Is crack climbing the Last Forgotten Art? From hand sized splitters, chicken wings to whole body wriggles, this film follows crack aficionados Mel, Vicky and Steve in their pursuit of slightly more unusual ‘off-width climbs’ found in the Peak District. 

 In ‘The Last Forgotten Art’, the film places emphasis on a different style of climbing that requires a certain amount of creativity to climb them, focusing on the fringes of the climbing community drawn to all things wide at its heart. From hand sized splitters, chicken wings to wedged knees, and whole-body wriggles, the film follows crack afonciados Mel, Vicky and Steve in their pursuit of climbing slightly more unusual, so called ‘off-width climbs’ found at Ramshaw Rocks in the Peak District. Ranging from ‘VS’ to E4, the climbs not only require brute strength and mental fortitude, but a sense of play and tough skin to succeed in tackling some of the roughest, maddest, widest cracks in town.

Director & Producer: Jessie Leong
Assistant Director & Editor: Sam Walker
Director of Photography:
Rachel Sarah
Cinematography: Rachel Sarah Jessie Leong, Neil Irwin, Sam Walker, Michael Fleming
Sound mix: Hot Aches Production
Colour grade Dark Sky Media
Stills photography @eijmedia Jessie Leong
Supported by Outside & Black Diamond

Screenings & Festivals

  • Premiere held at Outside Hathersage
  • Official Selection for Kendal Mountain Film Festival 2022
  • People’s Choice Award at Kendal Mountain Film Festival 2022
  • Official Selection for Sheffield Adventure Film Festival 2023
  • Official Selection for London Mountain Adventure Film Festival 2023
  • Shown to Mynydd Climbing Club at The Royal, Hayfield
  • Best Climbing Film Bronze at Sheffield Adventure Film Festival 2023
  • Shown at CWFF 2023
  • Shortlisted for BMC WIA
  • Streaming on the Kendal Mountain Player

Features & Press

  • UKClimbing
  • Climber Magazine
  • Weleda
  • My Outdoors
  • Outside
  • BMC Women in Adventure