Home > Climbing

Telluride Film Fest First to Screen ‘Free Solo’ This Weekend

El Cap The Nose speed record Tommy Caldwell Alex HonnoldPhoto by André Cook from Pexels
Support us! GearJunkie may earn a small commission from affiliate links in this article. Learn More

The much-anticipated documentary of Alex Honnold’s renowned free-solo climb of El Capitan makes its world premiere this weekend in Telluride.

“Free Solo” follows the best free-solo climber in the world on an intimate journey to fulfill a lifelong dream, an unroped climb of El Capitan. Many saw its fruition as among the greatest feats in the history of sports in general.

Now a lucky few will preview it on the big screen this weekend at the Telluride Film Festival.

“Free Solo” was produced by Honnold’s climbing friend photographer and mountaineer Jimmy Chin, alongside award-winning documentary filmmaker E. Chai Vasarhelyi. The movie promises an inside look at how Honnold prepared to climb ropeless on the most famous face in the world — the 3,200-foot El Capitan.

El Capitan

Caldwell, Honnold Set Second El Cap Speed Record in Week

Alex Honnold and Tommy Caldwell were at it again today. This time, they set the speed record up The Nose of El Capitan for the second time in less than a week. Read more…

Chin said in a Twitter post that it’s been “quite a journey” and he’s excited to start sharing it.

Where to See ‘Free Solo’

The Telluride Film Festival is a four-day cinematic experience in the small mountain town of Telluride, Colo. Now in its 45th year, the festival brings thousands of people to Telluride to preview some amazing films. Such cinematic achievements as Juno, Brokeback Mountain, The Crying Game, and Blue Velvet first screened at the festival.

But in case you haven’t scored tickets to the iconic film fest or can’t make it to Telluride, Colo., this weekend to get in on the action, here’s a sneak peek.

“Free Solo” also hits the Toronto International Film Festival starting September 6. For information on a screening coming to a venue near you this fall, follow #FreeSolo on social media. More Free Solo screenings are expected to be announced soon.

Subscribe Now

Get adventure news and gear reviews in your inbox!

Join Our GearJunkie Newsletter

Get adventure news and gear reviews in your inbox!