for those who love the outdoors
15 September, 2023
Sit back and prepare to meet some amazing women from across the world. Meet the adventurers and sportswomen and hear their stories. The films will make you
think, make you cry, make your heart sing and hopefully make you want to go on your own adventures.
The films all have a common theme: the extraordinary women featured in them have an extreme passion and drive.The films are unique in showcasing the women's beliefs, the paths they follow and the monumental determination that is hardwired into them.Mental toughness and resilience are a common thread throughout.YOU don’t have to walk across the desert, swim the channel or sail across the sea. The key is to do your adventures your way.Note: How to watch links are correct as of September 2023 - viewing platforms change all the time and you may need to search for alternative viewing options.
Film type: Documentary: New Release
Length: 108 minutes
Summary: The Deepest Breath is a recently released documentary film, that profiles Italian free diver Alessia Zecchini on her quest to break a world record with the help of safety diver Stephen Keenan.
Notes: This film feels more like a thriller. Beautiful ocean footage and an insight into the scary world of free diving. You may need your tissues at the end!
Film type: Documentary
Length: 115 minutes
Summary: The film is based on Cheryl Strayed’s book, Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail. Reese Witherspoon plays Cheryl Strayed, who took it upon herself to hike solo across 1,800kms of the Pacific Crest Trail on a personal journey of discovery and healing.
Notes: Reese Witherspoon was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Actress for her performance.
Cheryl Strayed makes a cameo appearance at the beginning of the film as the woman who drops off the character of Cheryl at the motel where she stays before beginning her hike.
The book was published in 2012 and reached No. 1 on the New York Best Sellers List.
Film type: Documentary
Length: 110 minutes
Summary: This is the story of Robyn Davidson and her 2,000 mile trek across Australia in the mid-1970s with her dog and four camels. It’s based on the book of the same title.
This is a totally captivating story from beginning to end!
Notes: Robyn was on the front cover of National Geographic in May 1978
Read more about the photographer Rick Smolan who covered her trek for National Geographic
Film type: Documentary: Independant Film Production
Length: 52 minutes
Summary: Three young women introduce surfing to Iran. Irish pro surfer Easkey teaches Iranian pro snowboarder Mona and Iranian diver Shalha how to surf in the remote southeastern region of Iran. All three women share a passion for sport, and embrace it as a way to break down social and cultural barriers. Through the eyes of these young, pioneering sportswomen the film explores why it so important for women to practice sport and how the simple act of surfing can become a powerful creative medium for change.
Notes: Fee to View. The aim of the film is to challenge the norm. The film does not have a big budget but the surfers have BIG beliefs in the power of surfing and the changes it can bring.
Film type: Documentary
Length: 109 minutes
Summary: The film is true story drama based on Jessica Watson, the 16-year-old Australian who became the youngest person ever to sail around the world, non-stop and unassisted. An epic journey of 210 days alone at sea! She is one amazing young woman and a formidable sailor.
Nail biting at times as the storms roll in!
Notes: Jessica Watson was awarded the Order of Australia Medal in 2012 for service to sailing and to youth through the achievement of sailing around the world, and as a role model for young Australians.
Film type: Documentary
Length: 134 minutes
Summary: The film follows the true story of teenage Syrian refugees Yusra Mardini and her sister Sarah Mardini, who swam alongside a sinking dinghy of refugees to lighten it, and eventually help 18 refugees to reach safety across the Aegean Sea towards Lesbos.
They slowly make their way to safety to in Germany. Swimming is a guiding force in the sisters lives and opens up opportunities along the way. Yusra Mardini's swimming career sees her reaching the Rio 2016 Olympics as a member of the Refugee Olympic Team. Sarah, has returned to Lesbos as part of voluntary efforts to assist incoming refugees in 2016, had been arrested and faced charges carrying potentially long-term prison sentences, if convicted.
At times this is hard to watch as the events are very close to home and still happening! Watch out for the haunting images of 1000's of life jackets on the beach after they land in Lesbos.
Notes: Read more about Swimmers in Time Magazine
Film type: Documentary: Whitbread Round the World Race 1989-1990
Length: 97 minutes
Summary: "We weren't surprised that there was resistance to an all-female crew in the race ..." says Tracy Edwards, who assembled the first all-female crew to enter the Whitbread Round the World Race. "But I was shocked at the level of anger there was that we wanted to do this, because why is this making you angry?"
Maiden is the inspirational story of how Tracy Edwards, a 24-year-old cook on charter boats, became the skipper of the first ever all-female crew to enter the Whitbread Round the World Race in 1989. Tracy’s dream was opposed on all sides: her male competitors thought an all-women crew would never make it. But Tracy refused to give up: she re-mortgaged her home and bought a second-hand boat, putting everything on the line to ensure the team made it to the start line. With the support of her remarkable crew, she went on to write sailing history and prove that women are the equal of men.
Notes: In 1989 Tracy Edwards skippered the first all-female crew in the Whitbread Round the World Yacht Race, becoming the first woman to receive the Yachtsman of the Year Trophy and was appointed MBE.
She has written two books about her experiences
Maiden is a Global Ambassador for the Empowerment of Girls through Education
Film type: Documentary: Independant Film Production
Length: 25 minutes
Summary: Maureen Beck is part of a group of adaptive climbers who believe the sport could be taken to new levels, by disabled people. Maureen was born without her lower left arm and this film shows her powerful determination and her ability to push climbing to new heights. She shows what is possible by climbing super tough and technical routes.
This lady is on another level – you can’t help but be inspired.
Notes: The film was voted Best Climbing Film at Kendall Mountain Festival
Maureen was awarded National Geographic Adventurer of the Year 2019
Read more about Maureen in National Geographic
These are only a few of the amazing films that have made it onto the big screens and are being made by independent film companies. Take a look at the film festivals below and sign up to support them in bringing amazing footage to us around the world and into our front rooms.
The 2023 Tour has finished for this year. Follow them to keep an eye on 2024 dates but in the meantime how about organising your own film evening
If you love film why not contact the team at Frontier and organise a film night – you could use it as marketing, fundraising or networking?
Please email me any film recommendations [email protected]
Happy Viewing
My very first adventure was on a Tall Ship called The Sir Winston Churchill when I had just turned 18.
I have loved adventures ever since. Although I still get seasick 30 years on!
I would describe myself as an everyday adventurer. I try to squeeze adventure into my every day, from walks, swims, and runs to films, podcasts, and books. I am always on the lookout for communities to connect with and adventures to be found.
I have just hit 50, and my adventure journey has changed so many times over the years. From a 20-year-old canoeing and sailing instructor to a Mum with young children teaching them to embrace the outdoors through camping, building dens, and cooking on open fires, to a mum of young teens when we surfed, coast-steered, climbed Ben Nevis, and swam in the North Sea!
My boys are in their late teens now and are slowly flying the nest. I find myself here now, ready to embrace the next stage of my adventure journey.
Embracing my newfound freedom and loving being outside, I am ready to do some exploring!
My adventure journey has included Moonwalks, marathon walks along Hadrian's Wall and the South Coast, firewalks, abseiling down castles, coast steering, a cross-country ski marathon in the Arctic Circle, a wing walk, and training in an Environmental Cold Chamber at the University of Sussex at minus 20!
I have just returned from running a half marathon in Greenland—the biggest and most extreme event I have ever participated in. This Arctic adventure has definitely left me with a fire in my soul for more adventures.
In the last year, I have been trekking in Peru, visiting the Amazon Rainforest, camping at -10 in Sweden, and falling in love with cross-country skiing. I have also organised a mega sea swim for over 500 open-water swimmers to celebrate International Women's Day and am now an official Surfers Against Sewage Rep for Brighton.
This year, I am very proud to have launched the UK's first #makingwaves campaign to attract more women to Adventure.
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Work With Me:
I am an experienced Project Manager specializing in initiatives within the adventure and outdoor industry. My specialist areas of expertise include:
With a deep understanding of the unique demands and opportunities in the adventure sector, I am dedicated to bringing your projects to life and success to your adventure missions.
I’ve been exploring since I was 18. Wingwalking, moonwalking, firewalking, sea swimming, road running, abseiling, canoeing, kayaking, searching for parrots in the depths of the Amazon rainforest – you name it, I’ve done it! I’m passionate about camper vans, wild swimming, beach saunas, and long walks whilst never forgetting my trusty packet of Digestives! As a blogger for adventure companies, an Ambassador for RubyMoon, a member of the Berghaus Kit Squad, and a speaker at The Adventure Mind Conference, it’s safe to say that adventure is very much part of my everyday DNA.
Click here to see how we can work together
Click here to see current projects
Click here to enjoy PinkNickys Blog: Now that I’m a 50+ empty nester, it’s time for another exciting new chapter, and this time, I’m here to bring you along with me! So pull on your hiking boots, strap on your backpack, and join me as I fuel your zest for life’s big and small adventures. It’s time to find today’s adventure!
Happy Adventuring
Nicky Chisholm aka #PinkNicky
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