On 27th February, Morgan Roy – one of the buddy climbers from the film – accepted the award for Best Documentary from the Mountain Film Festival in California.  It was great that Morgan was able to accept this award on behalf of everyone who has worked so hard to make The Mountain Within.

Follow this link to find all of the winners from the 2010 Mountain Film Festival
http://www.mammothfilm.com/Festival/2010FilmWinners/2010BestofCategoryWinners/tabid/390/Default.aspx

http://www.facebook.com/home.php?ref=home#/event.php?eid=217823751336&ref=nf

Broadway Cinema, Nottingham

December 19th – 1:45pm

Book your tickets here: https://broadwaysales.clients.newmanonline.org.uk/book/add?what=6s94fo

For more information: http://www.broadway.org.uk/film_programme.php#mountain

First of all, could you tell us a bit about yourself – where are you from and what was your role in TMW?

I’m Michael Price, and was the composer of the score for The Mountain Within. I’ve been involved in film music for more years than I care to remember now, as a composer, arranger, music editor, you name it, and have been lucky enough to work on some amazing films. And now I’ve worked on another one!

When and how did you get involved in TMW?

Kyle Portbury, the Director, called me up in Spring 2008 with what I first thought was a spoof job. “So, how do you feel about climbing up Kilimanjaro, writing music as you go, while we all make a film?” I presumed he’d gone a little mad.

Had you worked with any of the crew before?

I’d worked with Kyle, Gregory the producer and Kate the editor before on a short film, shot in Cornwall, where I’d spent the week with them on set. It seemed like such a different way to work, and I felt much more involved in the project than I often do, being with the whole crew for the shoot, so I was very keen to try again.

What did your role involve?

As the composer you’re responsible for writing, conducting and recording all the music that’s heard in the film. I’m very lucky to work with an amazing group of people, from the superb orchestral players, through the engineers at Abbey Road, especially Andrew Dudman, then the people that work closely with me on the writing of the score; Anthony Weeden who orchestrated it, and Rael Jones who produces everything with me, and plays all instruments known to man. I guess my job is to make sure that all those amazingly talented people have some reasonable tunes to work on!

For this project, some crew members took on different and/or extra roles to those they would normally take on – what were some of the strangest things you had to do on TMW?

In theory I was supposed to be helping record production sound on the mountain, but I turned out to be the most useless sound guy ever. I was also enormously inept with a camera, so mostly I ended up sorting out the video diaries we were sending back to people who were following our progress. There are pictures somewhere of me sitting freezing on a rock at 13,000 feet with a laptop on my knees trying to connect to the internet with a solar-powered satellite dish. I’ll never be rude about BT Broadband again.

What were your thoughts about Kilimanjaro and the climb before you arrived in Tanzania?

I found it very hard to imagine how difficult it was going to be, as going up and down a few climbs in the Lake District was the most I’d ever done. I imagined it would be bigger than the Lake District. And it was.

How did you feel when you arrived at the base of the mountain?

I think we were all so stressed and focused on trying to make the best film we could that I often forgot to look up at the mountain. It didn’t really dawn on me for a few days what a crazy thing we were doing.

Had you been on Kilimanjaro or to altitude before?

No. I usually avoid going to places where there isn’t enough oxygen . . .

Had you met any of the climbers before the climb?

I’d been on a couple of training walks, including one on Snowdon where I’d met many of the team. There was already an amazing bond of humour between the climbers and their buddies, but I don’t think anyone could have predicted how much everyone’s characters would have been tested.

Was there a particular event on the mountain that sticks out in your memory?

I’d love to say being on the summit, but I can barely remember staggering there. I think there were hundreds of tiny moments of humanity, humour and courage, and whenever I see the film now, I remember new ones.

How did you find working at altitude?

Like trying to work after ten pints of Yorkshire bitter. People aren’t meant to be that high up – it’s unnatural.

How do you feel that the crew as a group handled the extremes of Kilimanjaro?

I think we were often inexperienced, under-prepared, out of our depth, and yet everybody in the crew found something very special inside them and we were able to support each other through it. I think we’re all better people for having been made so vulnerable by the climb, but still helping each other to make a beautiful film that I’m very proud of.

Tell us about reaching the summit?

I was effectively carried there by one of the absolutely amazing porters, who even held my hand on the way down. I wouldn’t have got there without him. It seemed to be one of the reasons why the porters were so supportive and encouraging of Jamie Magee – they have such courage and strength themselves, and they recognise that courage in other people.

If you had to summarise the summit attempt in one word, which word would you use?

Extra-terrestrial.

Do you feel more of a connection to the film (because you took part in the climb), compared to other films you have worked on?

Hugely so. I’m now a slightly scarily passionate advocate of the film, and the whole experience, and being able to express some of that in the score with all my favourite players and colleagues is too good to be true.

What is the most important lesson you have learned from making TMW?

That we constantly limit ourselves, and we limit other people when we pre-judge what they can do. Sometimes it takes a special group of people with unselfconscious courage to show us what everyone is capable of.

Help for Special Olympics

THE LOCAL Special Olympics program received a $850.75 boost from a two-night showing of “The Mountain Within”.  It documents seven disabled individuals’ trek up Mount Kilimanjaro in summer 2008.

More than 155 people came out to the two showings of the film Sept. 4 and all the proceeds were donated to the local special olympics here.  Gregory Rinaldi of Brag Productions says the film will be released to theatres in the UK soon.  Rinaldi plans to bring the film back to North America next summer,

Meanwhile, the film will be entered in as many film festivals as possible.

By MARGARET SPEIRS of the Terrace Standard

http://www.bclocalnews.com/bc_north/terracestandard/community/Help_for_Special_Olympics.html

The screenings in Terrace on 4th September turned out to be a great success. Both screenings were close to sold out and the audience reaction to the film was again fantastic. Cynthia Northridge said “I thought it was a really powerful film, heartwarming and absolutely amazing”. The city of Terrace really embraced the event and made it into something special by helping to raise over $850 for Special Olympics Terrace.

One of TMW producers Gregory Rinaldi with the help of his sister Joan Wiebe were able to arrange everything needed for the screenings in under a week.  The banquet hall was donated by Best Western Terrace Inn, all of the audio/video equipment was provided by Sight & Sound and the posters, tickets and flyers were printed by Totem Press.  With the building blocks in place, it wasn’t long before everyone started talking about the film, bolstered by the help of the local media – two articles in the Terrace Standard, a ticket giveaway all week on CFTK’s Ryan Boult followed by promotions in the lead up to the screenings, a TV interview on the local news station and a radio interview on CBC radio.

Our faith in the message of the film was amplified when, in the hour between the first and second screenings, the audience from the first screening proceeded to call friends and family to get down to the second one.  The second screening ended up being even better attended than the first with extra chairs being brought in to accommodate the numbers. David Miller commented “It was an incredible tale of compassion and beautiful cinematography but most importantly for me was to show how something good can come from the obstacles in life”.

We will be starting our North America release next year and Terrace BC have shown us that we will be able to achieve our goals of raising both awareness and money for the charities involved.

Map <http://maps.google.ca/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=best+western+terrace+bc&sll=49.891235,-97.15369&sspn=30.241767,61.523438&ie=UTF8&ll=54.516573,-128.58495&spn=0.006315,0.01502&z=16>

Tickets can be purchased in advance at Mr. Mikes or at Misty River Books in Terrace.

The response to these screenings has been amazing.  Within one day of arriving in Terrace we were able to secure a banquet hall from Best Western Terrace Inn, an audio visual system from Sight and Sound and all of our printing – including posters, flyers and tickets – from Totem Press.

The local press have welcomed the film with open arms – the Terrace Standard have run a piece about the screenings http://www.bclocalnews.com/bc_north/terracestandard/community/56682642.html and the local radio stations have been promoting the film all week.  Local TV stations have already interviewed one of the film’s producers and there are several more interviews in the pipeline.

Terrace has really pulled out the stops to support the film and thereby raise money for such a great charity.  We will be posting updates on these screenings throughout the week as well as post screening interviews.

]]> http://www.themountainwithin.com/terrace/feed/ 0 http://www.themountainwithin.com/10-long-days/ http://www.themountainwithin.com/10-long-days/#comments Wed, 29 Jul 2009 23:07:29 +0000 Gregory http://www.themountainwithin.com/?p=492

The story so far: The Mountain Within was finally completed less than two weeks before its premiere. At that time we didn’t even know that there would be a premiere but pressed on regardless, knowing that the Special Olympics GB National Games were too good an opportunity to miss to promote the film and its message with or without a cinema onboard.

Ten days before the start of the Special Olympics GB National Games, the cinema chain we had been in discussions with for several weeks made their final decision and it was not what we hoped for. Twenty four hours later, everything changed again when Showcase Cinema de Lux stepped in, offered us two prime screening slots and moved like lightning to get everything in place in time.

With less than ten days to promote the Leicester screenings from scratch, we had to move like lightning too. As always, everyone was fantastic. Nick Romney built our website in less than a day, our PR team – Jane Atkinson and Mary Collins – launched into action and almost immediately secured two radio slots and a piece in the Leicester Mercury, posters and flyers were produced at breakneck speed and Gregory Rinaldi – one of the producers and distributors of The Mountain Within – and his partner Samantha Hammond – who had kindly volunteered to help us promote the film – drove up to Leicester to start raising awareness straight away.

Even so, we knew that when the whole team arrived in Leicester three days before the premiere, we would still have a huge mountain to climb. As indeed we did – hitting the ground running doesn’t come close! By the time we left Leicester on Monday night, we certainly felt able to relate to the endurance challenges faced by the Special Olympics GB athletes.

Our three day marathon kicked off the Friday before the premiere when Gregory arrived in Leicester just in time for a talk with Chris Baxter on BBC Radio Leicester. Once Gregory’s adrenalin levels had returned to normal, the next stop was the Special Olympics GB Games Village (at the Walkers Stadium) to set up shop in the athletes’ Cybercafe – where our expanded trailer was screened on loop until Monday night – and meet up with some of the Special Olympics GB organisers.

After adding an extension lead to our shopping list (repeated note to selves: always carry extension leads) and collecting Alison Baxter – the other producer and distributor of The Mountain Within – and Samantha from Coventry station, the day was already over.

With 10,000 flyers at the ready, Saturday morning heralded the start of our ambush on the people and businesses of Leicester. From the outset, the response was warm and welcoming, which was a huge boost, unaccustomed as we all were to accosting complete strangers (we are now planning to audition for The Apprentice!).

Towards the end of Saturday morning, we headed for the Town Hall where the Special Olympics torch was about to arrive. Buoyed by our earlier experience, we tried out our sales pitch on the audience, the performers, the police and other official bodies alike. Intrigued, a community arts journalist approached Gregory who gave an interview to camera there and then. Gregory is now an old pro at this interview lark! It was also our first encounter with Solly the lion who then stalked us (well vice versa actually) everywhere.

After distributing more flyers to every library, museum and shop within a reasonable radius and co-opting two Leicester firemen who are climbing Kilimanjaro next week, we headed on to the Walkers Stadium to continue our ambush as everyone arrived for the Special Olympics GB National Games opening ceremony. Such was our determination to get The Mountain Within in front of as many people as possible that we missed our trailer being played to the crowd of almost 25,000 in the stadium!

The opening ceremony was an extraordinary display of talent, emotion and colour and it was a privilege to be there. The parade by the 2,700 athletes was a sight to behold and it was fitting that the Prime Minister, Gordon Brown, made an appearance to lend his support.

Our first stop on Sunday morning was the Special Olympics GB Games Village to set up our expanded trailer before the athletes and their families, along with the many VIPs, arrived. This time we came equipped with an extension lead, but not unfortunately a kettle lead. Yes indeed, all it takes to bring to life an enormous plasma screen is a kettle lead! Who would have thought it.

With the expanded trailer finally running, we decided to divide and hopefully conquer with Gregory and Sam hosting the trailer at the Games Village and Alison once again taking to the streets of Leicester. Gregory quickly charmed his way into the VIP tent to bend VIP ears, while Alison (once she’d navigated her way around Leicester in the rain with most of the streets and pavements closed for the cycling event!) chatted to those attending an inspirational talk at the New Walk Museum followed by an equally inspirational service of thanksgiving at Leicester Cathedral.

And finally, after a couple of hours of extreme nerves, it was time for the premiere. And what an amazing experience it was. The audience reaction was fantastic, and both the audience and the press were especially delighted to see two of the climbers, James Smith and Pauline, in attendance. After photo calls, and a quick “debrief” in the bar, we all collapsed into bed.

After the success of Sunday night’s premiere and two days in almost constant sales mode, it was hard to motivate ourselves to get out there again on Monday morning but we knew that we could not rest on our laurels. Having saturated Leicester’s shops and restaurants and knowing that most of the athletes and their families would have conflicting demands on their time that evening, we decided to target the spectators at the various sporting events taking place around Leicester that day. And we were amazed to discover that The Mountain Within already had a public profile – numerous people had heard Gregory on the radio, seen the trailer at the opening ceremony or just picked up a flyer.

Alison (herself a lawyer) decided that she couldn’t leave Leicester without targeting the legal community so transferred her efforts to telesales, ringing round all of the major law firms to tell them about the film and encourage them to come and watch it that evening. Once again, the response was extremely positive with several law firms immediately offering to promote it internally. Particular thanks go to Harvey Ingram and Freeth Cartwright in that respect.

Suddenly it was time for the second and final Leicester screening. After a successful premiere and another very positive day in the field, our emotions were completely different this time round. This time round, we were in the mood to relax and enjoy the film. Alongside another very positive audience – including various representatives from both our new friends Special Olympics GB and Leicester City Council, and our old friends Enham and their climbers – we enjoyed The Mountain Within even more than the last time we watched it.

As Alex Adams – one of the climbers – said afterwards “It’s like a Hollywood movie now”.

Strong friendships evolve quickly, the bonds deepening with every step. Seemingly insurmountable obstacles defeat some but leave others yet more determined to continue. Powerful emotions are unleashed as tensions run high, but laughter is never far behind the tears. The many stories that unfold provide a powerful insight into the climbers’ internal and external journeys as they struggle with the challenge of a lifetime.

Emmy award winning cinematographer, Gordon Brown (3 Peaks 3 Weeks), directed by Kyle Portbury (My Brother Marvin) and supported by producer Gregory Rinaldi and editor Kate Coggins (I Could Never Be Your Woman, Strength and Honour), climb as part of the team, creating a feel that is up close and personal as well as epic. Renowned composer, Michael Price (Wild Child, Children of Men, Hot Fuzz), draws inspiration for the score from the developing narrative and extraordinary backdrop.

And by the time the summit comes into view, it is clear that there is nothing to differentiate the climbers with disabilities from the other team members. This amazing journey of the spirit shows us that it is often our hearts and minds rather than our bodies that limit all of us.

The Mountain Within secured a theatrical release in 2009 and is now being screened across the UK using a bespoke charity distribution model. The film won the award for best documentary at The Mountain Film Festival in California – http://www.themountainwithin.com/best-documentary/ – and has been recognised by several other festivals.

Synopsis

In 2008 a charity called Enham set out to show the world that having a disability does not stop you from achieving your goals or doing amazing things. What better way to do so than to have people with disabilities climb one of the highest mountains in the world – Mount Kilimanjaro. At 19,341 feet, this is a daunting task that takes a total of six days and involves covering a distance of 100 kilometers.  The mountain claims the lives of eight climbers each year.

Over a six month period, seven climbers were selected to carry the torch, each with a different disability and training regime.  Their responsibility was not insignificant – two thirds of people who attempt Kilimanjaro do not reach the summit and the climbers would also be carrying the weight of their families’ hopes and fears on their shoulders.  Some had never left the country before and none of them had any idea of what was in store. To help the process, each climber was paired up with one or two buddies to encourage, support and help them as they made their way up the mountain.

It was apparent from the moment everyone arrived at Heathrow airport that the individual climbers all had very different strengths, weaknesses and motivations. It was also apparent that each had a very distinct personality. These naturally strong characters, and the dynamics and relationships that develop between them, provide unmissable drama, emotion and comedy in equal measure and make The Mountain Within the film that it is – so much more than a traditional documentary.

Jamie Magee was hit by a motor bike when he was four years old and was left with symptoms similar to those following a stroke.  With half of his body paralysed, Jamie had a monumental physical task in front of him.

Val Bradshaw was involved in a horse riding accident that resulted in extensive surgery and left her with one leg several inches shorter than the other.  Val is lucky to be walking, let alone to have taken on one of the world’s highest mountains. But that is Val through and through.

Alex Adams was born with learning difficulties and as a teenager was diagnosed with a minor form of Aspergers Syndrome. With a strong military background within his family, it was apparent from the outset that Alex was determined to show them what he was made of.

Liz Cozgrove was recovering from a nervous breakdown following a series of very traumatic events in her life and yet gave herself what for anyone is a very tough mental challenge.  Although the quietist of the group, Liz’s determination was ever apparent in her eyes and clear to everyone around her.

James Smith’s journey before the climb had already been amazing, having progressed from needing 24 hour care in 1990 to leading a full and independent life – even getting to the airport on his own would have been impossible in 1990. James’ will to reach the summit never wavered during training or the climb and his enthusiasm from day one was second to none.

James Bridges has a weak spine following a work injury.  After the injury, James spent many years on the outside looking in and this was the first time James had even travelled by plane. For James to succeed, he needed to regain the confidence he once had and learn to trust and work with the rest of the team.

Ahmed Afranji, at nineteen years old and with cerebral palsy, was the youngest of the climbers and also the only one who did not speak English. A Palestinian born in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Ahmed had never climbed a mountain before and was climbing for his father who died just ten weeks beforehand.

Cast

Alexander Adams
Ahmed Afranji
Steven Ballantyne
Valerie Bradshaw
James Bridges
Elizabeth Curtis
Pauline Griffin
John Hauf
Claire Holt
Ali Jaafar
Laura Jackson
Jack Kriendler
Bryan Magee
Jamie Magee
Eric Murphy
Chris Parsons
Michael Price
Luke Purse
Sheila Ridge
Morgan Roy
James Smith
Susie Snudden
Michael Steel
Hans Von Stiegel
Herta Von Stiegel

Crew

Kyle Portbury – Director
Alison Baxter – producer
Gregory Rinaldi – producer
Hans Von Stiegel – executive producer
Herta Von Stiegel – executive producer

Original Music by – Michael Price
Cinematography by – Gordon Brown
Film Editing by – Kate Coggins

David Angus – Narrator
Gregory Rinaldi – unit director: podcasts
Dafydd Archard – sound re-recording mixer
Steve Browell – supervising sound editor
Jeff Dalmaine – studio engineer
Nick Del-Molino – studio assistant
Dominique Devoucoux – adr editor
Leigh Humberdross – dialogue editor
Gemma Nicholson – sound editor
Jon Olive – sound designer
Kath Pollard – dialogue editor
Pat Roche – sound editor
Sven Taits – sound re-recording mixer
Kate Coggins – still photographer
Kyle Portbury – camera operator: “b” camera
Gregory Rinaldi – camera operator
Martin Falconer – animator
Aubrey Woodiwiss – colorist
Andy Brown – orchestra contractor
Tom Chichester-Clark – music editor
Andrew Dudman – score recording engineer: score mixer
Paul Gladstone Reid – musician: vocalist
Rael Jones – musician: guitar, music supervisor
The London Metropolitan Orchestra – music performed by
Michael Price – conductor
Michael Price – music producer
Anthony Weeden – orchestrator
Dolores McGinley – title designer