REEL ROCK 20: A look inside this year's film lineup

Reel Rock has landed back on Australian shores, bringing with it a fresh and exciting lineup of climbing stories for its twentieth edition. Returning to cinemas across Australia and New Zealand this November and December, Reel Rock 20 delivers four exciting films celebrating adventure, human achievement and the pursuit of the seemingly impossible.

Presented locally by Adventure Entertainment, this year’s lineup spans the full spectrum of climbing, from elite sport climbing and world-class bouldering to high-stakes winter alpinism and pushing the limits of adaptive climbing.

Follow two-time Olympic gold medallist Janja Garnbret as she steps out of the competition arena and onto one of the world’s hardest sport routes. Join Michaela Kiersch on her pursuit of a historic double, aiming to make history for female climbers in both sport climbing and bouldering. Venture into the unforgiving mountains of Patagonia with Colin Haley, and witness accomplished paraclimber Ben Mayforth’s determined bid to become the first climber with spina bifida to climb 5.13.

With a mix of groundbreaking ascents, ambitious projects and remarkable personal achievements, Reel Rock 20 promises plenty to get the climbing community talking.

JANJA GARNBRET

Two Olympic gold medals. One of the hardest climbs in the world.

Australian climbers may already recognise Janja Garnbret’s name, even if they haven’t followed her competition career. She’s the Slovenian climbing superstar whose signature pink and gold carabiners and quickdraws have become familiar sights in climbing shops and on crags around the world.

Widely regarded as one of the greatest climbers of all time, Garnbret has dominated the competition scene, claiming two consecutive Olympic gold medals, multiple World Championship titles and an extraordinary collection of international victories.

This film follows Garnbret as she steps away from the controlled environment of competition climbing and takes on Bibliographie (9b+/5.15c) at Céüse, France. Originally climbed by Alexander Megos in 2020, the route is considered one of the hardest sport climbs in the world.

MICHAELA KIERSCH

Two disciplines. Two of climbing’s toughest grades. One historic ambition.

American climber Michaela Kiersch is one of the most versatile female rock climbers in the world, capable of tackling both physically demanding sport routes and powerful, technical boulder problems.

Originally from Chicago, Kiersch grew up competing in climbing before shifting her focus towards outdoor climbing. Alongside her professional climbing career, she also completed a doctorate in occupational therapy, balancing academic pursuits with an increasingly impressive list of achievements on rock.

This film follows Kiersch as she pursues two ambitious challenges: becoming the first woman to climb both 5.15 in sport climbing and V15 in bouldering. La Rambla (9a+/5.15a) in Spain, one of the world’s most celebrated hard sport routes, followed by Dreamtime (8C/V15) in Cresciano, Switzerland, a landmark boulder problem originally established by Fred Nicole in 2000.

With two very different disciplines demanding their own unique combination of strength, precision and problem-solving, Kiersch sets out to achieve a rare double that would cement her place among the strongest all-round female climbers in the sport.

COLIN HALEY

Alone in Patagonia. One of the world’s most unforgiving peaks.

When it comes to modern alpine climbing, few names command as much respect as American alpinist Colin Haley. Known for his fast, lightweight and highly technical ascents, Haley has built a career tackling some of the most challenging mountain objectives on the planet, particularly in Patagonia and Alaska.

His connection with Patagonia’s mountains began at a young age, developing into an obsession with the region’s notoriously difficult granite spires. Haley has spent much of his climbing career returning to this mountain, completing significant ascents and establishing himself as one of the world’s leading specialists in Patagonian alpinism. 

This film follows Haley on his ambitious pursuit of the first solo winter ascent of Cerro Torre. Alone on the mountain, he faces extreme cold, fierce winds and technical ice and mixed climbing, with no partner to share the workload or provide support. His journey offers a rare insight into the commitment, calculated risk and decision-making involved in one of modern alpinism’s most formidable challenges.

BEN MAYFORTH

Pushing the boundaries of adaptive climbing.

American climber Ben Mayforth is challenging expectations of what is possible in climbing. Born with spina bifida, a congenital condition affecting the development of the spinal cord, Mayforth has partial paralysis and limited strength and sensation below his knees.

Before finding climbing, he spent much of his sporting life playing wheelchair basketball, including at university level. But after discovering a climbing gym, he quickly found a sport that suited his strengths, combining upper-body power, problem-solving and an ability to adapt movement to his body.

Since entering the competitive climbing scene, Mayforth has established himself as one of the leading paraclimbers in the United States, earning podium finishes at international competitions.

This film follows Mayforth on his pursuit to become the first climber with spina bifida to climb a 5.13 (8a). His objective takes him to Slim Shady in Utah, a demanding sport route requiring considerable strength, endurance and technical precision. 

Want to hear more about Ben? In September we sat down with Mayforth for an interview, exploring his climbing journey, approach to adaptive climbing and  the challenges of taking his abilities onto outdoor rock. Read our interview here.

FIND A SCREENING NEAR YOU!

Our friends over at We Are Explorers have complied this list of the upcoming screenings near you!

New South Wales

Sydney Northern Beaches – Glen Street Theatre
11th of November – 7pm
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Blue Mountains – Mount Vic Flicks
16th of November – 6:30pm
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Sydney North – Roseville Cinemas
17th of November – 7pm
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Blue Mountains – United Cinemas The Edge
18th of November – 6:30pm
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Sydney West – Dendy Cinemas Newtown
18th of November – 6:30pm
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Sydney East – Ritz Cinemas
19th of November – 7pm
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Wollongong – Gala Twin Cinema
25th of November – 7pm
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Lake Haven – Lake Haven Cinemas
3rd of December – 6:30pm
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Huskisson – Huskisson Pictures
3rd of December – 6:30pm
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Sawtell – Sawtell Cinema
3rd of December – 6:30pm
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Armidale – Belgrave Cinema
3rd of December – 6:30pm
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Port Macquarie – Majestic Cinemas
3rd of December – 6:30pm
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Newcastle – Tower Cinemas
6th of December – 3:30pm
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Central Coast – Avoca Beach Theatre
20th of January – 8pm
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Victoria

Bright – Sun Cinema Bright
18th of November – 7pm
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Melbourne – The Astor Theatre
24th of November – 7pm
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Thornbury – Thornbury Picture House
29th of November – 6pm
Coming Soon

Thornbury – Thornbury Picture House
1st of December – 6pm
Coming Soon

Melbourne – Lido Cinemas
2nd of December – 7pm
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Belgrave – Cameo Cinemas
2nd of December – 7pm
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Thornbury – Brunswick Picture House
5th of December – 6pm
Coming Soon

Thornbury – Brunswick Picture House
8th of December – 6pm
Coming Soon

Tasmania

Launceston – Du Cane Brewery & Dining Hall
19th of November – 7pm
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St Helens – Easy Tiger St Helens Restaurant
26th of November – 7pm
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Hobart – Peacock Theatre
3rd of December – 7pm
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Australian Capital Territory

Canberra – Capital Brewing Co
24th of November – 7pm
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Canberra – Dendy Cinemas
8th of December – 7pm
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Western Australia

Perth – Luna Palace Cinemas
26th of November – 6:30pm
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Fremantle – Luna On SX
3rd of December – 6:30pm
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South Australia

Adelaide – The Mercury
26th of November – 7pm
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Queensland

Brisbane – Balmoral Cineplex
2nd of December – 7pm
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Gold Coast – HOTA Home of the Arts
3rd of December – 7pm
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Brisbane – Five Star Cinemas, New Farm
6th of December – 3:30pm
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Northern Territory

Darwin – Gecko Climb Darwin
TBD

New Zealand – North Island

Tauranga – Luxe Cinemas
26th November – 7pm
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Wellington – Penthouse Cinema & Cafe
26th of November – 7pm
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New Plymouth – Event Cinemas
3rd of December – 6:30pm
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Papamoa – Luxe Cinemas
3rd of December – 7pm
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Auckland – The University of Auckland, Room 201-393
14th of December – 7pm
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Rotorua – The Wall and Basement Cinema
TBD

New Zealand – South Island

Christchurch – Middleton Grange School
26th of November – 7pm
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Fiordland – Fiordland Cinema
3rd of December –8pm
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Wanaka – Cinema Paradiso
4th of December – 7pm
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Wanaka – Cinema Paradiso
5th of December – 7pm
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Christchurch – Boulder Co.
5th of December – 7:30pm
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Wanaka – Cinema Paradiso
6th of December – 7pm
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Dunedin – Rialto Cinemas
8th of December – 7:30pm
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Takaka – Village Theatre
11th of December – 8pm
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Tickets are on sale now! Whether you’re a climbing novice or expert or just love a vibey film night with your adventure crew, Reel Rock is for you!