A Near View of the High Sierra

WORKING TITLE

Upon entering Yosemite Valley, the towering granite walls beg the question, how was this made? When John Muir arrived in 1868, the prevailing theory claimed the valley floor dropped out in a “great cataclysmic event.” But Muir’s own explorations quickly revealed evidence of glaciers carving the valley’s great walls.

With no formal degree, Muir’s theory was quickly dismissed, with state geologist Josiah Whitney labeling him a “mere sheepherder.” In response, Muir dedicated several years to his studies, pushing further into the unexplored High Sierra to prove his theory. Here, in the shadows of the highest peaks, Muir found the proof he was looking for—living glaciers.

Today, Yosemite’s glacial past is without question, and while Muir's poetic writing eventually made him a household name, his early scientific contributions and mountaineering accomplishments are little known. This film tells the story of Muir's thrilling first ascent of Mt. Ritter and his internal struggle to publish the truth of Yosemite's glacial origins.

The name you know like you’ve never seen before.

Adventure Filmmaking

Muir's mountaineering accomplishments are impressive, and when considering the era's technology, they challenge belief. Our film adopts the best filmmaking techniques from action sports documentaries to depict Muir’s unassisted first ascent of Mt. Ritter in an exciting and visually gripping way.

Set over 150 years ago, this story features the beautiful aesthetic of California's earliest days. Thankfully, the wilderness preserves of the Sierra Nevada provide a beautiful and natural backdrop for our characters.

Period Narrative

Inspiring True Story

Based on Muir's writing, this film expands upon his original telling, revealing his personal motivation and the internal struggles that pushed him higher and higher into the Sierras.

Why make this film?

This film has a simple goal: to inspire audiences to spend more time in nature. We chose this story for its unique opportunity to showcase a new side of an inspiring figure, revealing his scientific & mountaineering contributions while sharing his struggles with self-doubt.

For Muir, time immersed in nature was both healing and inspiring, something we could all use more of.

We're currently fundraising and hope to begin principal photography in Summer 2024. We'd love your support.

— Brett, Scott & Zack

Director, Producer
Born and raised in the Rockies and now claiming the Los Padres in his backyard, Zach has found himself deep in the wilderness more than Muir himself. While not entirely true, his love of adventure and filmmaking make him perfectly suited to helm this project.
Ask him out for a beer or coffee, and be prepared to discuss the nuances of bike mechanics or megapixels.

Producer
Nothing inspires Brett like spending time immersed in nature. Whether in the ocean or the mountains, he’s always searching to make the most of gravity’s pull. As an artist and project leader, he brings out the best in people and ideas.
This project combines his love for Muir’s writing with a deep connection to his Sierra foothills home, bringing a unique vision and passion to the film.

Writer, Producer
Leave it to a global pandemic to reveal how much you value the wild spaces in your life. Inspired by reading John Muir’s The Mountains of California during lockdown, Scott saw the opportunity to combine his filmmaking skills and passion for the High Sierra into a film project worth spending all his free time on.
He’s grateful his partners and family feel the same way.

Thanks for checking out our film.

We’d love to hear from you.
hello@muirfilmproject.com