Obsession (2018)

Free solo ice climber David Roetzel explores his complicated relationship with one of the world's most dangerous adventure sports in this documentary film short directed by Bud Force and Scott Hardesty. Roetzel is the first person to free solo (climbing without the use of fall protection) every major ice formation in Colorado's famed East Vail. This involved climbing more than 1,000 feet of ice in a single day without fall protection. The philosophical narrative details a concept of humility while learning to control one's mind under extreme duress. Meticulous planning and countless hours of training blend into a climbing feat achieved by few in a medium of art unknown to most. "In most sports, you can funnel adrenaline into the sport itself. In ice climbing, however, you must stand their motionless and calmly accept it."