A belayer leaps to soften their climber’s fall — a soft catch.
A Soft Catch explores the nuanced effects of the climbing community through the journeys of three individuals: a young competitive climber, a seasoned coach, and the founder of an inclusive climbing organization. The film reflects on growth shaped by pressure, failure, and resilience—uncovering the emotional armor of a competitor and their ever-changing self-confidence. Kimberly “Coach Kim” Puccio shares how the climbing world transformed her life as a single mother and victim to a drunk driver, revealing her belief in possibility and the force within inspiration. Through Marianna Steelsmith, founder of United Rocks, we witness the community’s instinct to celebrate one another become a foundation for inclusion and a goal to expand the competitive world to those with intellectual disabilities.
Like a soft catch, the climbing community provides comforting support—offering the quiet strength in being caught by those beside you.
Directed by Samirah Bisht (USA)