This Powerful Documentary Highlights the Extraordinary Work of the Search and Rescue Community
Stept Studios, the award-winning creative and content studio, announces that its short documentary, 109 Below, created in partnership with Arc’teryx, is now available for streaming on Arc’teryx’s YouTube Channel. The much-anticipated film, directed by Stept co-founder Nick Martini, has garnered widespread recognition over the past 14 months, winning multiple awards and earning festival selections worldwide.
109 Below was produced by Stept Studios, with story and development led by Stept’s senior director of nonfiction, Sarah Stewart, alongside Arc’teryx’s film team. The 14-minute documentary highlights the extraordinary work of the search and rescue community surrounding Mt. Washington in New Hampshire, centering on the 1982 daring rescue of Hugh Herr and his climbing partner, Jeff Batzer. Sadly, during that rescue, one of the volunteer rescuers, Albert Dow, lost his life. Since losing both of his legs in the accident, and learning of Dow’s tragic passing, Herr went on to become a pioneer in prosthesis development at MIT, making his personal story the cornerstone of this powerful documentary.
“This story really hits home for me,” said director Nick Martini, who grew up in the region and had previously explored similar themes in his 2019 documentary North Country, also set in New Hampshire’s mountains. “I was excited to share the story of this volunteer community that has saved countless lives. We wanted to combine a present-day narrative with a historical lens to give deeper context to their incredible work.”
The production of 109 Below faced extreme challenges, as the crew endured record-breaking winter conditions, with temperatures plunging to -109°F with windchill. Cinematographer Cam Riley and the crew could only shoot for two to three minutes at a time before retreating indoors to avoid frostbite, with cameras accumulating thick layers of frost and needing to be kept outside to prevent moisture damage. Despite these hurdles, the film’s visuals captured the harsh and unforgiving environment in stunning detail.
As part of Arc’teryx’s No Wasted Days film tour, 109 Below was screened across North America and Europe, earning multiple accolades, including the Sundance-sanctioned Brand Storytelling Producer Award, the Platinum Muse Award, a Vimeo Staff Pick, and a Bronze Clio. The film was featured at over 25 festivals, securing more than five festival awards.
