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The Ascent | DIFF 2026
Sat, Apr 04
|The Electric Theater
A true story of perseverance, grit, and determination against seemingly insurmountable odds.
Time & Location
Apr 04, 2026, 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
The Electric Theater, 68 E Tabernacle St, St. George, UT 84770, USA
About the Event
DESERTSCAPE 2026 PROUDLY PRESENTS THE "CLIMBING TO NEW HEIGHTS"
FEATURE DOC BLOCK
*This film contains mature content (Adult Themes, Language, Abuse, Drug Use)
A true story of perseverance, grit, and determination against seemingly insurmountable odds.
The Ascent | 99 Mins | Utah Premiere
Directed by Edward Drake, Scott Veltri, and Francis Cronin
*This screening will be followed by a filmmaker Q&A
Premiering in competition at SXSW 2026, "The Ascent" is the inspiring true story of Colorado Springs bilateral-amputee climber Mandy Horvath’s record-breaking attempt to crawl to the summit of Mt. Kilimanjaro on her hands. At 21, Mandy lost both of her legs under mysterious circumstances—an event that shattered her trust in the world around her. As she pushes her body to its limits on Africa’s tallest mountain, Mandy must reckon with the unanswered questions of her past and learn to trust again if she is to succeed.