An Accidental Life | 2022
AN ACCIDENTAL LIFE tells the story of climber Quinn Brett, who suffered a horrific fall in Yosemite at the height of her athletic career that left her paralyzed from the waist down and forced to question her identity and community. Soon after her accident Quinn’s relationship ends throwing her into a lonely place where she wonders if this new version of herself is lovable - until an expected romantic connection reveals that she is indeed still Quinn Brett, and nothing can take that away from her. Over the course of the film, viewers watch Quinn's raw recovery and return to the world she almost lost as she eventually comes to accept the things she cannot change.
WHERE TO WATCH
Reviews
"An unflinching and compassionate documentary about friendship and loss, An Accidental Life is a tremendous feat by a talented filmmaker on the rise." - Jimmy Chin (FREE SOLO; THE RESCUE)
"The film transcends the category of a climbing or outdoor documentary. In this incredibly intimate film, the filmmaker has managed to capture the process Quinn Brett goes through after a fall and paralysis. The cinematography, directing and editing are great, but the closeness is the most important thing. Which is made possible by a sensitive filmmaker and a charismatic, brave and open-minded protagonist. It's a film about hope." - International Mountaineering Film Festival Jury 2022
Awards
Grand Prize Award | Cervino Cinemountain (Italy)
Grand Prize Award | Mendi Film Festival (Bilbao)
Grand Prix Award | International Mountaineering Film Festival (MHFF)
Golden Gentian CAI - Italian Alpine Club Award | Trento Film Festival
Judges Special Prize | Kendal Mountain Film Festival
Best Documentary Feature | Eastern Sierra Mountain Film Festival
People's Choice Award | Krakow Mountain Film
People's Choice Award | Wasatch Mountain Film Festival
Best Mountain Film | London Mountain Film Festival
Best Climbing Film | Sheffield Adventure Film Festival
Best Film About Mountain Sports | Ladek Mountain Film Festival
Nominee: Best Feature Documentary | Big Sky Documentary Film Festival
Socially Engaged Cinema Award | Krakow Mountain Film
Special Mention | Echo Mountain Film Festival
Honorable Mention: Best Documentary Feature | Roma Short Film Festival
PRESS LINKS
Credits
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Written and Directed by
Henna Taylor
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Executive Producer
Jon Krakauer
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Executive Producers
Sarah Steele
Dave Landman -
Produced by
Henna Taylor Films
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In Association with
Cut Anchor Films Adidas TERREX
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Featuring
Quinn Brett
Henna Taylor
Josie Mckee -
Director of Photography
Henna Taylor
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Cinematographer
Summer Taylor
Brian Watson -
Editor
Henna Taylor
Brian Watson
Jacob Bailey -
Music By
Stephan Jacob
Gregory Alan Isakov
Artlist -
Post Production Sound
IMRSV Sound
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Color
Henna Taylor
Director's Statement
“Quinn's story reflects the beautifully subtle yet pervasive human cycle of shedding who we thought we were for who we really are. Time and time again we learn that what we do is not who we are. For the past two years I have had the opportunity to capture this genuine process with Quinn, the good, the bad, and the ugly. For me, to film a person honestly takes a long time. It means to pay close attention and see what is not being said.”
- HENNA TAYLOR
