The story of the “wunderkind” is one which has captivated many people as their tales have become examples of people excelling against all odds, especially the general expectation of what a child or a young person is capable of. However, while talent is most certainly a factor involved in the concept, it is also about perfecting your art and honing your skill, listening to mentors and, perhaps most importantly of all, not shying away from challenges which might bring you to the breaking point. In 2023, with only 14 years of age, Ashima Shirashi has become such a wunderkind in the world of climbing, having mastered some of the toughest summits even experienced climbers have failed to beat. In his documentary “Ashima”, director Kenji Tsukamoto accompanies her to one of her biggest challenges yet, climbing a V14 boulder in South Africa, one of the most difficult summits which even seasoned athletes stay away from.
Ashima is screening at San Diego Asian Film Festival Spring Showcase
However, while Ashima is at the center of the attention, she is not the only major protagonist of the documentary. Poppo, her father and coach, is also an important part within the feature. Even though he knows very little about climbing, his experience as a butoh dancer makes him a spiritual coach for his daughter, teaching her to overcome obstacles and mental barriers which keep her from reaching her full potential. There are a number of tough interactions between the two of them, with Poppo pushing Ashima to the edge, as she faces the difficulties of the V14-boulder, especially her inner fears and anxieties.
With the story of Ashima attempting the V14-boulder, the other part of the documentary focuses on her family life as well as her fame within the world of sports, and how it has extended beyond that area. Given her fame and accomplishments, she has become much more than just a professional climber or a wunderkind, as she is a role model for many young people, a source of inspiration. As she prepares to give a TED-talk in London which will be broadcast to millions of people, the camera and therefore the audience witness how the realization of her changed status slowly sets in. We get an idea of the anxieties she has to face later in South Africa, as reaching the summit is not just another accomplishment, but something she has to do in order to fulfill expectations of so many people.
There will surely be no shortage of viewers criticizing Poppo for his harshness. At the same time, his strictness and ambition is a sign of love and care, as well as a coach's compassion as he has an intimate understanding of what his protege needs. Ashima is not a child that is shielded from the world, like so many nowadays whose parents create a protective bubble around them. Just like the boulder, she faces it head first and has to learn to accept failure and come up with a new plan to master the challenge in front of her. There is something quite inspirational and important about “Ashima” which has a lot to say about the bond of child and parent, but also about parenting as a whole.
“Ashima” is a truly inspiring and important documentary as the story of a young climber becomes much more than the tale of a wunderkind, but one about overcoming challenges, facing your fears and also accepting failure as part of the journey.
