The Reel Rock 7 Film Tour will bring a series of original films to campus that feature rock climbers who push the limits of the sport, said Victoria Bisharat, Reel Rock Film Tour director.
Tim Martin, general manager of Backwoods Outdoor Clothing & Equipment, said his business sponsored Reel Rock in the past at the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth. However, this is the first time they will sponsor the event at the university.
“We decided to screen Reel Rock at TCU this year because the films in this package tend to appeal to a younger audience,” Martin said. “We have been looking for a meaningful way to partner with the Campus Rec, particularly the Outdoor Programs department, and I think that we have found that in Reel Rock.”
Bisharat said the event is especially unique because most of the films are produced by the filmmakers who own Reel Rock.
Throughout the event there will be raffle prize giveaways, pull-up competitions, and trivia for those who attend. Bisharat also said the tour usually attracts a very enthusiastic and engaging audience.
“It’s awesome being in a venue and having the crowd go from loudly cheering to being so silent you could hear a pin drop during a tense moment,” Bisharat said.
At many of the screenings, money from ticket sales goes toward non-profit organizations such as The Access Fund, The American Alpine Club and the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics, according to Bisharat. Last year, over $15,000 was raised for multiple non-profits.
In 2011, Reel Rock conducted more than 300 screenings for an audience of nearly 100,000 worldwide, according to the Reel Rock website. Films from the tour have been featured on NBC, The New York Times, and have won a Sports Emmy Award, along with numerous awards at international film festivals.
The event will take place in the Brown-Lupton University Union auditorium on Oct. 14 at 3 p.m. Doors will open at 2:30 p.m. for the event, and tickets are on sale to the public for $10 and can be purchased at the door or online. Discounted tickets are available for students for $5 with a valid TCU I.D. in advance and can be purchased at the rec center office.