We’ve been spoilt so far this year with several hiker related movies to keep our outdoor appetites whetted. Scott Herriots second instalment of Flip Flop Flippin’ had me amused as expected taking his previous offerings into account. Terry Abrahams ‘The Cairngorms in Winter with Chris Townsend’ surpassed very high expectations and Appalachian Trail thru-hiker Kori ‘Rocket’ Feeners ‘Hard Way Home’ I haven’t managed to see yet but even the trailer was brilliant.
“Tell it on the Mountain – Tales from the Pacific Crest Trail” is a new documentary film that follows half a dozen of the 300 or so hikers who attempt the Pacific Crest Trail every year. While much of the film was shot by professionals, the producers gave cameras to individual hikers, which help provide an intimate look into their experience.It was released in March of this year and follows several thru-hikers attempting to bag the Pacific Crest Trail. PCT documentaries and accounts are staple hiker fodder. For those that have already hiked the PCT it’s always great to look at others doing the same but most of all, for those due to attempt it, there is no better way to glean some knowledge for themselves.
The opening sequences where Lake Morena glistens in an early morning sun and a solitary duck announces its presence as it flies past brings the viewer slowly into the Kick Off Party and gradually the cast of characters are introduced. Billy Goat shares the occasional glint of wisdom and will be familiar to many as well as the potential thru-hikers; Sauerkraut and Alina, Inaki, a somewhat annoying Jackalope, Eagle Eye and a few others.
It’s worth watching for the inclusion of hiking god Scott Williamson on its own. Scott may as well live on the PCT, he’s hiked it more than anyone else, yo-yo’d it and has the hiking equivalent of Dalia Lama status in thru-hiking crowds. I was mesmerised just listening to his views, how he hiked, his addiction to shaving and the mechanics of going for the Yo-Yo (hiking from Mexico to Canada and then turning round to go back again).
The Legend that is Scott Williamson
The rest of the cast were a random mix, as you would expect on the PCT. The film making is excellent, moody landscape shots and inspiring scenery down to close up blister fixations and the result of hot weather on chocolate supplies.
As always, it is the stunning wilderness cinematography along the course of the PCT that brings most film work about this trail to life and Tell it on The Mountain has captured it evocatively. There’s no comparison to witnessing it first-hand but as trail teasers go it’s up there with the best of them.
Or, as the credits admirably point out: Set Design: Mother Nature.
Check out the first 6 minutes here:
Director, Editor & Writer: Lisa Diener
Producer & Director of Photography: Shaun Carrigan
www.tellitonthemountain.com