Follow kayak superstar Nouria Newman and two childhood friends, as they navigate one of the world’s most challenging sections of whitewater: the Rondu Gorge of the Indus River, in Pakistan.
Documenting Nouria’s attempt at completing the first integral descent of the Rondu Gorge by a woman, Big Water Theory is a compelling exploration of human spirit and the relentless pursuit of adventure. It offers a powerful, inspiring, yet highly detailed and informative look at the world of extreme kayaking.
Set against the stunning backdrop of the Karakoram mountains, the film highlights the irreversible nature of the sport, with heart-pounding descents that test the kayakers’ psychological and physical limits.
This film was part of Fall Series 2024 and is no longer available for viewing.
Nouria Newman is no stranger to acting as lead in adventure films but Big Water Theory takes us on a new journey, down an impossible river, one of vulnerability and self-realization amongst outrageous whitewater feats. This is a story about friendship, testing limits and discovering brave new worlds. Filmmaking brothers Emile and Jules Dominé manage to capture a new side of Newman. There’s a toned-down, laid-back energy to this film’s characters, one that underscores the humility and understated nature of all the protagonists. This marks a welcome change to the often overly heroic, extreme narrative so often found in high adrenaline sport films.
– Joanna Croston, VIMFF 2025 Jury
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