This may not be your conventional adventure film, but perhaps we’ve seen enough of those.
Embracing the Grim follows Line van den Berg and I to the ephemeral landscapes of the Scottish Highlands, on an ambitious mixed climbing mission beset by typically fickle weather.
Aleksandra Janiak impressively directed, produced, filmed and edited this short film with an all-female crew. In 2023, Embracing the Grim was the only film to be shown at Kendal Mountain Festival with females only in the closing credits.
Despite the numerous obstacles we encountered, the most unexpected twist was yet to come. Tragically, since filming, Line lost her life in an avalanche in the Swiss Alps. The film was finished in her memory.
At the heart of it all, it was about the three of us.
I wish you were here to finish it with us and see it Line.
Athletes: Fay Manners, Line Van Den Berg
Directed, produced, filmed and edited: Aleksandra Janiak
Produced by: The North Face
Additional footage: Line Van Den Berg, Fay Manners, Rachel Sarah
Colour: Zuzanna Woźniczka
Post sound: Becky Alvaro
Original soundtrack: Catriona Price
Drone: Megan Moss
#wintermountaineering #climbing #alpinism #girlpower