Ephemeral is a brand new production for 2022 by adventure filmmaker, Alastair Lee. The Scottish winter climbing scene is something Alastair has always looked at with admiration and this season Alastair could no longer resist the challenge of making a production that captured the unique spirit and stunning environment of Scottish winter climbing.
The results are now in and after one of the toughest projects he has ever undertaken, the feeling amongst the crew and climbers is that there is something pretty special in the can.
The film follows top climbers, Guy Robertson and Greg Boswell in their quest to seek out and climb new winter lines. As is well documented, the 2021/22 season has been one of the worst/strangest in recent times. This has only added to the wild drama and resulted in some formations that have acquired an almost mythical status, being bagged. Greg and Guy make first ascents of truly extraordinary features in some of the most impressive climbing arenas; An Teallach, Glen Coe, Ben Nevis, Craig Meagaidh, and the Cairngorms.
The film tells the story from both sides of the lens and delivers a production value as yet unseen for Scottish winter climbing. Accompanying the multi-layered narrative and gripping action are interviews with Simon Richardson and Helen Rennard. The expert analysis delves into the rich climbing history, reflects on recent losses and gives the world stage context of what makes the Scottish winter so special.
This film was part of VIMFF 2023 and is no longer available for viewing.
Alastair Lee is a director and cameraman specializing in the outdoor world. With 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’ fuelled 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 filmmakers 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 humour 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 IMFA website. His work has also been broadcast on the BBC, Discovery UK, National Geographic US and featured on the Red Bull Explorers series.
Sharing our festival will help us grow and get important film content to new viewers!