CLIMBING
INTO LIFE

“Climbing into Life” is an inspiring and uplifting documentary that will leave you breathless and motivated! Dierdre’s determination and infectious enthusiasm make her a joy to watch, and her story is a powerful reminder that age is just a number and that our lives are defined by our passions and willingness to take risks. A triumphant documentary that will leave you feeling empowered to chase your own dreams, no matter what your age is. (5/5 stars)

As a 24-year-old audiovisual professional, I thoroughly enjoyed the film. The quality of production was exquisite and captures the message, perspective, and story perfectly, while captivating an audience and conveying an important message about the importance of connection between younger and older adults, including the absence of limitation on achievements that can be made in the golden years.

Beautiful film… there is a deepness and richness in the story that is subtle yet profound. A message can be found in this film for people of all ages.

Melissa Davey’s film, Climbing into Life, entertains and inspires. She takes you on a riveting journey of a woman who defies expectations and shatters stereotypes as she takes you along on her thrilling adventure. Prepare to smile and cheer for the heroine of the film, for the filmmaker and also for the indomitable spirit that resides in all of us.

“Climbing Into Life” is a sports documentary, not what you’d expect from its title or its filmmaker, who specializes in inspiring stories about older women. Even without an explosive title like “Free Solo” or “Dawn Wall,” it surpasses the recent “Nyad” with better scenery and more danger for the athlete (and crew). An unusual twist is that the subject only became an athlete later in life, and is not just trying to recapture past glory. The film is nearly as spectacular as the setting of El Capitan.

Your documentary gave us a portrait of a woman who, in spite of a repressive childhood and a frustrating marriage, managed to nurture and make use of her talents, enabling her to raise and support her children. Her musical and linguistic skills lead her to accomplishments that would have been more than enough for most people. Then later in life her turn toward the athleticism of climbing was remarkable and you captured that pivot so beautifully, showing her grit and tenacity. The joy she experienced after her first summit was profound and your film brought that emotion vividly to every member of the audience. I love that you showed her hands playing the piano, then later, those same hands made their way up the climbing wall and eventually the face of El Capitan. Scaling! Climbing! Brava to you!

It’s the kind of film that stays with you and keeps working on you. I feel emboldened and empowered by it. The cliche “it’s never too late to be what you might have been” is brought to life by Melissa Davey’s exquisite storytelling in a film that illustrates through Dierdre’s story that who we are meant to be is “in there” and can’t be denied. Thank you, Melissa, for this incredible piece of filmmaking.

Melissa Davey’s Climbing into Life is a visually and emotionally resonant documentary that follows the inspiring journey of Dierdre Wolownick. The film’s technical side is very well done, with cinematography, camera work, and sound design delivering a captivating experience. Beyond its technical merits, Climbing into Life excels in its ability to convey a powerful message. Wolownick’s story serves as a testament to the enduring spirit of human potential, reminding us that age is no barrier to achieving our dreams. Davey’s direction skillfully captures the essence of Wolownick’s journey, leaving viewers inspired and uplifted.

Wonderful documentary with so much heart to it. I need this to get distribution immediately. The director was at the screening I saw and she was an absolute sweetheart talking about how she, at age 65, just decided on a whim to quit her job and start making movies… and then she did it, which is the coolest thing to me!

If you are ready for a quick dose of inspiration, pop this on right now! Free on Tubi. Under 53 minutes. Run, don’t walk! This was a great follow up to “Beyond Sixty,” another inspirer waiting for you online.

I saw Climbing into Life at a film festival in California and was blown away by the quality of the production and the director’s expertise in weaving together such an inspiring story. I loved how the film went back and forth in time and the visuals were stunning. I had no idea that Alex Honnold’s mother was the heroine in the story until it was revealed in the film with a cameo by Alex! Very well done. I hope it wins an award, it is deserved.