In this episode, our host Anna Smith takes the feminist film conversation to new heights by climbing into the world of sport. We take a look at the empowering documentary The Wall – Climb for Gold, which centres on the lives, perseverance and determination of four female athletes, as they prepare for and compete in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. While the focus is on climbers, this is a human story that everyone can relate to.

To unpack this inspiring story about endurance and overcoming obstacles, Anna is joined by climber Shauna Coxsey MBE, composer Nainita Desai and editor Emily West.

Shauna discusses her experience of watching the film for the first time and seeing the audience reactions to it. Having grown up watching sports with her dad, Shauna reveals that a French film about a climber inspired her to take up the sport.

Following on from that, Nainita delves into the creative process behind her score as a microcosm for what it means to be human and the ways in which her score reflects the different personalities of all four women.

Editor Emily West reveals when she got involved in the editing process and the importance of having a female gaze to tell a story about women.

The Wall – Climb for Gold is available now on Apple TV and Amazon Prime Video.

The soundtrack is available on Spotify as four separate singles – each one reflecting the personality and journey of the four athletes in the film: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6yyzlTFjuZqptozK4Q9wHO