A powerful new documentary inspired by a Mount Kilimanjaro fundraising challenge for Coram Kidscape premiered in London on Monday (28 September), shining a spotlight on the lasting impact bullying can have on children and the vital importance of support and prevention.
The premiere at Battersea Power Station Cinema celebrated the achievement of a team of more than 20 climbers including Coram Kidscape ambassadors – celebrity hairdresser Andrew Barton and Antarctic explorer Josh Braid – alongside TV presenter Anthea Turner and Gogglebox star Dan Lustig. The group took on Africa’s highest mountain earlier this year, raising more than £120,000 (including Gift Aid) to support Coram Kidscape’s work to help children and families affected by bullying.
The premiere night saw climbers, sponsors and supporters come together to watch the film for the very first time, and recognise their extraordinary collective journey. Guests also got behind the cause on the night, with an auction and raffle raising a further £6.5k for Coram Kidscape.
Directed and filmed by Dale Reubin and produced by Bright Cause in partnership with Uncharted Summits, the documentary, The Roof of Africa: Bullied – The Mountain We Face, follows the full journey – from training to summit to reflection – capturing the personal stories of those involved and the long-term impact of bullying that motivated many of them to take part. The documentary highlights the challenges children experiencing bullying can face and the importance of ensuring they have access to practical support.
The film will be screened again at Coram in November during Anti-Bullying Week, and plans are underway to share the documentary more widely, so that its message can reach even more children, families and schools.
Andrew Barton, Coram Kidscape Ambassador, said: “Bullying can leave lasting scars. Climbing Kilimanjaro was one of the toughest things I’ve ever done – but it pales in comparison to what some children go through every single day. If this challenge helps even one child feel seen and supported, it was worth every step.”
Ashley Rolfe, Head of Programmes and Training at Coram Kidscape, said: “I was deeply moved watching the documentary and seeing what it took for the climbers to keep going, day after day. Their resilience, kindness and determination reflected so much of what we see in the children, young people and families we support at Coram Kidscape. Even when the summit wasn’t visible, they continued forward together. It was a powerful reminder that progress isn’t about seeing the whole journey ahead, but finding the courage to take the next step.”
The documentary was generously supported by headline sponsors Prospect13 and Wizz Air for supporting the documentary.
Watch the trailer here and find out more about Coram Kidscape.