Oamaru: Adaptive Outdoor Adventure Film Evening

Join us for an inspirational film evening that celebrates the stories of people getting outdoors despite their disabilities, inspiring possibility and building hope. This event is a fundraiser for Mastering Mountains Charitable Trust.

Mastering Mountains exists to see people with neurological conditions experience hope, connection and positive, life-long change through self-directed outdoor adventure. For many living with these neurological disorders and other disabilities, a life of adventure in the outdoors can feel far from reach. That’s why Mastering Mountains helps everyday people find a way through these challenges by helping them achieve their adventure dreams, connect with community, and experience hope.

This film evening celebrates this kaupapa. This curated selection of films spans climbing, mountaineering, mountain biking, skiing, and hiking—each one a testament that an adventurous life remains within reach, no matter a person’s challenges. These films include:

• Overcoming MS to Climb Mountains (6 minutes)
  Katy Glenie, a Mastering Mountains programme participant, explores her renewed sense of identity as she recounts her climb up a 3,000m peak after being diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS).

• This Way is Up (24 minutes)

  Andy McKenna is a Scottish mountain biker with MS, and he shares his love for getting outdoors and how lifestyle changes have positively impacted his life. 2018 Finalist at the Vancouver International Mountain Film Festival. Trailer

• Soundscape (14 minutes)

  An award-winning film about Erik Weihenmayer, a blind climber who interprets the world through sound and touch—some of the most remarkable outdoor storytelling you'll ever see. Selected for multiple international mountain film festivals, including BANFF, Reel Rock, and VIMFF. Trailer

• Rise (4 minutes)

  An impactful short film about a Delyth Owen, a rock climber living with Functional Neurological Disorder (FND), exploring how climbing reshapes her sense of self. Shortlisted for BMC TV Women In Adventure Film Competition 2022.

• A Dose of Nature (10 minutes)
  After a major snowboarding accident, Shell Robshaw-Bryan recounts her journey of recovery, using the outdoors to bring healing. This is a multi-award-winning film. Trailer

• Tread Setters (35 minutes)

  A group cycling mission featuring people of mixed abilities and disabilities—this film is a powerful testament to community and determination. Trailer

• Ascend (11 minutes)
  Vasu Sojitra, an amputee, sets out to ski Mt. Moran and, in the process, reshapes the conversation around disability in the outdoors. Official Vimeo Staff Pick. Trailer

Proceeds from the evening will enable Mastering Mountains to continue supporting people with MS and FND, empowering our programme participants to pursue meaningful outdoor goals. Read more about our vision and outcomes.

Come for a night of breathtaking visuals and uplifting stories. Leave feeling inspired—and ready to support change.