THE LOCALS -A STIRLING MISSION

A STIRLING MISSION:

A WESTERN AUSTRALIAN HIGHLINING STORY

Why we love it

When it comes to Australian climbing content, and vertical content more broadly, an overwhelming amount of it centres on the east coast. With legendary crags that seemingly link Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria and Tasmania together with an invisible rope, that inspire thousands of climbers to undertake various pilgrimages each year, it’s easy to see why. Unfortunately, though, this often leaves our fellow vertical fiends in our central and western states wondering why they don’t see their backyards on the big screen. While we definitely do our part as a national magazine to shed light on climbing in these equally incredible places (Local Lore in issue #43 & #42 are the most recent examples), what we don’t have is a big screen, which makes “A Stirling Mission: A Western Australian Highlining Story” even more exciting.

The film’s backdrop is the magical Stirling Ranges on Goreng and Menang Country, Western Australia, and tells the story of a developing local community who were inspired to push the limits of themselves and their sport. As filmmaker & director Alex Clapin says, “I think that one of the most interesting journeys in the film is the progression of the Western Australian slacklining community to a point where this project was possible”. With incredible cinematography and a story that unfolds in a place markedly different from Australia’s East Coast climbing hotspots, we’re certain this film will have audiences planning their own off-the- beaten-track adventures this season.

““I really think this will serve as a timestamp in a massive moment of growth for the community and for the sport in Western Australia. Hopefully it inspires some other people to get involved and join in on our next big project.” – Nick Pontin, W.A Slackliner

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