TODAY: Groundbreakers
TODAY Digital featured 18 girls under 18 in a series called, Groundbreakers, to celebrate International Day of the Girl. This video tells the remarkable story of 10-year-old Selah Schneiter’s ascent of the notorious ‘Nose’ route of Yosemite National Park’s El Capitan. The climb earned her the title of the youngest climber of the famed peak. This youthful and vibrant soul shares insights into finding a passion that has allowed her to enjoy the challenge of climbing through each phase of the journey.
Capturing Stunning Imagery
I wanted the audience to be right next to Selah (…literally) as she led the climb up a route called “The Journey” that her father set a few years earlier. That meant the crew climbed a parallel route so we could capture Selah doing what she does best right at eye level. The result of these choices brings you along for the ride without the wind in your hair and scrapes of the rock on your skin.
Director and Producer: Sara Snyder | Director of Photography: David Stewart | Sound: Cody Troyer| Editor: Sharon Ruedeman
The crew making their way up the rock on a parallel route in order to capture 10-year-old Selah climbing.
Truly nothing better than watching ridiculously talented people do what they love. This work fills me with utter and immense joy.
I love working with kids because
they don’t hide how they’re feeling
After we finished filming two beautiful days of climbing, playing in the backyard, reading and doing an hour-long interview, I asked Selah if I could take a picture and give her a hug. Her response after this snap, “I guessed you’d be a good hugger and I was right.” Getting to know incredible people like Selah is why I wanted to be a storyteller. I am grateful every day for the bright and beautiful souls I get to meet through this creative medium.