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The Southeastern Climbers Coalition has annually shown the Reel Rock screenings as a bangarang fundraising and stoke fueled community event.
We are aware that the film The Cobra and the Heart, included in Reel Rock 19, features climber Thomasina Pidgeon, who publicly supported climber Charlie Barrett. In June of 2024, Barrett was convicted and sentenced to life in prison for two counts of aggravated sexual abuse and one count of abusive sexual contact. To be clear, this film does not involve Barrett or discuss abuse in any way. However, discussions have arisen about our collective responsibility regarding safety within our community.
The Southeastern Climbers Coalition denounce all forms of sexual harassment and sexual violence. As leaders in the climbing community, we have built our organization on mutual trust and respect, and do not condone the crimes of Mr. Barrett. In the words of Access Fund, “harassment undermines the essence of our climbing community and is antithetical to our values.” We recognize the pervasive nature of SA and seek to build a safer more inclusive climbing community.
As the climbing community continues to grow, it is imperative that any abuse is addressed. Addressing even small situations is critical to stopping flagrant abuse from happening in the future.
With respect to the sensitivity of this issue, we will be showing The Cobra and the Heart last, allowing those who do not wish to watch the film the opportunity to leave following the raffle during intermission.
We are also taking this opportunity to keep the conversation trending in a healthy direction. Stay tuned for more about a panel discussion surrounding sexual assault in the future.
Official Reel Rock Statement: https://reelrocktour.com/blogs/news/an-important-conversation
U.S. Attorney’s Office Release: https://www.justice.gov/usao-edca/pr/professional-rock-climber-sentenced-life-prison-sexual-assaults-yosemite-national-park
If you or someone you know, has been or is currently the victim of sexual violence, we encourage you to contact the following resources:
National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1.800.656.4373 or go to rainn.org/resources
National Sexual Violence Resource Center at www.nsvrc.org/
Safe Outside https://americanalpineclub.org/safeoutside
Access Fund https://www.accessfund.org/ensuring-everyone-feels-safe-at-the-crag
ABOUT THE FILMS
Reel Rock 19 showcases three world-premiere climbing films spanning disciplines, characters, and continents: a heartfelt story of second chances in love and climbing on Squamish’s legendary Cobra Crack; an outrageous 18-day big wall epic on Patagonia’s towering Torre Central; and the pursuit of a lifelong dream—a 5.15 first ascent—made possible by an unlikely partnership. Reel Rock 19 is on tour worldwide starting March 2025.
DEATH OF VILLAINS: A former child climbing-prodigy confronts his struggle with disordered eating to attempt his life-long dream of climbing a groundbreaking 5.15 first ascent, with the help of an unlikely, and controversial partner.
Featuring: Kai Lightner & Joe Kinder
RIDERS ON THE STORM: Three Belgian big-wallers endure eighteen days of howling snowstorms, frozen feet, and gnarly runouts in their attempt to make a long-coveted alpine first ascent.
Featuring: Siebe Vanhee, Sean Villanueva O’Driscoll & Nico Favresse
THE COBRA & THE HEART: A turbulent 20-year saga of love, loss, and redemption: a whirlwind romance, a crushing defeat on a legendary climb, a religious epiphany, and family betrayal, all building to a desperate bid for a rare second chance—at love, fatherhood, and climbing.
Featuring: Didier Berthod, Thomasina Pidgeon & Cedar Pidgeon