Film

Adam Ondra: Pushing the Limits

What is the real prize of success?
 

About

Director

Jan Šimánek, Petr Záruba

Producer

Alice Tabery, Sebastiano Luca Insinga

Running time

77 minutes

Country / Nationality

Czech Republic, Italy

Our Judges say:

Extraordinary profile of the "greatest climber in the world". A nakedly honest and intimate film about the pain and sacrifice needed to reach and ultimately fail at the Olympics, both for himself and for the people around him.

Paul Hodgson Music Judge

Nice narrative and characterisation in this film that shows clearly the sacrifice, focus and a particular type of personality needed to get to the top.

Simon Taylor

Adam Ondra is one of the best climbers today and a true virtuoso, who has tackled the world’s most difficult rocks and walls. A shy introvert-turned-famous-sports-icon, his desire to climb has changed into the obligation to win. As Adam prepares for sport climbing’s debut at the Olympics in Tokyo, we observe the influence of commercial pressure, mass media and the audience longing for a spectacle on both his personal life and the sport itself. In contrast with the loneliness that accompanies Adam during his everyday training and with the nature that surrounds him when he climbs on the rocks, he now finds himself at the biggest sport event in the world. Here, at the Olympics, the slogan “participation is more important than winning” has long been replaced by “the winner takes it all”. The many people who are part of Adam’s personal and professional world help him on his journey. But most importantly, there is his partner Iva, who is his biggest support. Herself a professional climber, she had to sacrifice a lot for Adam’s success, though. What is it like for her to live with a celebrity? ADAM ONDRA: PUSHING THE LIMITS is a breathtaking, intimate look into the life and career of a man who is one with his passion.