A feature film that examines the healing power of nature and the renewed bonds formed between five friends as they hike one of America’s most remote and scenic trails will make its world premiere Jan. 24, 2020, at the Uintah Conference Center in Vernal.
“Highline” was produced and directed by outdoor filmmaker Chris Smead of Outmersive Films and co-directed by experienced cinematographer Gordon Gurley. It follows five friends who reconnect as they hike the 101-mile Highline Trail through the Uinta Mountains in northeastern Utah and southern Wyoming.
“The Uintas are their own character with their own backstory,” Smead said. “They are not just beautiful places for Instagram pictures. They are part of our country’s history.”
For Smead, the project began with a friend’s invitation to hike the trail. Smead planned to bring a camera along to produce a short film. But as he learned more about the history of the trail – and more about the personal histories of the men he would be traveling with – the project evolved into a feature length film.
The cast includes veteran long-distance hikers Joe Valesko (aka Samurai Joe), Matt Favero (aka Details), Will Wood (aka Redbeard), Benny Braden (aka Plug-it-in) and Steve Kaiser (aka Cannonball). Each man has experienced his own personal struggles in life, from addiction to PTSD, Smead said.
“They each have very interesting back stories and they each have great recovery stories that come from getting outside,” he said. “A lot of recovery came out of hiking the trail.”
A veteran hiker with more than 70 backpacking trips under his boots, Smead described the Highline Trail as one of the most rugged, remote and adventurous he’s ever traveled.
“It’s a hidden gem,” he said, “but I don’t know if anybody should make that their first backpacking trip. I went with some of the most experienced hikers in the country and we faced challenges. I don’t want to ruin the film for you, so I’ll just say this trail demands respect.”
Smead noted that for most of human history people lived in wild places, spending much of their time outdoors and finding solace in natural places. He hopes “Highline” will encourage people to get outside more and find comfort there again.
“I hope my film inspires others to find peace by exploring the outdoors,” he said. “It’s that kind of peace that we’ve lost over time.”
“Highline” makes its world premiere on Jan. 24 at 6 p.m. at the Uintah Conference Center, 313 E. 200 South, Vernal. Tickets are available at the Uintah County Travel & Tourism Office, 152 E. 100 North, Vernal, or online at http://bit.ly/HighlineMoviePremiere.
All proceeds from the Vernal screening will go to the Utah chapter of the High Country Horsemen of America, whose members volunteer their time to help maintain the Uinta Highline Trail, and to the Dino Trails Committee to build trails in Uintah County.
This is an awesome film! Definitely a must see. 🙂 Powerful stories and beautiful scenery. They really hit the nail on the head with this one!