Climbing Blind

Imagine hanging from rock, adrenaline pumping, arms burning — relying solely on your mental and physical strength. Now imagine doing it blind. That’s been the reality for Jesse Dufton, a lifelong climber who has struggled with sight his entire life. Born with 20 percent central vision, he was diagnosed with a rare genetic disease that breaks down the retinas’ cells at the age of 4. By 20, he could no longer read and by 30 his vision was reduced to light perception and a 1 to 2 percent field of view. But, he continues climbing — and competing. With the help of his sight guide and fiancee, Molly, he trains for world cup events and leads climbs, eventually attempting to be the first blind person to make a “non-sight” lead of the iconic Old Man of Hoy sea stack in Scotland.

U.S. Premiere