Watch An American Ascent

An American Ascent is a documentary movie that showcases the journey of a group of African American mountaineers who attempt to climb North America's highest peak - Denali. The movie tracks the team's journey starting from the moment they decide to undertake this challenging adventure to the time they reach the summit. The movie is directed by Andrew Adkins and George Potter and produced by Adkins, Jennifer Isabel Dean, and Vanessa A. Otero. It was released in 2014 and has a runtime of 66 minutes.

The movie's main focus is on the eight African American climbers who take part in the expedition. They come from different backgrounds and have various levels of climbing experience. However, they all share a common motivation - to challenge the long-held stereotypes that suggest that African Americans are not interested in outdoor activities such as mountaineering.

Throughout the movie, we see the team preparing for the climb. They undertake rigorous physical training and build their endurance to adapt to the harsh environmental conditions they will face on the peak. The movie also features interviews with the climbers, where they share their motivations, challenges, and personal stories. We get to know the team members and their reasons for joining the expedition.

As they begin their ascent, the climbers encounter several challenges. The harsh weather conditions, high altitudes, and difficult terrain test their physical and mental strength. Nevertheless, the team persists, relying on each other for support. They also draw inspiration from the history of the mountain, which was earlier known as Mount McKinley. The climbers learn about Sheldon's legacy, a mountaineer who championed diversity and inclusivity in the sport.

The movie is not just about mountaineering, but also about race, identity, and representation. The team members discuss the challenges they face as African Americans in the sport. They talk about the lack of representation and the stereotypes they must overcome. Climbing Denali is not just a fitness challenge, but also a way to challenge these stereotypes and inspire others in their community to break barriers.

Apart from the climbers, the movie also features the natural beauty of the Alaskan wilderness. The team passes through stunning glaciers, deep valleys, and snow-covered mountains as they make their way to the summit. We also see glimpses of the wildlife that inhabits the region, such as bears, eagles, and caribou.

The movie concludes with the team's successful summit of Denali. They celebrate their accomplishment, but also reflect on the challenges they faced along the way. They hope that this expedition will inspire other African Americans to take up outdoor activities and challenge the prevailing stereotypes.

In summary, An American Ascent is a must-watch documentary movie that offers a unique perspective on mountaineering, race, and representation. The movie offers insights into the challenges minority groups face and how they can overcome them through collective action and perseverance. It also showcases the natural beauty of the Alaskan wilderness and the thrill of mountaineering. The movie is an excellent source of inspiration for anyone looking to challenge their limits and break barriers.

An American Ascent is a 2014 action movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 6 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.3.