Article
14 Jul '26
"A story of resilience and enduring love"
We've organised two final screenings of the People's Choice from this year's festival. The Oldest Munro Bagger scored an incredible 9.7/10 after 100+ ShAFF audience votes, making it one of the most popular films we've ever shown.
The film is an exceptionally moving portrait of 82-year old Nick Gardner, who, in the wake of his beloved Janet's dementia diagnosis, turned to the Scottish mountains for comfort – and started walking. We spoke to Christina and Jay Golian, the filmmakers, about the overwhelmingly positive response to their film from audiences in Sheffield and beyond 👇
What’s your reaction been to the film doing so well with audiences across the festival circuit?
We’ve been blown away! Seeing it touch so many people is testament to Nick’s story and we were over the moon to hear about the incredible audience score at ShAFF. Screening the film at ShAFF was wonderful, it’s a fantastic festival that showcases so many talented filmmakers. It was also great connecting with audience members after the screenings, including some who had travelled big distances to be there to see the film.
Why do you think the film has struck such a chord?
Nick’s story touches people in so many ways. Climbers who worry about getting older, those who have been affected by Alzheimer’s, caregivers who are in similar situations. The OMB is less an adventure film and more a story about human resilience, growth and enduring love. We can all take away our own personal experience from it. It’s also rare, yet so important, to see these examples of healthy masculinity on screen.
How is Nick now, is he still out there walking hills everyday?
Nick is now 86 and, while his walks are slowing down, he has been really enjoying getting to share his story with fellow outdoor lovers. While making the film, I [Jay] was also training for ultra-running races. Despite this, one of the biggest challenges was trying to keep up with Nick. You’ll see what we mean when you watch it!
Secure your seat at Sheffield's Showroom cinema, for a double header of The Oldest Munro Bagger and To The Sea, another fan favourite from ShAFF 2026. To The Sea is a funny, life-affirming short film about two friends and one simple plan: to drift downriver in Sweden – on their homemade raft – and see what happens. It's a genuine adventure, all the more inspiring for being one you could take on yourself. We have two screenings:
