101 Women in adventure films - Part 1
Here are some of the most inspiring and engaging women in adventure films.
I have collated some of my favourite videos that are free and accessible online. I would love to add to this and have more diversity of BAME, LGBTQ+ and adaptive athletes experiences and stories shared (particularly those who identify as women or non-binary)- please send me your suggestions so we can add to and expand this incredible list!!
Enjoy the amazing, badass and expansive world of women in adventure…
Please note that these videos are not at the exclusion of men. Many of the videos do include men, however, they also showcase a strong female lead and team. Some of the videos will not embed in the blog so there is a link instead of the video beside the explanation.
Yours in exploration,
Emma
The North Face Presents: Lhotse ft. Hilaree Nelson & Jim Morrison
Mountaineering (23 mins)
In 2018, Hilaree Nelson and Jim Morrison completed the first ski descent of the 27,940-foot Lhotse, the fourth-highest mountain in the world. This is their story.
2. El Capitan's Golden Gate ft. Emily Harrington | The North Face
Rock climbing (17 mins)
TNF & Petzl Athlete Emily Harrington couldn't ignore the magnetic pull of El Capitan’s ‘Golden Gate’ (5.13 VI). Here Emily shows us that it’s just as much about the journey as it is the destination. Discover more: http://bit.ly/TheNorthfaceYT
3. Mentors: Hillary Allen
North Face (6 mins)
After a harrowing accident, ultra runner Hillary Allen began a journey to recovery that allowed her to discover the true meaning of strength. See more stories of female role models at https://www.thenorthface.com/featured...
Our four-part Mentors series examines the truths we find through exploration, and allow these stories to broaden how we define an explorer. Shot on location in Salt Lake City in the Clubhouse SLC home to the Ladies Literary Club, the oldest women's club in the West.
4. Pobeda: Climbing North Hemisphere's Coldest Peak.
Mountaineering (11 mins)
Sakha is the home to Pik Pobeda, the highest mountain in Siberia, and where alpinists Tamara Lunger and Simone Moro attempted the first ever winter ascent of the frozen monolith. Discover more: http://bit.ly/TheNorthfaceYT
5. Mentors: Rue Mapp
North Face (6 mins)
Founder and CEO of Outdoor Afro, Rue Mapp talks about her journey to inspire African American connections and leadership in nature. Discover more stories of women pushing the boundaries of exploration at: https://www.thenorthface.com/featured...
Our Mentors series examines the truths we find through exploration, and allow these stories to broaden how we define an explorer.
6. Libby Peter - Devotion | The Commitment Series Ep.1 | Rab Equipment
Rock climbing (5 mins)
Libby Peter is one of the UK’s most respected climbers, with years of experience in expeditions, instructing, coaching and guiding around the world.
Throughout her astounding career Libby has been consistently committed to fulfilling her personal and professional objectives, whilst raising her daughters Ruby and Zoe in the climbing hub of North Wales, UK. In “Devotion” Libby reflects on how - quite unintentionally - climbing has shaped her life. It’s an eloquent and honest perspective that anyone who spends time in the outdoors will be able to relate to, as Libby reminds us through her own experiences that the inevitable changes life throws at us are to be embraced, and accepting the unexpected is a part of the journey.
7. Mentors: Hilaree Nelson
North Face (5 mins)
We’re proud to announce Hilaree Nelson as the new Captain of our Global Athlete Team. Hilaree will serve as a constant source of support, motivation, and vision to her fellow TNF athletes. See more inspiring stories at: https://www.thenorthface.com/featured...
Our four-part series, Mentors, examines the truths we find through exploration, and allows these stories to broaden how we define an explorer. Shot on location in Salt Lake City in the Clubhouse SLC home to the Ladies Literary Club, the oldest women's club in the West.
8. E9 climb Rare Lichen by Emma Twyford
Rock climbing (3 mins)
Emma Twyford climbs the Ogwen Valley arête Rare Lichen, becoming the second British woman to climb the magic E9 grade.
9. Sport Or Trad...Emma Twyford Crushes Everything | Climbing Daily Ep.1282
Rock climbing (9 mins)
Over the summer we were filming down in Pembrokeshire with DMM. DMM athlete Emma Twyford was trying her trad project ‘The Big Issue’ E9 6c, which she managed to climb. We caught up with her the next day, for a chat.
Sport Or Trad...Emma Twyford Crushes Everything | Climbing Daily Ep.1282
10. The Bothy Project - discovering the wild Shenavall
Bothy, Scotland (11 mins)
Why do we need wild places? Four artists head to the remote Scottish bothy of Shenavall in an evocative call to the wilderness.
This BMC TV production is from the team that brought you the award-winning Operation Moffat.
Supported by our friends Lowe Alpine, this short film features four women who travel to the remote Shenavall bothy in the highlands of Scotland. Filmmaker Jen Randall follows wild-swimming-video-artist Natasha Brooks (star of Blue Hue), acclaimed Sheffield artist Tessa Lyons and poet Claire Carter (as seen in Operation Moffat) as they explore the surrounding wilderness.
With additional cinematography from Nick Brown and James France, this is a stunningly shot, evocative call of the wilderness that will inspire you to head north and find your own adventures.
11. Mary-Ann Ochota tackles Skye's infamous Inaccessible Pinnacle
Rock climbing (9 mins)
Mary-Ann Ochota faces her fears on the hardest of all Scottish Munros: Skye's famous Inaccessible Pinnacle on the Cuillin Ridge.
What is pushing her towards this inaccessible pinnacle? Why does she want to reach something that cannot be reached? What does she hope to achieve?
A short film by FinalCrux Films for BMC TV.
Thanks to Lowe Alpine for their support. Also huge thanks to Skye Guides, Glen Brittle Memorial Hut, Sligachan Hotel and Rab.
12. Climbing Mount Damavand - Iran's highest mountain
Mountaineering (11 mins)
A ski-mountaineering team from the UK set out to climb Iran's highest mountain, Mount Damavand (5610 m). The team is lead by Shirin Shabestari, an Iranian woman now resident in London. As the team ascend the mountain the film examines the pivotal role mountaineering played in Shirin's upbringing and discover just how much this summit means to her.
Today Shirin lives in London with her family, but she spent her childhood growing up in Iran. In an often restrictive country, she would explore the mountains to find her sense of freedom. This experience would come to shape her future as she dreamt of bigger adventures.
13. Blue Hue
Wild Swimming (6 mins)
A film about the joys of year-round naked swimming in the lakes of Snowdonia. This film by artist Natasha Brooks won the BMC TV Women In Adventure film competition 2015.
14. Mina Leslie-Wujastyk climbs The Hatchling (8A), Rocklands
Rock climbing (3 mins)
Top climber Mina Leslie-Wujastyk chats about climbing as a woman. And makes an ascent of The Hatchling 8A, Rocklands, South Africa, in this great little clip by Jen Randall.
15. Steph Davis - CHOICES Full Movie
Rock climbing (21 mins)
CHOICES is the portrait of an exceptional sportswoman who is not afraid to make decisions and who approaches her life as she approaches her climbing projects - as willing to compromise as necessary and as uncompromisingly as possible: Steph Davis.
16. Black Diamond Presents: Concepción with Hazel Findlay
Rock climbing (10 mins)
This past spring, BD Athlete Hazel Findlay faced off with the immaculate 230-foot splitter, Concepción (5.13), located in the southwest desert near Moab, Utah. “I guess I got my ass kicked a little bit,” says Hazel. “Performance anxiety comes because you put too much pressure on yourself,” explains Hazel. “But if you have low expectations, then there’s no pressure anymore.” Ironically, as Hazel points out in this film, success happens when “you just kind of let yourself climb.” #liveclimbrepeat
17. Hazel Findlay: from shoulder operation to sending 8c climb
Rock climbing (15 mins)
A personal and revealing portrait highlighting the demands of being a pro climber. Features unique behind-the-scenes footage and inspiring shots of one of Hazel Findlay's hardest sends: Mind Control (8c) at Oliana.
Mind Control is a BMC TV film by the award-winning Jen Randall.
18. Free Flow - Hazel Findlay
Rock climbing (5 mins)
This past spring, BD Athlete Hazel Findlay faced off with the immaculate 230-foot splitter, Concepción (5.13), located in the southwest desert near Moab, Utah. “I guess I got my ass kicked a little bit,” says Hazel. “Performance anxiety comes because you put too much pressure on yourself,” explains Hazel. “But if you have low expectations, then there’s no pressure anymore.” Ironically, as Hazel points out in this film, success happens when “you just kind of let yourself climb.” #liveclimbrepeat
19. Chasing the Sublime
Outdoor Swimming (7 mins)
Why do we put ourselves into the path of discomfort and risk? What drives us to get too cold and too tired, to battle with fear, in the name of adventure? Follow the originators of The Outdoor Swimming Society, ‘swim twins’ Kate Rew and Kari Furre, in this hauntingly beautiful glimpse at the physicality of UK cold water swimming, as two friends set out to chase the sublime.
20. Life of Pie | Pizza and Bikes Can Fix Anything
Mountain biking (12 mins)
In 2002, mountain bikers and entrepreneurs Jen Zeuner and Anne Keller moved to Fruita, Colorado, in search of cheap rent, world-class single track, and free time to ride. Over 15 years later, the two unconventional women have helped reshape one of the state’s most conservative towns, uniting the community through advocacy, inclusivity, and damn good pizza.
Directed by Ben Knight and Travis Rummel
21. Blood Road
Cycling (90 mins)
Rebecca Rusch cycles 1,930km along the Ho Chi Minh Trail through Vietnam. Her goal is to reach the site in Laos where her father, a US Air Force pilot, was shot down more than 40 years earlier.
22. Chasing A Trace
Wilderness | Wildlife (20 mins)
This film follows wildlife scientist, Mirjam Barrueto, on her quest to find elusive breed female wolverines in the mountains of Canada's west.
23. Okpilik – Inuit Nunangat Taimaannganit
Fishing Inuit (4 mins)
LINK: https://www.itk.ca/inuit-nunangat-taimannganit/video_archive/okpilik/
24. The Ladakh Project - Nouria Newman
Kayaking (13 mins)
Journey with Nouria Newman and her solo kayaking trip in the Himalayas
LINK: https://www.redbull.com/int-en/ladakh-project-nouria-newman-kayaks-india-rivers-interactive-story
25. This Land – Faith E. Briggs x Merrell
Running | Conservation (11 mins)
Runner and advocate Faith E. Briggs used to run through the streets of Brooklyn every morning. Now, she’s running 150 miles through three U.S. National Monuments that lay in the thick of the controversy around public lands. Accompanied by running companions who represent diverse perspectives in what it means to be a public land owner, she assesses what is at stake if previously protected lands are reduced and if the public is largely unaware. THIS LAND is a story about land access told through a journey of inclusion and empowerment.\
26. Spirit
India | Mountains (20 mins)
When Saraswati arrives as the first educated daughter-in-law in a Himalayan village, she wonders how she will ever feel at home. But faced with the scepticism of an older generation of women, she grows determined to succeed. As the village’s vibrant Pandav Lila festival approaches, this film offers a window onto the daily work and spiritual practices that bind people to each other and the land.
‘Spirit’ is an intimate story of longing and belonging from a remote community in the thralls of change.
spiritdocumentary.com
27. Break on Through
Rock climbing (30 mins)
Follow American climber Margo Hayes on her quest to make history and become the first woman to ascend two of the most revered climbs in the world - La Rambla in Spain and Biographie in France.
LINK: https://www.redbull.com/int-en/episodes/break-on-through-reel-rock-s04-e01
28. Perspectives
Mountain biking (6 mins)
Everyone views the world differently. As an artist and professional mountain biker, Micayla Gatto finds inspiration in her surroundings, be it at home in British Columbia, Canada or somewhere as distant as India. The chaotic cities, the surreal mountains, the kind people; each provide a beautiful and unique experience. On her journey to ride in the Himalaya, the unfamiliar environment is amplified with every pedal-stroke, taking her further into the unknown, closer to connection and toward the realization that perspective is everything.
LINK: https://freehubmag.com/videos/perspectives-india
29. The Sky Piercer
Skiing (44 mins)
Snow athletes Sam Smoothy, Xavier De Le Rue, Nadine Wallner and Fraser McDougall take on the challenge of skiing down New Zealand’s highest mountain, the notorious Mount Cook (Aoraki). Will extreme weather and icy conditions defeat them?
LINK: https://www.redbull.com/int-en/films/the-sky-piercer-2019-23-10
30. Facing Sunrise
Finding adventure (9 mins)
In moments of rawness and realness, we find our true selves. While dealing with one of the darkest times of her life, processing family trauma and recovering from injury, Azzah becomes captivated by the question, “what do you want to do before you die?” Although she has never seen herself as much of an adventurer, she realizes she’s capable of more than she ever imagined.
31. Ascending Afghanistan
Mountaineering | Afghan women first (44 mins)
On August 6, 2015, a team of 13 young Afghan climbers set out to make history as the first women in the country to summit the Afghan mountain peak of Mir Samir. The team embarked on a 16-day-long expedition against the advice of their elders in an attempt to change the country’s narrative as one of the most dangerous places for women in the world. Doubling as a metaphor for the ascent of women in Afghanistan, the expedition often weathered the novice climbers’ motivation, but by the time they summited the nearly 17,000-foot peak, they’d climbed higher than any Afghan woman had before, a win for female mountain climbers across the world. Watch as VICE Impact follows the team along the historic climb.
32. Blue Heart
Conservation | Water (44 mins)
The Balkan Peninsula is home to the last wild rivers in Europe. However, a deluge of more than 3,000 proposed hydropower developments threaten to destroy the culture and ecology of this forgotten region. Blue Heart, now in its first digital release, documents the battle for the largest undammed river in Europe, Albania’s Vjosa, the effort to save the endangered Balkan lynx in Macedonia, and the women of Kruščica, Bosnia and Herzegovina, who are spearheading a months-long, 24/7 protest to protect their community’s only source of drinking water.
33. Carving Landscapes
Research | Mountain travel (6 mins)
34. YETI Presents: My Mom Vala
Fishing (10 mins)
Life has a way of putting us where we need to be. For Vala, that’s in both Greenland – where she works at her family’s fishing lodge – and Reykjavík, where she teaches her daughter how to do it all on her own, too.
35. The North Face presents: Defiance – ft. Leanne Pelosi, Jake Blauvelt and Victor de Le Rue
Skiing (13 mins)
The path of progression is paved with acts of defiance. Leanne Pelosi, Jake Blauvelt, and Victor de Le Rue take the stage in British Columbia in a showcase of shred. Learn more: http://bit.ly/FTRLTSTyt
36. Dream Job
Skiing (15 mins)
Katie is tired of working behind a desk. She ventures out for a day in the life, with mountain professionals to find her calling in the ski industry.
37. The Ride
Skijoring - Skiing and Horse riding (9 mins)
Skijoring is a sport that combines fast horses with daredevil skiing through a slalom course in small towns throughout the western United States. Follow Ebbie Hansen, a Montana cowgirl, as she chases her third National Championship.
38. Mirna Valerio: Par For The Course
Running (4 mins)
Mirna Valerio takes on her first ever sky race at the 4th annual Broken Arrow Sky Race. Mirna navigated the rocky, exposed ridge lines, steep climbs and snow filled descents of Squaw Valley with an attitude unlike any other.
39. REI Presents: Engaging The Curve
Mountain biking (12 mins)
Graham and Shannon have been dating for 5 years and currently live together in Bend, OR. They’ve each had professional athletic careers in two very different sports: Ultimate Frisbee and Alpine Climbing. This is the story of how they share their respective sports with each other, and how the idea of learning to mountain bike was inspired by their community and environment.
Together they will step back into the mindset of beginners as they learn to mountain bike. With crashes and frustrations alongside the joy of progression, they whoop and swear their way through this comedic and painful learning curve.
With some (but probably not enough) experience under their belts, they head for the remote hills of Eastern OR to test out their new skills. Inspired by friends’ stories of mountain bike packing in wild parts of the world, they explore the wilderness in their backyard while seeking out engaging terrain to shred.
As they wrap up their journey, they reflect on the experiences of learning to bike and how it helped them build a stronger relationship with each other and their environment.
40. Run Forever: Nicky Spinks & The Double Bob Graham
Running (49 mins)
Nicky Spinks is a beef farmer from Yorkshire and one of the UK's best fell runners. In 2006, she was diagnosed with breast cancer, turning her world upside down. 'Run Forever' looks at Nicky's inspirational life and her record breaking attempt of a double Bob Graham Round in the Lake District; a 132 mile route, with 54000ft of ascent, that only one person has completed in under 48 hours.
41. Liv Along The Way | Salomon TV
Mountaineering (23 mins)
Since she first summited Mont Blanc as a teen, Liv Sansoz knew she would make her life in the mountains. She was twice crowned World Champion in sport climbing, and eventually expanded her professional horizons to mixed climbing, ski mountaineering, and base jumping. In 2017, at 40 years old, Liv set out from her base in Chamonix, France to attempt to climb all 82 4000m peaks in the European Alps in a single year. As she’s learned several times throughout her life, things don’t always go as planned.
42. Kungsleden with Emelie Forsberg | Salomon TV
Running (14 mins)
In 2018, Emelie Forsberg went back to her homeland to attempt a Fastest Known Time (FKT) in the Kungsleden Trail, a hiking trail in the Swedish Lapland that boasts spectacular wilderness and is usually crossed by hikers in no less than 15 days. She completed the 450km trail in 4 days and 21 hours, beating the current FKT, held since 2017.
43. Laura Dekker - Youngest Circumnavigator to Sail Alone Around the World
Sailing (25 mins)
Born on a boat, Laura Dekker fell in love with sailing at a very young age. In her talk she discusses her adventures in sailing and being the youngest circumnavigator to sail alone around the world.
44. NATALIE PANEK: WILD SPACE | The Problem Solvers Ep. 2
Exploration | Leave no trace | Space exploration (9 mins)
Rocket Scientist, Space Junk Crusader, backcountry and extra-terrestrial Leave No Trace advocate – Natalie Panek uses her passion for space and genius for aerospace robotics to combat pollution in outer space.
45. ORVIS Presents: The Motivator
Mother and son (5 mins)
Filmmaker Aaron Hitchins turns his camera on the person who has motivated him to lead a life connected to the outdoors: his mother, Maureen. He wishes he were half as active as she is, and her commitment to rediscovering herself is inspirational.
46. #TheWanderer [Japan] with Kalen Thorien | Salomon
Skiing | Adventure | Travel (6 mins)
The third and final leg of #TheWanderer continues around the world to Japan. Pro skier and adventurer, Kalen Thorien is joined by local ambassador, Kiki, who together follow the path of the water from its source in the lush green mountains, into the jungle-like valleys, and ending at the sea. In addition to mountain biking and stand up paddle boarding, the duo explore the rich culture of Japan by backpacking 40km of the Shinetsu Trail, visiting shrines and temples along the way.
Like the roots of a cedar tree, Japan's traditions run deep throughout the centuries. It's less about accomplishment, and more about attaining the journey. Stillness in itself is an adventure. Rather than going all out, we go in, seeking the unknown.
47. Surviving in the Siberian Wilderness for 70 Years (Full Length)
Wilderness (36 mins)
In 1936, a family of Russian Old Believers journeyed deep into Siberia's vast taiga to escape persecution and protect their way of life. The Lykovs eventually settled in the Sayan Mountains, 160 miles from any other sign of civilization. In 1944, Agafia Lykov was born into this wilderness. Today, she is the last surviving Lykov, remaining steadfast in her seclusion. In this episode of Far Out, the VICE crew travels to Agafia to learn about her taiga lifestyle and the encroaching influence of the outside world.
48. Hydrotherapy
Wild Swimming (7 mins)
Hydrotherapy is a short film by Friction Collective. It’s a story of adaptation, strength & rewilding set in the raw and beautiful landscapes of Snowdonia National park. Laura has not only overcome a life changing illness through wild swimming, but has also found a greater connection to the natural world. This has ignited her mission to make a stand for the natural environment, and protect wild waters and wild spaces across the UK.
While restrictions on open water swimming have been lifted in some parts of the UK, this activity still comes with significant risks. With very few lifeguards on duty at the moment, and cold water temperatures, now is not the time to risk your safety, or risk putting any additional strains on emergency services. We really hope that you feel inspired to start planning some wild swimming adventures, but for now we urge you to hold off from participating in any form of open water swimming. Further information is available from the RNLI & Outdoor Swimmer. Thank you for watching. Find out more about Laura’s incredible research & environmental projects at weswimwild.com.
49. Dream Big
Handcycling (34 mins)
GB Paralympian Mel Nicholls suffered a series of strokes as a fit and healthy young woman. She was left unable to walk or use much of the left side of her body following the third stroke in 2008.
Mel set out to break the world record for handcycling the length of Great Britain in June 2019. The Lands End to John O'Groats route is a highly revered journey, covering 874 miles up the heart of the country.
This is an inspirational story of unbridled positivity & determination that will leave you itching to get outside & begin training for your own adventure.
A film by Friction Collective Ltd.
50. The Honeymoon is Over
Rock climbing (14 mins)
This was Madaleine Sorkin's quest to climb The Honeymoon Is Over (5.13c) on Long's Peak, CO
51. Out In The Sierra with Kalen Thorien | Salomon TV
Solo hiking (18 mins)
Kalen Thorien, a professional skier and adventurer, decided to spend her summer on a 270 mile, 18 day, solo high traverse in the Sierra Nevada, a mountain range in the Western United States. Your immediate question is probably “Why?”, well, Kalen probably says it best, “We spend a lot of time seeking answers, hoping for outside forces to propel us into an elevated realm of thinking, the simplicity of a walk in the woods can provide the impermanence that we so often overlook. Out there it is uncluttered and simplified.”