ASHIMA follows elite rock climber Ashima Shiraishi as she travels to South Africa to attempt to become the youngest climber to master one of the world’s most challenging climbs. Accompanying Ashima is her father and coach Poppo, a former avante-garde dancer who brings an eccentric, tough-love approach to Ashima’s training. Examining the sacrifices required to achieve at the highest level and the complex relationship between immigrant parents and their children, ASHIMA is an intimate coming-of-age story about climbing, family, and the pursuit of the American Dream.

The Popcorn List Programmer Recommendation:

"ASHIMA is cinéma vérité. The filmmaking is stellar. Anyone who has pursued their dreams while managing obligations - from family, work, partners - will connect with this story." -Crystal Merrill, Festival Director, Mountainfilm