Tucked away in the neighborhood of Patissia, Studio New Star Art Cinema has long been a place where carefully chosen films take audiences on unexpected journeys. On Thursday, January 29 at 7 p.m., its intimate screen will open onto a much larger world, as it joins the international Mountains on Stage project—bringing breathtaking mountain films to the heart of the city.
From towering peaks to sheer rock faces, frozen slopes and open skies, Mountains on Stage showcases stories shaped by adventure, extreme sports and the constant redefinition of human limits. Skiing, mountaineering, paragliding, trail running and rock climbing all come together in a cinematic experience that is as visceral as it is deeply human.
Since March 2013, the festival has presented films from all corners of the globe, united not only by spectacular imagery but by the authenticity of the people behind them. None of the protagonists are actors or stunt performers. These are real individuals, facing real risks, driven by passion, curiosity and determination. The mountains themselves—untouched, unfiltered and timeless—stand as silent witnesses to these journeys.
Across four powerful films, audiences are drawn into raw, instinctive and often moving adventures, captured in stunning video quality that makes you feel as if you are right there, sharing each breath, each decision and each moment of doubt or triumph. Sometimes, all it takes is a breath of fresh mountain air to remind us why we chase dreams in the first place.
Film Selection
K2: Chasing Shadows
Directors: David Arnaud & Hugo Clouzeau | 66 min
Benjamin Védrines, one of the world’s leading alpinists, sets his sights on K2—the “Savage Mountain,” the second-highest peak on Earth. After a first attempt ends in a serious accident, he returns with an audacious goal: a one-day ascent without supplemental oxygen, followed by a paraglider descent. More than a record attempt, the film is a reflection on failure, obsession and the true meaning of commitment at extreme altitude.
Just a Climber
Director: Jérôme Tanon | 26 min
Watching Solenne Piret climb feels almost magical. Born without a right hand, the four-time world champion has always found her own way on the wall. Now, she faces one of her greatest challenges yet: leading the legendary Grand Capucin in the Mont Blanc massif, placing her own traditional protection. Graceful, intimate and quietly powerful, this film explores doubt, ambition and self-belief.
Better Up There
Director: Mathis Dumas | 45 min
Freeride skiing star Leo Slemett reflects on a life shaped by the mountains. From his childhood to the podiums of the Freeride World Tour, his journey appears perfectly mapped out—until it isn’t. This intimate portrait explores loss, resilience and the fine line between passion and risk, reminding us that the mountains can give—and take—everything in an instant.
Zahir
Director: Julien Nadiras | 30 min
Climbers Katherine Choong and Eline Le Menestrel set out to tackle Zahir, one of the toughest big-wall routes in the Swiss Alps. As if the technical difficulty weren’t enough, they choose to travel exclusively by bike. With music in their ears and determination in their stride, their journey is joyful, bold and deeply inspiring—a film made for the next generation of climbers.
Practical information
Tickets are available online or at the cinema before the screening.
All films will be shown with English subtitles.
