable human spirit and the power of inclusivity. Addie's story reminds us that the outdoors are for everyone, regardless of their abilities. It challenges us to look beyond appearances and see the passion, commitment, and courage that define a true adventurer.

The core message of "Unseen Peaks" is universal: inclusivity in the outdoors benefits us all.

It encourages viewers to rethink their perspectives and embrace the idea that the great outdoors should be accessible to everyone. Through Addie's journey, we hope to inspire a broader conversation about diversity and inclusion in the outdoor community. It's a conversation that extends far beyond the screen.

 The Final Product

After months of dedication and hard work, "Unseen Peaks" is ready to be shared with the world. It is a tribute to the resilience of the human spirit, a celebration of the great outdoors, and a call to embrace diversity in all its forms. I believe that "Unseen Peaks" has the potential to inspire positive change and encourage viewers to take action. It's more than a film; it's a catalyst for a more inclusive outdoor world.

 Conclusion

The making of "Unseen Peaks" was an unforgettable journey of discovery, empathy, and inspiration. It is a testament to the incredible strength and determination of individuals like Addie, who refuse to let any obstacle stand in the way of doing something they love. As the film prepares to make its debut, I hope it will serve as a source of inspiration and a catalyst for change. May it remind us all that there are no limits to what we can achieve when we come together as a community, united by a love for the outdoors and a commitment to inclusivity.

Unseen Peaks is not just a documentary; it's a call to action.

If you’re able to donate or support Ignite Adaptive Sports, to help more people like Addie get into the outdoors, click that blue button here…

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Roo is a commercial/documentary filmmaker and photographer based in Boulder, Colorado but travels all around the world for his filmmaking career. He has produced films for Outside Magazine in Ireland, camera operated for Netflix in the Rocky Mountain West, photographed among indigenous communities in Peru and Ecuador, directed videos with professional climbers in Mexico and has received notable recognition in his hometown of Orcas Island in Washington State for his work telling uplifting stories in the outdoor space.

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