07/09/2026
ASCENT - Guardians of the Trees, Masters of the Climb
3 yrs ago Cassie stood in the fog at the base of a stand of towering trees, hands numb from the cold, watching a group of arborists rig up ready to compete, and thought: why would anyone do this?
Then she felt it. The focus. The quiet between competitors, the volunteers, the whole crowd holding its breath at once. The living heartbeat of something much bigger than the competition.
Since then Cassie has worked tirelessly to make sure the rest of us can see what she saw.
Announcing ASCENT, our first feature documentary and the directorial debut of our co-founder Cassie Ringstad.
Each year a handful of Australia's best climbers compete nationally and internationally for the chance to rank among the best in the world.
Ascent follows Australia's Tree Climbing Team through the 2025 season. The preparation, the pressure, the setbacks and the big moments, filmed across hometowns, training camps and comps in NSW, VIC and QLD, all building towards the International Tree Climbing Championship in Ōtautahi, Aotearoa.
It's about the people, the friendships, the passion for the craft and the community that makes tree climbing what it is. It's also about an industry the public still gets wrong. Arborists aren't loggers. They're skilled professionals and they're custodians of the trees we all live under.
Seven climbers. One big year.
At the heart of it is Barton Allen-Hall, chasing a fourth World Championship appearance. Record breaking if he can pull it off.
3yrs in concept, 18 mths in the making, funded by the industry itself and supported by the International Society of Arboriculture. Cassie's passion carried it the whole way, producing truly breathtaking moments while shepherding us through the dark and challenging times.
Now we're taking it on the road, community and the industry that made it possible.
Follow for screening dates in your city.
