Patagonian Chimeras – Mountaineering in Cerro Torre w/ Lise Billon
Adventure documentary film・30mn・2026
CAST: Lise Billon・Fanny Schmutz・Maud Vanpoulle
CREW: Guillaume Broust (Director)
Jan Novak, Tyler Lekki (Camera Work)
Flore Beaudelin (Illustrations)
Fast Prod (production)
#alpinism #patagonia
“Patagonian Chimeras” is a documentary about the ascent of the legendary Cerro Torre in Patagonia by a team of female climbers. Like a contemporary fable, it blends animated illustrations, archival photos, and real footage. Lise Billon takes viewers along for the ride (and climb) as she chases her own elusive dreams. All the while, on her own terms, she tackles the current challenges women face in modern mountaineering.
The Compressor Route
In February 2024, three French climbers, Lise Billon, Fanny Schmutz, and Maud Vanpoulle, made the first all-female ascent of this historic line. They climbed the Filo Sureste, on the southeast ridge via the iconic Compressor Route (5.11a, A2, WI4, VI).
In 1959, Italian climber Cesare Maestri claimed the first ascent, though without any tangible proof. A decade later, he returned with a gas-powered compressor to bolt a line up the southeast face, but never reached the summit. The so-called “Compressor Route” became a symbol of conquest at all costs
Without claiming any heroics, they chose to share their compelling experience. Patagonian Chimeras tells the story of their ascent, blending real footage, archive material, local life, and hand-drawn animation. Thoughts about women’s current place in climbing and mountaineering, and the many ways to adventure in the mountains.
Films Festivals
The film will make the rounds at international film festivals all throughout 2026. It has been selected for the 2026 Summer Edition of Mountains on Stage. It will be available for viewing on TV and VOD, and then on Petzl’s YouTube channel in 2027. You are a fetsival? Subscribe the fillm through the film freeway plateform.
