Citadel
Synopsis: Dubbed ‘The Mountain God’, the Citadel is a stunning 3000m peak in one of the remaining untouched corners of the Great Alaskan Range: The Neacola Mountains. Matt Helliker and Jon Bracey are one of the UK’s most formidable alpine climbing duos with numerous world-class ascents to their name. What the movie Citadel does, is put climber and mountain on an intersecting course, resulting in a extraordinary attempt at the first ascent of the mountain’s 1200m long North-West ridge. Join Matt and Jon’s perilous adventure into the unknown to summit one of the world’s last great uncharted spires. The film begins in Matt and Jon’s hometown of Chamonix, France where we see the ins and outs of their deeply contrasting personal lives; Matt very much the modern rock star long boarding to the crag in the sunshine whilst Jon is wrestling with work, sleepless nights and the commitments of a young family. We will also be introduced to the concept of modern alpinism.
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Starring
Jon Bracey (himself)
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Director's Statement
Adventure filmmaker Alastair Lee embarked upon this project with the idea to push the boundaries and capture hard alpine climbing like never before. Employing the latest Cineflex technology combined with his innovative vision, the final result is truly a sight to behold. Citadel is a stunning visual piece the likes of which have not been seen to date.
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
Baku International Film Festival - Azerbaijan - 2016
Golden Award (Citadel)
Sports Film Festival Moscow - Russia - 2016
Best Documentary (Citadel)
Chamonix Adventure Film Festival - France - 2016
Best Cinematography (Alastair Lee)
Danish Adventure Film Festival - Denmark - 2016
Best Cinematography (Alastair Lee)
Mountain & Adventure Film Festival - USA - 2016
Grand Prize for Best Film (Citadel)
Mountain & Adventure Film Festival - USA - 2016
Best Climbing Film (Citadel)
Torello Mountain Film Festival - Spain - 2016
Best Documentary (Citadel)
Trento Film Festival - Italy - 2016
UIAA Best Climbing Film (Citadel)
Verona Mountain Film Festival - Italy - 2016
Grand Prize for Best Film (Citadel)
Vancouver Mountain Film Festival - Canada - 2016
Best Climbing Film (Citadel)
Official selection
Banff Mountain Film and Book Festival - Canada - 2015
Quotes
Spectacular, a technical marvel. - ANDY KIRPATRICK -
Press
Sidetracked Magazine - Citadel: An interview with Alastair Lee -
Outside Magazine - 'Citadel' Is the Tech Future of Adventure Film - Brent Rose, November 24, 2015
UK Climbing - INTERVIEW: Alastair Lee On New Film Citadel - Jack Geldard, September 14, 2015
BBC - Mountaineers Matt Helliker and Jon Bracey relive Citadel climb - Simon Armstrong, November 21, 2015