The Schengen Files: interview with Paul Robinson

 

Paul Robinson recently returned from a nearly year-long bouldering journey around the world. His specific focus was to repeat and establish some of the hardest boulder problems in Europe. His success was apparent as we followed along, watching him methodically tick one hard problem after another. Most impressive was his showing in Fontainebleau, France and Cresciano, Switzerland, which is the focus of his debut film: The Schengen Files.

 

Click the image to watch the trailer.

 

Paul, tell us about the framework of the trip that this video follows.

The movie encompasses the first 3.5 months of 2011. I spent my time climbing in both Fontainebleau, France and Ticino, Switzerland. The movie begins in Font and ends with one of my hardest climbs to date, The Story of Two Worlds (V15), in Cresciano, Switzerland. The movie is all about the hardest sends that I accomplished during this time period and a look into my time spent over in Europe!

 

What are some of the highlight problems of the film?

There are a lot of really great climbs in the film. I tried to only pick climbs that were meaningful to me and ones that really stood out as either super hard or just incredible climbs. There is so much amazing hard bouldering in Europe. I wanted to give viewers a taste of what it is like to climb over there for a long time and to see a portion of the hard climbs in both Fontainebleau, France and Ticino, Switzerland.

 

Are there other climbers in the film?

This is a solo gig. I was mainly out climbing by myself with my girlfriend who was behind the lens. I am trying to go with a more personal approach for this short film.

 

What is the general ‘feel’ of the movie?

Well, I would say it is fast-paced but it also delves deep into the intricacies of specific boulders. I also wanted to share my life and adventures during this three month period from January 2011 to March 2011. I hope that viewers get an idea of who I am and what I am all about in this film. It is a personal climbing film and I hope people enjoy it!

 

What does the title of the movie mean?

The Schengen Union is a geographic area within Europe. This area is host to all of the EU countries, excluding Great Britain, as well as some other countries in the area. The agreement has to do with border control. Very similar to the United States, the Schengen Agreement allows for free travel for residents of the signed countries. However, if you live outside of the confines of the Schengen Union then you are only allowed to stay within its borders for 90 days in a 180 day period. This can cause some trouble when you are there for 9 months without leaving!

 

Who did the filming? Did you travel with a crew or was it a low- key group of buddies or solo mission?

My girlfriend, Alex, filmed a great majority of it. I did a bit of tri-pod filming and I had some friends along the way help a little!

 

What about editing? Are you working with someone that is editing it?

Alex and I are splitting it up and making the film! She is better at some aspects of editing than I am and, conversely, I am better at other aspects. It has been a great process working on the film together.

 

What challenges are you facing with editing and promoting your movie?

We have pretty busy lives so sometimes it is hard to find time to edit the film but fortunately it is all coming together!

 

When can we expect to see it and where can we get it?

It will be available July 12th through www.hdclimbingvideos.com!

 

Who are your sponsors?

Prana, La Sportiva, Black Diamond, Native Eyewear, and Sterling Rope. We would also like to give a huge thank you to everyone that showed us such hospitality over in Europe and to everyone, including our friends and family that helped make this film possible! ■