Moonflower
Synopsis: Moonflower joins top British alpinists Jon Bracey and Matt Helliker as they honor their late friend Jules Cartwright by following his original vision, making a stunning and formidable new line on one of the World’s biggest alpine faces, Mt Hunter’s incredible North Buttress; The Moonflower.
Climbing the steepest and coldest section of the buttress; Bracey and Helliker approach exhaustion in an effort to complete the line before the increasingly freezing conditions irrevocably turn against them. The fruits of their efforts result in ‘The Cartwright Connection’ Ca 6000ft, Alaskan grade 6 (M6, AI6, 5.8, A2).
The adventure is filmed by the climbers themselves providing a unique insight into cutting edge alpinism. Adventure cameraman David Reeves contributes to the cinematic experience with his stunning mountain time lapses and aerial footage. The film is produced by award winning director, Alastair Lee and conveys every frighting, grueling and hilarious moment combined with the poignant beauty of the Alaskan wilderness.
Genre
Rated
Language
Run Time
Starring
Matt Helliker
Directed by
Prod. Company
Sponsor brands
Director's Statement
The adventure is filmed by the climbers themselves giving a unique insight into cutting edge alpinism. Adventure cameraman David Reeves contributes to the cinematic experience with his stunning mountain timelapses and ariel footage.
‘Moonflower’ is produced by award winner Alastair Lee and conveys every frighting, grueling and hilarious moment combined with the poignant beauty of the Alaskan wilderness.
Director's Bio
Alastair Lee is a director and camera man specializing in the outdoor world. Twenty years in the industry he is a veteran of expeditions to the likes of Baffin Island, the Venezuelan jungle and Antarctica. Producing award winning films and TV commercials with stunning photography his special talent for combining the spectacular with the human have made him one of the leading forces in his industry with over 100 international awards to his name.
Not to be confused with the disposable ‘adrenaline’ fueled clips that dominate social media Alastair’s work is born of a deeper understanding and respect for the mountain world where a genuine passion and will to preserve these extraordinary environments is at the heart of Alastair’s work. Exploration, not only of the wild places to the furthest corners of the earth but also of the human condition. Delving into the complex psychology of the paradox of a modern person’s desire to challenge themselves in the natural arena. The quest not just for the summit but the search for purpose and meaning amongst the ever-increasing western safety and comfort.
Alastair has embraced the full gambit of modern devices at the film makers disposal, from drones to jibs to Cineflex camera systems and 4k slow motion shooting. However Alastair is also acutely aware that the ‘eye-candy’ means nothing without a strong sense of narrative and human depth. Alastair’s consistent success at combining world class cinematography with his trade-mark humor are testament to his true love of his art and dedication to always doing the best job possible and continually attempting to eclipse his own high standards.
In May of 2013 Alastair was awarded one of the top awards in his industry, The Grand Prize from the International Mountain Film Alliance at the Trento Film Festival.
His work has also been broadcast on Discovery UK, National Geographic US and featured on the Red Bull Explorers series.
Awards
Vancouver International Mountain Film Festival - Canada - 2012
Best Mountaineering Film (Moonflower)
New Zealand Mountain Film Festival - New Zealand - 2012
Best Climbing Film (Moonflower)
Teplice & Metui Film Festival - Czech Republic - 2012
Best Climbing Film (Moonflower)
Ladek Mountain Film Festival - Poland - 2012
Best Mountaineering Film Festival (Moonflower)
Nominations
Moscow Mountain Film Festival - Russia - 2012
Grand Prize
Cold Smoke Awards - Canada - 2012
Best Ascent
Official selection
Vancouver International Mountain Film Festival - Canada - 2012
New Zealand Mountain Film Festival - New Zealand - 2012
Teplice & Maetui Film Festival - Czech Republic - 2012
Ladek Mountain Film Festival - Poland - 2012
Moscow Mountain Film Festival - Russia - 2012
Cold Smoke Awards - Canada - 2012
Mountain & Adventure Film Festival - USA - 2015
Quotes
"It's an absorbing, understated climbing film that makes Lee's characteristically watchable production with a tone that's set by the climbers themselves, to give highly watchable results." - outdoorsmagic.com