Freedom Swimmer

Australia, Short Animation, 2020, 15 min

This hybrid poetic documentary, interweaving hand-drawn animation and film, tells the story of a grandfather's perilous swim from China to Hong Kong during the Cultural Revolution. The harrowing adventure parallels his granddaughter’s own quest for a new freedom. Subtitled.

Directed by Olivia Martin-McGuire

A Thousand Ways To Kiss The Ground

USA, Short Documentary, 2020, 22 min

Featuring Alex Honnold, Tommy Caldwell, Brette Harrington, Lynn Hill, Matt Segal, Jamie Logan, Kitty Calhoun, Jesse Huey, Sam Elias, Chris Kalous, Katja Hurt, Alli Roskelley, Marcus Garcia and Madaleine Sorkin The process of openly grieving, both alone as well as in community, is an art nearly lost in our culture. Made in collaboration with the Climbing Grief Fund, this artful compilation of interviews explores death and loss due to climbing and alpinism, and highlights how there is no singular or correct way to grieve.

Directed by Henna Taylor

Can't Beat This Place for Fun

USA, Short Documentary, 2020, 14 min

This film takes you into the work (and play!) shop of Flagstaff, Arizona’s Fretwater Boatworks as they keep the tradition of wooden boat building alive. Embodying the legacy of famed river runner and ardent conservationist Martin Litton, the Fretwater team will show you how, in Litton’s own words, “Win or lose, there’s a measure of victory in the endeavor.”

Directed by Dawn Kish

Learning to Drown

USA, Mexico, Canada, Short Documentary, 2020, 40 min

This superb film comes from BIFF alumni Ben Knight.

This film follows the life and career of professional snowboarder Jess Kimura as she unapologetically shatters stereotypes with her own brand of unwavering determination and go-for-broke mentality. She was at the top of her game when personal tragedy struck. As everything came crashing down, her grief led her down a path she could have never imagined.

Directed by Ben Knight