For so many the outdoors and its related activities provide an outlet, a way of escaping the everyday and reconnecting with the natural world and likeminded individuals. For others still, a serious lack diversity and representation within that same space and those same activities can be discouraging. In the face of this glaring issue of much discussion we see Climb Your Dreams, a beautifully made short film by writer and director Joshua Greenwood, starring fellow New York City-based climber Raheim Robinson.
The poignant short film captures this aforementioned mental escape many are so intimately familiar with, juxtaposed against a scene of daily life that’s at once normal to nearly nine million Americans yet totally foreign to most in the “core” outdoor industry. Below, Greenwood and Robinson share their perspectives and experiences on making the film, and briefly, the greater issue of diversity in the outdoors at large.
What does it mean to you to have Climb Your Dreams premiere at Banff Mountain Film Festival?
Raheim Robinson, Climber: We went into this with the goal of creating something special that gave POC proper representation in the outdoor space. We decided at the very last minute to enter into BANFF and we were accepted. It’s an honor to have taken part in the festival even with us being the underdog alongside some amazing films.
It's a great feeling knowing that people all over the world who look like us have the chance to experience this film and be able to relate. Whether you’re a climber or not, if you have a passion that takes you away from your daily routine then you will definitely see yourself in the film.