The Parkinsons Project
Parkinson's disease and its losing battle to stop Chris climbing
Production: Leading Edge Director: Jess James Producer: Ellen Logan Edit: Will Cole DOP: Jess James Sound: We are Audio Colour: Escape Hatch Studio
Synopsis
This documentary follows climber and teacher, Chris Hamper, as he navigates his diagnosis of Parkinson's disease.
Parkinson's disease has forced him to redefine his passion for climbing. His tremor makes tying knots and clipping gear difficult; his lack of dopamine reduces the reward and motivation process, forcing Chris to find new ways to stay inspired. And yet, once he is on the rock, climbing appears to be one of the very few activities that minimise his symptoms.
Now, eight years after his diagnosis, Chris is potentially coming to the end of the “honeymoon” period of his Parkinson’s. This means he could start to see the effects of the disease more acutely, including the impact it may have on his ability to continue climbing. Knowing this, Chris has taken early retirement from teaching to climb as much as possible around his home in Norway and with friends in Sheffield.
After screening at the Kendal Mountain Festival, we are continuing to organise screenings at some of the UK's finest independence Cinemas - The next of which will be hosted by the Genesis cinema, London on January the 19th.
The Film's UK Premier took place on the 13th of October at The Showroom cinema, Sheffield. We had over 130 people attend and I received some lovely feedback.
As well as the Q&A, Professor Oliver Bandmann from the University of Sheffield gave a talk on his leading research into helping to improve the lives of people suffering with Parkinson's
Director’s Statement
Early in his climbing career, Chris Hamper climbed multiple iconic routes that had only been climbed by a handful of people previously - many of which are just minutes from my home in Sheffield. As a lifelong climber myself, I know first-hand how this sport isn’t just an activity - it is an all-consuming lifestyle. And Chris personifies this more than most - having spent his whole life climbing (and even building his family home in Norway next to a boulder project). Chris truly lives to climb!
The project started when I heard the incredible story about Chris's Parkinson's symptoms and how they disappear when he touches the rock and starts climbing. I knew I had to find out more; we set up a call and from there things moved quickly.
Myself and producer, Ellen Logan, travelled to Western Norway to meet - and stay with - Chris and immersed ourselves in his world. We witnessed first hand the transformative power of climbing on his life. As we spent more time with Chris, we gained a greater understanding of both his personal struggle and how complex and unpredictable Parkinson's disease can be.
The more I have learned about Chris’s climbing legacy and continued drive to climb - despite the effects of his Parkinson's - the more I am deeply motivated to tell his important and powerful story. The boundless courage and humour that Chris displays everyday is inspirational. Our documentary seeks to shed light on this growing and complex disease, while celebrating the indomitable human spirit.
It has been an honour to work alongside Chris, capturing his story and experience with this disease. I hope that our film will raise important awareness about Parkinson's disease, but that it will also inspire and motivate others to find strength in the face of adversity... particularly through sport.
