Watch Filling the Void's Chapter 2 Trailer about Rumbling Bald
Julie Hwang-Rowland taking a lap on Doug Reed Top Rope (V5) at Rumbling Bald South. Photo by Nathalie DuPre.
It’s finally here! The Chapter 2 trailer of the Filling the Void series. Watch it now on YouTube and stay tuned for fall film tour updates.
In our first Filling the Void short film we showcase Denny Cove climbing and how the access history of the crag parallels many climbing zones in the Southeast. Oftentimes, local climbing organizations and the Access Fund purchase crag property to ensure public access and climbing permissions indefinitely. In total, Southeast climbing coalitions have spent over $3 million purchasing land to protect areas such as Denny Cove, Laurel Knob, Pendergrass-Murray Recreational Preserve, and Boat Rock.
In Filling the Void Chapter 2, we display the continued dynamic efforts of conserving climbing areas in relation to the Hickory Nut Gorge. Only 20% of the Hickory Nut Gorge’s climbing is publicly accessible in zones such as Rumbling Bald South and the new Chimney Rock Village Boulders. If other areas such as the historic Ghosttown (home to three of North Carolina’s 5.14s) and Rumbling Bald North were opened to climbing then the Gorge would have more preserved land, larger areas for recreation, and the ability to disperse crowds from the other crags.
The Rumbling Bald film will discuss how conservation, tourism, and JEDI initiatives all play a major role in securing climbing access to areas currently unavailable to the public.
Meet the Filmmakers
Elaine Elliott: Elaine is the founder, producer, film director, and event planner at Steep South. Her vision is to promote Southeast climbing access issues to a larger audience through the Filling the Void films. Steep South is her passion project alongside freelance copywriting in Chattanooga.
Nathalie DuPre: Nathalie is the lead cinematographer, director of photography, and rigging specialist for the Rumbling Bald film. She’s a professional photographer from Chattanooga who takes beautiful photographs shared on the Steep South platform. Her photos are also used by major outdoor brands.
Ian Dzilenski: Ian is the face behind Dizzy Films. He’s the editor for the Rumbling Bald film, as well as other North Carolina climbing short films.
Juan Diego Reyes: Juan Diego provided drone and cinematography imagery for the project. He’s a local Asheville photojournalist who climbs at Rumbling Bald regularly.
Andy Wickstrom: Andy is another Asheville photographer and cinematographer who helped with footage. He’s also one of the filmmakers for the inspirational short film about Red River Gorge’s Golden Ticket FFA.
Spencer Victory: Spencer contributed drone footage to the film. Fun fact- he used to make films about the Red River Gorge and some of this archival footage is displayed in the Stone Locals movie.
Film Tour Details
Join us this fall as we show Chapter 2 of the Filling the Void series during a film tour fundraiser. All donations from each film screening will be given to the Carolina Climbers Coalition to help maintain current crags and access initiatives.
The film’s premiere will take place at The Riveter in Fletcher, North Carolina right outside of Asheville. Specific dates will be announced this summer. We are grateful to have The Riveter as the Title Sponsor for the film and appreciate all their support!
We would also like to thank Fox Mountain Guides and Organic Climbing for sponsoring the film.
We have one sponsor spot remaining if any brands would like to support this project. Please email steepsouthmedia@gmail.com for more details and benefits.