Video credit: Lee Thompson
As we approach Hampi's climbing season, which starts end October, boulderers will be on the look out for inspiration for their upcoming trip. Before we went to Hampi, we were surprised at how little high-quality footage there was of this stunning destination. In filming Hampi Local, we intended to plug this gap, and early reviews and our first 20k views suggest we have been successful in this aim!
In our work, we focus on Vikas ('Jerry'), a local climber and co-owner of Tom and Jerry's climbing shop (any climber who visits Hampi can't help but become familiar with this name). After meeting Jerry, we quickly realised our film was going to be about more than just bouldering - yes, we wanted to showcase Jerry's talent, and reveal Hampi in all its dreamy glory. But, more than that, we wanted to show how, for travelling climbers, a little local knowledge and friendship can turn a good bouldering trip into one that you never forget.
Despite growing up in one of the world's greatest bouldering fields, Jerry only found climbing after meeting Hugo, a visiting Spanish climber. They met on the ghats, Hugo waiting for one of Hampi's temperamental local 'ferries', Jerry peddling postcards, like so many local lads. A friendship was formed, with Hugo teaching Jerry - a quick learner - the basics of the sport. This climbing partnership has endured, with the duo now developing new areas in Hampi, such as the softer, kinder 'White Balls'. But, as Hugo explains in the film, these days Jerry is climbing 8a, and is often mentor rather than mentee.
Now that Hampi Local is live, we are working on a follow up. In autumn 2016, we want to get Jerry over to the UK to climb on northern grit. With the right support, we will see our Hampi local become Yorkshire tourist, and his simple dream will be realised: to travel, to visit other countries and climb with the locals there.
Full movie:
Hampi Local from Bloc Features on Vimeo.
to the DO IT NOW YouTube channel
