Embracing the Grim - a tribute to Line van Den Berg

Embracing the Grim follows Fay Manners and Line van den Berg to the ephemeral landscapes of the Scottish Highlands, on an ambitious mixed climbing mission beset by typically fickle weather. This was their last trip together. Tragically, since filming, Line lost her life in an avalanche in the Swiss Alps. The film was finished in her memory and to celebrate the message she wanted to spread. Line was a dedicated advocate for women's empowerment, especially in the mountaineering world. She encouraged girls to venture out, boldly forge their own paths, and confidently raise their voices.

Fay Manners
Fay, who hails from the UK, is an alpinist now based in Chamonix and she can usually be found in the high mountains either ski mountaineering or alpine climbing. Some of her career highlights include: first Female Ascent of the Phantom Direct on the south face of the Grandes Jorasses (the longest ice route in the Mont Blanc massif) in a single push from the valley (winter 2022); climbing the Eiger North Face as part of an all-female team (Winter 2022); the first female ascent of the season (Spring 2022), climbing the Cassin Ridge on Denali;  the American Direct on the Dru and the Walker Spur on the Grandes Jorasses as part of an all-female team (spring 2022).

Line van den Berg
A talented alpinist and storyteller from the Netherlands. She obtained her PhD in logic in 2021 at the University of Grenoble. In 2022, her first, award winning film My Phantom premiered at the Dutch Mountain Film Festival. Her most notable ascents include: Dutch Direct (TD+), first ascent of the North Face of Pik Alexandra (5290m) in Kyrgyzstan (Herman Plugge No Guts No Glory Award, Long list Piolet d’Or); Phantom Direct (ED), Grandes Jorasses, first female ascent; Voie des Slovènes / sortie Croz (TD+/ED-), Grandes Jorasses north face (second Dutch ascent)

Aleksandra Janiak
Originally from Poland and now living in the French Alps, Aleksandra works as a freelance photographer and filmmaker. She specializes in mountain sports and has a deep affection for reportage. Aleksandra believes in the power of representation, showcasing the beauty of diversity in outdoor media and adventure sports