The documentary "Learning to Fly" centers on Aisha McAdams, a former competitive runner who transitioned to photography. The film chronicles her journey as she embeds with and documents elite ultra-trail runners, such as Jim Walmsley and Eszter Csillag, at demanding events like the Western States Endurance Run in California and the Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc in the French Alps. McAdams, who herself had to step away from competitive running due to personal trauma and mental health challenges, captures the triumphs, heartbreaking losses, and sheer physical and mental intensity required to complete 100-mile mountain races.
Directed by Max Lowe, the film goes beyond just showcasing the athletes' physical feats. It delves into McAdams's personal journey, revealing how her close proximity to these resilient athletes prompts her to confront her own complex past and the reasons she left the sport she once loved. Initially, the focus for the filmmakers included Jim Walmsley's attempt to win both Western States and UTMB in the same year, but McAdams's evolving perspective became the central narrative.
"Learning to Fly" explores themes of mental health, resilience, belonging, and the sense of community found in pushing human limits. Producer Evan Hayes notes that the film highlights how the sport often serves athletes during their most challenging times. McAdams herself expressed a desire for the film to inspire viewers to have the courage to make changes or grow in their own lives. She has also found a new, more joyful perspective on running, emphasizing community, play, and exploration.
The documentary, produced by Unreasonable Studios and Chris Hemsworth and Ben Grayson’s Wild State, premiered at the Telluride Film Festival. After a theatrical release that began on August 21, it is set to become globally available for streaming on Amazon Prime Video starting September 24. While it may not directly inspire everyone to run an ultra-marathon, its broader message encourages viewers to pursue what brings them happiness and fulfillment with loved ones.
