Ascend

Documentary, UK, 28min

Adam Lockwood, 21, discusses his youth as the viewer observes him grow up to live a life on the edge of society. Wanting an escape from a challenging upbringing, Adam begins to illegally trespass and risk his life competing in the hobby ‘Urbex.’ The higher the buildings get, Adam’s desire continues to grow, ultimately leaving him in a fair amount of legal trouble, and at a stage where it is fairly confirmed that he will be going to prison. Due to this, he decides to illegally climb the Shard in a record-breaking stunt, completing the act with the anticipated consequence of a sentence in jail. The film delves into Adam’s mind, balanced by opposing voice notes sent to him by the world renowned Alain Roberts, a fellow free climber, showcasing his unique perspective on life in an attempt for a viewer to understand why someone would willingly risk their life for a crime.