Sender Films integrates action with story-telling to create climbing/mountaineering and adventure sports documentary films. Sender Films goes inside the sport of hard-core climbing, focusing on climbers driven to obscure accomplishments. According to Outside Magazine, Sender Films has "focused on character-driven narratives..". Over the past three years, Sender Films has produced the six-part series First Ascent with National Geographic International. They have also been producing adventure film segments for US TV networks such as NBC, The Weather Channel, and Outside TV. Their shows have been financial successes, proving that audiences are interested in the emerging genre of climbing and adventure-sports.
On April 25, 2015, the feature documentary Valley Uprising had its television premiere headlining Discovery Channel's Elevation Weekend.During Ueli Steck and Simone Moro's attempted ascent of Mount Everest in April 2013, a conflict between climbers and sherpas derailed the expedition and put the climbers in the national spotlight. Sender Films was there to document the altercation, and later that year released their retelling of the events as "High Tension: Ueli Steck and the Clash on Everest" along with the REEL ROCK 8 Film Tour.Sender Films filmed 26-year-old Alex Honnold complete the Triple Solo in Yosemite Valley, CA for one of their Reel Rock Film Tour 2012 short films. According to the New York Times, Honnold accomplished "...something no one had done before: climb the three biggest rock faces in the California park in succession, alone, and in less than 24 hours. Dubbed the triple, the task would mean scaling the sheer walls of Mount Watkins, El Capitan and Half Dome for a total of about 7,000 vertical feet of rock.[5]" The film is set to premiere in late 2012 alongside the Reel Rock Film Tour.Reel Rock Film Tour 2011, part of an annual compilation of adventure film shorts that is co-produced by Sender Films and Big UP Productions, featured a short film called Sketchy Andy. Andy Lewis, or Sketchy Andy, is a professional slackliner, highliner, and BASE jumper. He was recently featured in the Super Bowl XLVI halftime show alongside Madonna. His appearance created media attention not only towards himself and his Reel Rock film, but also to the obscure sport of slacklining.Sender Films was recently hired to shoot a Citibank television commercial that aired in the United States. The ad was featured in a CNN video segment due to its popularity. The commercial features professional climbers Alex Honnold and Katie Brown climbing the Fisher Towers. Alex is featured in multiple Sender Films productions including Alone on the Wall from the First Ascent series.Free solo climber Alex Honnold was also featured in a 60 Minutes special detailing his impressive feats as a climber. Sender Films shot the 60 minutes piece on location in Eldorado Springs, CO and Yosemite, CA with 60 Minutes crew members including Laura Logan. Jeff Newton, a producer for the segment, considered the camera crew for the shoot a dream team of photographers and riggers in order to properly film the climb.YOUNG GUNS follows the climbing skills of young climbers Ashima Shiraishi (15) and Kai Lightner (16). In Norway, Kai takes on one of the largest caves in Europe with 260ft of overhang whilst in Japan, Ashima attempts a massive granite boulder called "Horizons" (V15) in her attempt to be the first woman and youngest person to ever climb it.
REEL ROCK cranks it up to 11 with a collection of electrifying climbing films showcasing the sport's biggest stories and athletes. The five films deliver edge-of-your-seat action, globe-trotting exploration, big laughs and true inspiration.
The 2015 REEL ROCK Film Tour consisted of five films: A Line Across the Sky, Dean Potter Tribute, High and Mighty, 24 Hours of Horseshoe Hell and a Dawn Wall Exclusive. Athletes in these films include Alex Honnold, Tommy Caldwell, Jimmy Webb, Daniel Woods, Nik Berry, Mason Earle, Kevin Jorgeson, and Dean Potter.
In the shady campgrounds of Yosemite valley, climbers carved out a counterculture lifestyle of dumpster-diving and wild parties that clashed with the conservative values of the National Park Service. And up on the walls, generation after generation has pushed the limits of climbing, vying amongst each other for supremacy on Yosemite's cliffs. "Valley Uprising" is the riveting, unforgettable tale of this bold rock climbing tradition in Yosemite National Park: half a century of struggle against the laws of gravity—and the laws of the land.The latest collection of films from the REEL ROCK 8 Film Tour, featuring "The Sensei" starring Yuji Hirayama and Daniel Woods, "Spice Girl" starring Hazel Findlay and Emily Harrington, and "High Tension" with Ueli Steck, Simone Moro and Melissa Arnot––a film chronicling the 2013 conflict on Mount Everest between European climbers and a group of sherpas.The four films in this collection chronicle Alex Honnold's Triple Solo climb in Yosemite Valley, Chris Sharma and Adam Ondra's battle to establish the world's first 5.15c, and never before seen ascents of some of the most brutal routes in the world. Also featuring Conrad Anker, Sasha DiGiulian, Daila Ojeda, Jimmy Chin, Renan Ozturk, Pete Whittaker and Tom Randall.A collection of short films focusing on everything from rock climbing and BASE jumping to slacklining. The films feature renowned climbers Tommy Caldwell, Dean Potter, "Sketchy" Andy Lewis, Ashima Shiraishi, Will Gadd, Kevin Jorgeson, Corey Richards, Obe Carrion, Sean Leary, Tim Emmett, Simone Moro, Denis Urubko, Hans Florine, and The Huber Brothers.First Ascent is Sender Films' 6-part series that has aired on the Travel Channel and the National Geographic Adventure Channel. Produced over two years on five continents, First Ascent follows nine climbers to locations around the globe on their quests to redefine what is possible in the mountains. The series features the first rope free climb of Yosemite’s sheer 2,000 foot wall of Half Dome; the longest BASE jump achieved, from the Eiger Nordwand; and a tragic expedition to the lost peaks of Western China.A collection of short films including, The Hulk, First Round First Minute, Fly Or Die, Down and Out and Under, The Hardest Moves, and the award-winning The Swiss Machine. Athletes featured in this edition include Ueli Steck, Chris Sharma, Daniel Woods, Paul Robinson, Peter Croft, Lisa Rands, Cedar Wright, Matt Segal.A film documenting the worlds' best climbers, including Alex Honnold, Dean Potter, Steph Davis, Lisa Rands, Chris McNamara, Ammon McNeely, Renan Ozturk, Cedar Wright and others, as they free solo, high-ball boulder, hard trad climb, extreme big-wall aid, wingsuit BASE fly, high line and tower jump in various locations on earth. The Sharp End has won multiple awards including Best Adventure Film at the X-Dance Action Sports Film Festival.A film chronicling Chris Sharma's global quest to climb difficult routes, or lines, including his first ascent of Es Pontàs, the still-unrepeated Mediterranean deep-sea arch. The film was hailed for its cinematography, with one critic calling it "the best camera work in a climbing film".The film that preceded the similarly titled National Geographic Series. This documentary focuses on climbers in pursuit of a first ascent. Featuring Dean Potter, Timmy O'Neill, and Sonnie Trotter; also featuring Didier Berthod on his quest for the first ascent of the Cobra Crack.A compilation of short climbing films featuring Timmy O'Neill and others. Rock and Ice Magazine called it "...one of the best climbing films ever made..." A short film detailing many of Colorado's Front Range climbers tackling Front Range routes. Front Range Freaks was produced by Axolotl Productions before Sender Films was founded.Peter Mortimer: President/Partner
Peter Mortimer is a filmmaker who lives in Boulder, Colorado, and is the founder of the adventure film company Sender Films. Peter is also co-founder, along with Josh Lowell of Big UP Productions, of the REEL ROCK Film Tour, coming up on in its 9th year and showing in over 265 locations across the world.Nick Rosen: Partner
Nick Rosen is a partner, writer, and producer at Sender Films. He is co-creator of the Emmy-nominated National Geographic Television Series, First Ascent, and co-director of The Sharp End.Brette (2016)
Best Climbing Film: Ladek Mountain Film FestivalBoys in the Bugs (2016)
Best Climbing Film: BANFF Mountain Film FestivalBest Climbing Film: Krakow Mountain FestivalDodo's Delight (2016)
Charlie Fowler Award: Telluride Mountain Film FestivalPeople's Choice Award: Ladek Mountain Film FestivalGrand Jury Winner: Why Not? Adventure Film FestivalBest Adventure Film: Why Not? Adventure Film FestivalPeople's Choice Award: Why Not? Adventure Film FestivalThe McConkey Award: Why Not? Adventure Film FestivalJury Special Prize: Danish Adventure Film FestivalBest Sport & Action Film: Bovec Outdoor Film FestivalBest Adventure Film: Lookout Wild Film FestivalAudience Award: Lookout Wild Film FestivalStudent's Choice Award for Best Short Documentary: Frozen River Film FestivalDonald Tiso Best Film Award: Edinburgh Mountain Film FestivalPeople's Choice Award: Edinburgh Mountain Film FestivalHonorary Mention of the Jury in the Mountains, Sports, and Adventure Category: Domžale Mountain FilmBest Short: Flagstaff Mountain FilmBest Documentary Short: Boulder International Film FestivalBest Climbing Film: Sheffield Adventure Film FestivalAudience Choice Award: Aviemore Adventure FestivalYoung Guns (2016)
People's Choice Award for Radical Reels: BANFF Film FestivalA Line Across the Sky (2015)
Best Climbing Film: BANFF Film FestivalBest Climbing Film: Ladek Mountain FilmBest Climbing Film: Bilbao Mendi Film FestivalJury Honorable Mention for Climbing Film: Festival Gorniškega Filma DomžaleAudience Award: Chamonix Adventure FestivalBest Film - Silver: Sheffield Adventure Film FestivalBest Women in Adventure Film - Silver: Sheffield Adventure Film FestivalBest Climbing Film - Bronze: Sheffield Adventure Film FestivalPeople's Choice Award - Silver: Sheffield Adventure Film FestivalHigh and Mighty (2015)
Best Short Film: Bilbao Mendi Film FestivalBest Short Mountaineering Film: Festival Gorniškega Filma DomžaleJudges Special Mention: Sheffield Adventure Film FestivalBest Soundtrack - Silver: Sheffield Adventure Film Festival
Showdown at Horseshoe Hell (2015)
People's Choice Award at Radical Reels: BANFF Film Festival
Valley Uprising (2014)
News and Documentary Emmy: Outstanding Graphic Design and Art DirectionGrand Prize: BANFF Mountain Film FestivalGrand Prize: TORELLO Mountain Film FestivalGrand Prize: BILBAO MENDI Film FestivalGrand Prize: DANISH Mountain Film FestivalGrand Prize: KENDAL Mountain Film FestivalGrand Prize: KRAKOW Mountain FestivalGrand Prize: LADEK Mountain Film FestivalGrand Prize: DOMZALE Mountain Film FestivalGrand Prize: BCN Sports FilmAlpine Camera in Gold: Mountainfilm GrazSavage Cinema Prize: SAN SEBASTIAN Film FestivalAudience Award: BILBAO MENDI Film FestivalAudience Award: Nuovi Mondi Film FestivalPublic Choice: Horsky FilmBest Documentary in Climbing Culture: Horsky FilmPrix Du Jury: CHAMONIX Adventure Film FestivalSpecial Mention of the Jury for Main Award: AUTRANS Mountain Film FestivalMost Inspiring Adventure Film: Wild & ScenicBest Film: Bronze Award: Sheffield Adventure Film FestivalBest Film on Exploration/Adventure: Trento Film FestivalBest Film on Climbing: Trento Film FestivalBest Climbing Film: NZ Mountain Film FestivalGrand Jury Prize: Why Not? Adventure Film FestivalPeople's Choice Award: Why Not? Adventure Film FestivalBest Soundtrack: Why Not? Adventure Film FestivalNews and Documentary Emmy Nomination: Outstanding Graphic Design & Art DirectionHigh Tension (2013)
Best Film (Mountain Culture): BANFF Mountain Film FestivalBest Mountaineering Film: Kendal Mountain Film FestivalGrand Prize: Krakow Mountain Film FestivalAudience Award: Bilbao Mendi Film FestivalMountaineering Film Honorable Mention: Mountain Film Festival DomzaleBest Short Film: Danish Adventure Film FestivalJury Award: Snow Film FestThe Sensei (2013)
Best Climbing Film: Bilbao Mendi Film FestivalPeople's Choice Radical Reels: BANFF Mountain Film FestivalBest Climbing Film: Kendal Mountain Film FestivalCategoria Mallku: Arica Nativa 2013People's Choice Award: Bovec Outdoor Film FestivalSpice Girl (2013)
Climbing Film Honorable Mention: Mountain Film Festival DomzaleAudience Award: Durango Film FestivalJury Award for Best Adventure Sport illm: Durango Film FestivalBronze Best Climbing Film: Sheffield Adventure Film FestivalWide Boyz (2012)
People’s Choice Award, Best Climbing Film: Kendal Mountain Film FestivalBest Short Mountain Film: BANFF Mountain Film FestivalBest Climbing Film (Gold): Sheffield Adventure Film FestivalCharlie Fowler Award: Mountain Film in TellurideLa Dura Dura (2012)
People’s Choice Radical Reels: BANFF Mountain Film FestivalHonnold 3.0 (2012)
Best Climbing Film: BANFF Mountain Film FestivalBest Climbing Film (Bronze): Sheffield Adventure Film FestivalOrigins: Obe and Ashima (2011)
Best Climbing Film: Sheffield Adventure Film FestivalBest Mountaineering Film: Bilbao Mendi Film FestivalBest of Festival: 5Point Film FestivalCold (2011)
Grand Prize, Best Climbing Film, Audio Post-Production Scholarship: BANFF Mountain Film FestivalBest Adventure Film: 5Point Film FestivalCharlie Fowler Award: MountainFilm TellurideGrand Prize: New Zealand Mountain Film FestivalGrand Prize: Squamish Mountain FestivalSpirit of Chamonix: Chamonix Adventure Film FestivalSketchy Andy (2011)
Best Adrenaline Film: Kendal Mountain Film FestivalBest Adrenaline Film: Sheffield Adventure Film FestivalRace for the Nose (2011)
Best Climbing Film: Kendal Mountain Film FestivalPeople’s Choice Radical Reels: BANFF Mountain Film FestivalClimbing Film Category Commended: Sheffield Adventure Film FestivalIce Revolution (2011)
Judges Special Prize: Kendal Mountain Film FestivalCharlie Fowler Award: Mountain Film TellurideThe Swiss Machine (2010)
Best Film, People’s Choice Award: Sheffield Adventure Film FestivalBest Film: ShaFF Film FestivalBest Mountaineering Film: Kendal Film FestivalFirst Ascent: The Series (2010)
Grand Prize and Best Climbing Film: Kendal Film FestivalGrand Prize: 5-Point Film FestivalGrand Prize: Sheffield Film FestivalMost Inspiring Film: Wild & Scenic Film FestivalBest Film on Mountaineering: Trento Film FestivalBest Climbing Film: Boulder Adventure Film FestivalCharlie Fowler Award: Mountainfilm in TellurideBest Climbing Film: Squamish Mountain FestivalThe Sharp End (2008)
Kamera Alpin in Gold - Best Climbing Film: Graz International Mountaineering Film FestivalGrand Prize - Tbilisi Mountain: Adventure and Extreme Film FestivalAdventura Prize - Best Mountain Film: Travel and Adventure Film FestivalBest Adventure Film: X-Dance, USAGrand Prize: Torelló Mountain Film FestivalBest Climbing Film: Squamish Mountain FestivalBest Action Sport: Flagstaff Mountain Film FestivalBest Adventure Film: International Mountain Film FestivalBest Film on Climbing: New Zealand Mountain Film FestivalBest Film: Edinburgh Mountain Film FestivalKing Lines (2007)
Sports Emmy: Outstanding Camera WorkGrand Prize: Kendal Mountain Film FestivalBest Climbing Film: Banff Mountain Film FestivalBest Climbing Film: Taos Mountain Film FestivalFirst Ascent (2006)
Best Mountain Film: Trento Mountain Film FestivalBest Climbing Film: Mountain Film in TellurideBest Climbing Film: Australian Mountain Film FestivalGrand Prize: Squamish Mountain Film FestivalBest Climbing Film: Boulder Adventure Film FestivalGrand Prize Audience Award: Alpinist Film FestivalWorld Tour Selection: Banff Mountain Film FestivalReturn2Sender (2005)
Best Climbing Film: Taos Mountain Film FestivalSpecial Jury Award: Mountain Film in TellurideBest Climbing Film: Kendal Mountain Film FestivalBest Adventure Film: Boulder Adventure Film FestivalBest Climbing Film / World Tour Selection: Banff Mountain Film FestivalFront Range Freaks (2003)
Best Short Film (FRF: Urban Ape): Banff Mountain Film FestivalBest Don't Try This at Home Movie / Best of Fest - Kids Pick: Telluride Mountain Film FestivalBest Film on Rock Climbing: Vancouver Mountain Film FestivalBest Short Film (FRF: Biscuit): Kendal Mountain Film FestivalBest Climbing Film: Taos Mountain Film FestivalScary Faces (2001)
Official Selection: Kendal Mountain Film FestivalOfficial Selection Taos Mountain Film FestivalBetween Light and Shadow (2000)
Official Selection: Taos Mountain Film FestivalOfficial Selection: Telluride Film FestivalOfficial Selection: Napa Valley Mountain Film FestivalFirst Ascent (2011)
News and Documentary Emmy: Outstanding Graphic Design and Art DirectionSports Emmy: Outstanding Camera Work
