Traverse: A Climate Film

Climate change is reshaping the world of adventure sports, impacting athletes' experiences and the environments they explore. "Traverse: A Climate Film," delves into this evolving landscape, examining how climate change affects adventure sports and the choices athletes face. The film will feature interviews with athletes from various disciplines, capturing their firsthand accounts of the changing environments where they train and compete. From melting glaciers to rising sea levels, "Traverse" will explore the delicate balance between pushing human limits and protecting our planet. This film aims to raise awareness, inspire action, and ignite conversations about the future of adventure in a changing world

Synopsis

Traverse is a documentary that delves into the profound impact of climate change on the world of adventure sports. From skiing and climbing to kayaking and trail running, the film spans a diverse range of disciplines to explore one central question: "How is climate change reshaping the way we adventure?"

Through breathtaking visuals and intimate storytelling, Traverse highlights how shifting weather patterns, melting glaciers, unstable rock formations, and rising sea levels are altering the landscapes athletes depend on. But it’s not just about the challenges; the film also examines how these changes are driving athletes to adapt, innovate, and confront the delicate balance between pushing human limits and protecting fragile ecosystems.

At its core, Traverse is about the personal stories of adventurers navigating this transformed world. It’s a powerful look at the intersection of high-stakes pursuits and environmental responsibility—showing how athletes are not only witnesses to climate change but also voices for action and solutions.

Research Plan

The film's research plan involves identifying and interviewing athletes from various disciplines who have witnessed environmental changes firsthand. The research will uncover how these shifting landscapes are influencing the sports and the future choices adventurers must make. The research will center on a few key questions:

● How have you noticed the environment change in the locations where you've undertaken your adventures, and how has this impacted your approach to the sport?

● Do you think climate change will influence the future of adventure sports, and if so, how do you see these changes affecting athletes and their choices?

● Who are you?

This research is crucial to the film's narrative because it provides real-world examples that deepen understanding of the issues at hand. The interviews will bring fresh insights into how adventure and sustainability can coexist.

Filmmaking Approach

As the filmmaker, I am considering different approaches to minimise the film's carbon footprint while still capturing compelling stories.

I will explore options for sustainable travel choices to reduce the film's carbon footprint, such as utilising trains instead of less sustainable options. However, there may be challenges in balancing sustainability with practical constraints, potentially requiring the use of less eco-friendly vehicles when necessary.

I am considering a balance between:

● Traveling to film on-location interviews: This would allow for capturing firsthand footage of the changing environments and add a visual element to the storytelling. Footage may include unique wildlife interactions that are possible in adventure sports like rowing, where the athlete can get close to the wildlife without disturbing their natural habitat.

● Conducting virtual interviews: This option would significantly reduce travel-related emissions, aligning with the film's sustainability goals.

Ultimately, the goal is to find the best approach to showcase the impact of climate change through visually engaging footage while minimizing the film's environmental impact.

Want to get involved?

If you'd like to be a part of Traverse, share your experiences, or learn more, please contact Liam at liam@lksfocus.co.uk. You can also sign up for our newsletter to stay updated on the film's progress!

Meet the Team

  • Liam Kilsby-Steele

    Director + Filmmaker

    Liam, the filmmaker behind Traverse, is a freelance videographer, photographer, director, and editor with experience in a wide range of projects, from event scouting to drinks photography. His passion for the outdoors and concern about climate change drive his desire to tell this story. He really cares and wants to tell the story about how the climate is changing across the world. Liam believes that Traverse is a vital film to make because it will raise awareness about how climate change is altering how we adventure, inspiring positive solutions.

  • You?

    This film is a passion project, and the team is looking for excited individuals to contribute to telling this important story. If you are passionate about adventure sports and climate change and want to help shape how this story is told, reach out!