All Rise Fest

1. MUGA
MUGA is a short film shot on 16mm, following professional climber Ashima Shiraishiʼs exploration of her personal philosophy behind climbing, juxtaposed with geological inquiry of the settings most climbers only interact with on a tactical, physical level. In juxtaposition with the history of the rocks of Ticino, Ashimaʼs own self-inquiry and quest for muga, or a state of emptiness free from attachment, expectations, and desires shines through. This film is an invitation to all climbers to contemplate their own fleeting desires when on rock, their frustrations, and to erase themselves into transcendence the next time they scale a boulder.

Director: Alex Webb
Country: Switzerland
Runtime: 10:24

2. Surf Safari
“While piecing together the climbing moves on Surf Safari 5.13d on the California Coast, Arc’teryx Ambassador Colin Wills discovers the seaside cliff has been slowly tipping over. Before he can go back to claim his ascent, the monolithic boulder gives way to coastal erosion.”

Director: Samuel Crossley
Country: US
Runtime: 8:00
Q&A guests: Samuel Crossley, Colin Wills

3. Escalemos
“Escalemos are escaladores (climbers) who build, strengthen and celebrate Latinx/Hispanic climbing representation and further the accessibility for their community. In a world where outdoor sports have historically underrepresented diverse voices, Escalemos redefines what it means to be seen, heard, and celebrated. Through this small portrait we witness a flash of the true diaspora of climbers.”

Director: Jr. Rodriguez
Country: US
Runtime: 8:00
Q&A guests: Karen Rodriguez-Ponciano, Jose Nino

4. Columbia Boulders
“Sierra Zwenger – Rocket Scientist, Route Setter and Arc’teryx Ambassador – embarks on a 2-day bouldering trip near Sonora, CA, with a group of female friends. The trip was inspired by her desire to highlight the often-overlooked female climbing community. Sierra and her friends visit Columbia Boulders, where they attempt to send climbs such as Orbit, Triple Cracks, Lobster Claw and Trogdor.”

Director: Samuel Crossley
Country: US
Runtime: 11:00
Q&A guests: Samuel Crossley, Sierra Zwenger

5. El Salto
A couple of friends pool their money to chase El Salto’s endless sunny days and world-class winter climbing. No cars, no cell service, no grocery stores, no restaurants—just limestone, long routes, and quality time in a mountain village with good friends.

Director: Teddy Eyob
Country: Filmed in Mexico, edited in Canada
Total run time: 16:29
Q&A guests: Teddy Eyob, Joel Popoteur

6. Negus in Nature
This documentary, produced by Langstyn Avery Williams, founder of Negus In Nature, in collaboration with Touchstone Climbing Gyms, and directed by Michael Alfuso of Outpost Digital Cinema, explores the transformative power of climbing and community. The story follows a Bay Area-based organization as they challenge traditional narratives of who belongs in the outdoors.

Director: Michael Alfuso
Country: US
Runtime: 23:00
Q&A guests: Langstyn Avery