14.c Film Featuring Teen Climber Kai Lightner and His Mom Wins Inspiration Award
The new climbing film 14.c introduces a unique perspective on the sport that demonstrates the critical importance of family in the development of natural talent. Directed by George Knowles, the short film follows a few days in the life of Kai Lightner, a talented young man who at the age of 14 climbs with incredible skill and ability. As Kai ascends to the top of the most difficult routes, rated 5.14c, he relies upon the support and encouragement of his mother, Connie. With infinite patience and enthusiasm, this single mother lovingly guides her son through the early stages of a promising career—Kai aspires to one day become a sport-climbing world champion.
Having premiered to a sold-out crowd at the 7th annual 5Point Film Festival in Carbondale, Colorado, 14.c allows viewers to witness the ascent of a rising star. A four-time youth sport climbing champ, Kai is well on his way toward his life’s goal. Created with the support of the 5Point Film Fund this short reveals an intimate portrait of mother and son as they work together to take full advantage of Kai’s passion and aptitude for climbing. Balancing his straight-A school schedule with high intensity workouts, Connie channels her boy’s energy with love and encouragement as she belays him up one difficult route after another. The incredibly strong bond between these two characters is compelling.
“From the moment I met Kai and his mother, Connie, it was obvious that their relationship was unique and that there was a story needing to be told,” said director George Knowles. “To be welcomed into their lives for the week we had to shoot the piece, as if we were family, is something I will never forget.”
Showing on opening night of the festival 14.c roused the audience to their feet and applaud with more excitement than at any other moment during the long weekend of outstanding films.
“The crowd reaction was amazing,” said festival director Sarah Wood. “There were tears, there was laugher, there was applause. I think everyone championed Kai as a young climber out there climbing for all the right reasons. But they also championed his mom, who’s so dedicated to her son and is helping him to achieve his dream. The 5Point audience really recognized that and they stood behind Connie with that standing ovation every bit as much as they applauded for Kai.”
14.c is a piece that speaks to the true spirit of independent filmmaking. Immediately following its premiere in Carbondale, where it won an award for Most Inspiring film, Knowles was invited to present his short at the Mountainfilm Festival in Telluride over Memorial Day weekend. With a storyline that tugs at the heartstrings while encouraging viewers to seek out the best in themselves the life of Kai in 14.c is a truly wonderful tale of ambition and courage that continues to unfold and reveal a bright future.
Related Topics
You May Also Like
Go Further
Animals
- How can we protect grizzlies from their biggest threat—trains?How can we protect grizzlies from their biggest threat—trains?
- This ‘saber-toothed’ salmon wasn’t quite what we thoughtThis ‘saber-toothed’ salmon wasn’t quite what we thought
- Why this rhino-zebra friendship makes perfect senseWhy this rhino-zebra friendship makes perfect sense
- When did bioluminescence evolve? It’s older than we thought.When did bioluminescence evolve? It’s older than we thought.
- Soy, skim … spider. Are any of these technically milk?Soy, skim … spider. Are any of these technically milk?
Environment
- Are the Great Lakes the key to solving America’s emissions conundrum?Are the Great Lakes the key to solving America’s emissions conundrum?
- The world’s historic sites face climate change. Can Petra lead the way?The world’s historic sites face climate change. Can Petra lead the way?
- This pristine piece of the Amazon shows nature’s resilienceThis pristine piece of the Amazon shows nature’s resilience
- Listen to 30 years of climate change transformed into haunting musicListen to 30 years of climate change transformed into haunting music
History & Culture
- Meet the original members of the tortured poets departmentMeet the original members of the tortured poets department
- Séances at the White House? Why these first ladies turned to the occultSéances at the White House? Why these first ladies turned to the occult
- Gambling is everywhere now. When is that a problem?Gambling is everywhere now. When is that a problem?
- Beauty is pain—at least it was in 17th-century SpainBeauty is pain—at least it was in 17th-century Spain
Science
- Here's how astronomers found one of the rarest phenomenons in spaceHere's how astronomers found one of the rarest phenomenons in space
- Not an extrovert or introvert? There’s a word for that.Not an extrovert or introvert? There’s a word for that.
- NASA has a plan to clean up space junk—but is going green enough?NASA has a plan to clean up space junk—but is going green enough?
- Soy, skim … spider. Are any of these technically milk?Soy, skim … spider. Are any of these technically milk?
Travel
- Could Mexico's Chepe Express be the ultimate slow rail adventure?Could Mexico's Chepe Express be the ultimate slow rail adventure?
- What it's like to hike the Camino del Mayab in MexicoWhat it's like to hike the Camino del Mayab in Mexico