Film
Climbing Blind
About
Director
Alastair Lee
Producer
Alastair Lee
Featuring
Jesse Dufton
Sponsor
BMC TV, Petzl, Montane, CAC
Running time
60 minutes
Country / Nationality
UK
Our Judges say:
A multi award winning film and well deserved. You don't need to be a climber to appreciate this amazing achievement by blind climber Jessie Dufton. The shots of the Old Man of Hoy are stunning and keep an eye out for the Peak District locations too. All round enjoyment, don't miss it!!!Anna Paxton
Glorious, very well made, entertainingPaul Hodgson Music Judge
A deeply affecting film, where climbing is the context for an exploration of hope, patience and relationships.Claire Carter Writer, Film Officer for Kendal Mountain Festival, 'Creative Consultant'.
Jesse Dufton was born with 20% central vision. At four years of age Jesse was diagnosed with Retinitis Pigmentosa: a rare genetic disease that breaks down the retinas' cells. At aged 20 Jesse could no longer read, by the time he was 30 his vision was reduced to just light perception with around 1 or 2 % field of view. As a life long climber, Jesse flies in the face of adversity training for world cup events and leading traditional rock climbs with his sight guide and fiancée Molly. As his sight degenerates his climbing continues to make remarkable progress. Despite his devastating condition Jesse only takes on bigger challenges by attempting to be the first blind person to make a 'non-sight' lead of the iconic Old Man of Hoy sea stack in Scotland.
