Eric Crosland

Every spring the summit of Mount Everest draws people from around the world. But in its shadow live the Sherpa, a resilient, religious people, who, despite the riches surrounding the highest peak on earth, are still quite poor and uneducated. A child of the Khumbu, Apa Sherpa climbed Everest 21 times. Pulled away at the age of 12 to work as a high altitude porter, like so many others, he would leave his family for months, risking his life on the mountain. Through his work at the Apa Sherpa Foundation, he aims to create a different future for his people.

The story of a cultural revolution fueled by the human desire to live in the moment and do what makes you feel the most alive. We discover how an electrifying new world came about through pure energy and imagination and the infinite possibilities of self-expression available to anyone willing to drop in. This documentary is a visceral, visual experience told through the eyes some of the brightest pioneers, legends, visionaries and champions of surfing, mountain climbing, snowboarding, skiing, skateboarding, mountain biking and more.

Always above us is a documentary about mixed climbing that takes place in Hyalite Canyon. It was directed by Eric Crosland in 2014 and produced by Sherpas Cinema. It features Conrad Anker and Kristoffer Erickson.