Soundscape

NOMEN EST OMEN: An imposing wall in the Sierra Nevada, 365 meters of vertical rock, aptly named The Incredible Hulk. Climber Erik Weihenmayer may not see what’s in front of him, but he hears it and feels it as far as his hands can reach. Joining forces with his climbing partner Timmy O’Neill Erik takes on the challenge.

SOUNDSCAPE tells the story of how we can embrace nature with the senses we’re given and make the most of the cards life dealt us.

My greatest fear of going blind, wasn’t going blind. It was being left out of everything exciting and adventurous in my life.

Three hikers in outdoor gear with backpacks stand in a rocky mountain landscape. The man on the left guides the blind man’s hand in the center to help him feel the climbing route and surrounding mountains.
Two climbers in climbing gear and helmets are scaling a steep, vertical rock face. The upper climber is wearing an orange jacket, while the lower climber is in a green jacket. The massive wall rises high into the sky, set against a clear, slightly cloudy sky in the background.
On the left stands Timmy O’Neill wearing an orange jacket and helmet, smiling with sunglasses on. To his right stands blind climber Erik Weihenmayer in a black jacket and red helmet. Both men are on a mountain summit, appearing happy and enjoying the vast mountainous landscape in the background. The image captures the spirit of climbing, adventure, and determination.
Close-up of Timmy O’Neill (left) and Erik Weihenmayer (right) wearing helmets, as Timmy guides Erik’s hand to show him the mountain landscape. The scene emphasizes the teamwork and supportive collaboration between the climbers, with the vast surrounding peaks visible in the background.

Film Facts

Length: 14 min
Direction: Timmy O’Neill
With: Erik Weihenmayer, Timmy O’Neill
Production: Well Travelled Collective film, USA, 2023

"This film squares the circle by making a blind adventurer’s world visible."

(Paula, EOFT programming)

In conversation with Timmy and Erik

About their friendship and passion for adventurous climbing routes

On the left stands Timmy O’Neill wearing an orange jacket and helmet, smiling with sunglasses on. To his right stands blind climber Erik Weihenmayer in a black jacket and red helmet. Both men are on a mountain summit, appearing happy and enjoying the vast mountainous landscape in the background. The image captures the spirit of climbing, adventure, and determination.
Well Travelled Collective ©