109 BELOW | A Tale of Resilience & Grit
OMEN Choose Fun | Gamers Make Better Humans
August 29, 2024
Interview with Zhaodi Wang from the United States
August 29, 2024
Life lost, Lives saved
109 BELOW, a 14-minute documentary by Stept Studios recounts the harsh true story of a tragic and dramatic rescue mission on Mount Washington in 1982. The story retells the brutal conditions of one of the coldest years on record, and the courage and determination of the Mountain Rescue Service members; Joe Lentini and Albert Dow III, who risked their lives to save two young climbers: Hugh Herr and Jeff Batzer from Pennsylvania who had gotten lost in a brutal blizzard.
The short film begins by setting the historical context with details on how Herr and Batzer got caught in the unexpected avalanche, and how they were left stranded in the unforgiving environment of Mount Washington in freezing cold temperatures. The film narrative centers around the heroic efforts of the volunteer rescuers, especially Albert Dow III, who, in his search for the climbers tragically lost his life in an avalanche.
Real-life rescuer Joe Lentini, who was part of the mission, is featured in the film, providing a firsthand account of the challenges faced during the rescue attempt. His reflections underscore the gravity of the situation and the emotional toll it took on everyone involved.
109 BELOW delves into the cause and effect of the disaster, showing how this single event altered the lives of everyone it touched. Hugh Herr, one of the climbers, suffered severe frostbite, leading to the amputation of both legs. This life-altering event did not mark the end of his climbing career; instead, it fueled his resolve to return to the mountains. Herr's journey of resilience led him to revolutionize the field of prosthetics, becoming the owner of the patents for the Rheo Knee and the world’s first powered ankle-foot prosthesis, innovations that have enabled countless amputees to lead active lives.
The documentary, produced by Stept Studios for ARC’TERYX, is more than just a retelling of a rescue mission; it’s a real-life proof of human endurance and the drive to do the impossible. The film beautifully captures the intersection of tragedy and innovation, showing how a devastating event paved the way for advancements in prosthetic technology, ultimately changing lives for the better forever.
109 BELOW is a reminder of the sacrifices made by rescue workers and the incredible determination for human innovation that can emerge from even the darkest moments. The film is a worthy documentary honoring the sacrifices made by rescuers facing dangers in every moment of their lives.
Credits
Entry Title: 109 Below
Entrant Company: Stept Studios
Winning Category: Branded Content - Entertainment
Read more about the Illustrations of the Forbidden City, preserving dynasties here.
