Recognition for film of climber Paul Pritchard overcoming adversity to conquer Totem Pole

WHEN Paul Pritchard set out on his second attempt to climb the Tasman Peninsula’s Totem Pole, everyone was scared.

Matthew Newton and Catherine Pettman whose Rummin Productions won a BOFA award in Launceston for their short film Doing it Scared, which has also been accepted for the Banff Festival world tour. Picture: BRUCE MOUNSTER

EVERYONE was scared when Paul Pritchard set out to climb the Tasman Peninsula’s Totem Pole in April.

A falling rock had almost killed Mr Pritchard when he first attempted the same climb 18 years earlier, and had paralysed most of the muscles on the right side of his body.

Hobart filmmaker Matthew Newton, “hanging off a cliff” at the end of Cape Hauy, captured what is fast becoming recognised around the world as a great Tasmanian adventure story.

Paul Pritchard on the Totem Pole for the film Doing it Scared. Picture: ZOE WILKINSON

Mr Newton said he had been apprehensive, because it was obvious Mr Pritchard’s second attempt would be difficult and dangerous, with no guarantee of success.

Short film Doing it Scared, by Rummin Productions, which is a partnership between Mr Newton and Catherine Pettman, with local aerial cinematography firm Ignite Digi, has been chosen for Canada’s Banff Film Festival world tour, and for the UK’s Kendal Mountain Festival.

It was judged best Tasmanian film at the weekend’s Breath of Fresh Air Film Festival and will air at this week’s Tasmanian eco Film Festival in Hobart.

Originally published as Recognition for film of climber Paul Pritchard overcoming adversity to conquer Totem Pole