The story of the climb that captured the world’s imagination


REEL ROCK is thrilled to finally unveil its most ambitious project yet: The Dawn Wall feature documentary. The first official teaser is now live! Plus, the North American Premiere is this weekend at the SXSW Film Festival in Austin, TX. Details about the documentary’s wide release will follow shortly.


The Dawn Wall is a Red Bull Media House Production in association with Sender Films. It’s the definitive story of the climb that captured the worldโ€™s imagination.

In January 2015, Tommy Caldwell and Kevin Jorgeson spent 19 days living on the side of El Capitan, in Yosemite National Park. The renowned rock climbers were attempting the first free climb of the unthinkably blank 3,000-foot face known as The Dawn Wall. Their efforts to complete the worldโ€™s hardest big wall ignited a global media frenzy, inspiring millions.

The Dawn Wall goes beyond their historic ascent. It paints an intimate portrait of Tommy Caldwell, whose harrowing life journey culminated in the single-minded pursuit of this seemingly impossible climb.ย When Caldwell drafts the less experienced Jorgeson, an unlikely partnership is born. Blurring the line between dedication and obsession, the pair spent six years meticulously plotting and practicing their route. On the final attempt, with the world watching, Caldwell is faced with a moment of truth. Should he abandon his partner to fulfill his dream, or risk success for the sake of their friendship?

The Dawn Wall

Learn more about this incredible feat here.


The Dawn Wall at IDFA

The Dawn Wall

The Dawn Wall

Before the holidays REEL ROCK was honored to premiere The Dawn Wall at IDFA (International Documentary Film Festival Amsterdam), the worldโ€™s oldest and most prestigious documentary-only festival.

Among an intimidating lineup of serious socio-political films and renowned documentarians, The Dawn Wall emerged as a surprise hit, with five sold-out screenings and several days atop the leaderboard for the coveted Audience Award (the film ended up placing third โ€” quite an honor).

Watch the funย interview from Amsterdam with directors Josh Lowell and Peter Mortimer: