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  • Whistleblower Summit & Film Festival

  • Awareness Film Festival

  • INKAFEST Mountain Film Festival

  • Ecuadorian Film Festival New York

  • Breaking Down Barriers

  • Barcelona Sport Film Festival

Synopsis

Spanish with English subtitles

With Sebastian Carrasco "Zuko"

Beyond the Summit, directed by Isabel Guayasamin, is an inspiring documentary that explores the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity. The film follows Sebastian “Zuko” Carrasco, a professional high-altitude mountain guide who, after a tragic accident, loses mobility in his legs. Despite this life-altering setback, Zuko refuses to let his circumstances define him. Through an extraordinary journey to climb Mount Kilimanjaro, he demonstrates that physical limitations are no match for mental strength and determination.

Set against breathtaking natural landscapes, Beyond the Summit delves into themes of perseverance, inclusion, and self-discovery. It highlights the transformative power of adventure sports, particularly for individuals with disabilities, while celebrating human connection with nature. With its stunning cinematography and deeply emotional narrative, the film serves as a testament to overcoming challenges and redefining personal limits.

About the Director
Isabel Guayasamin is an Ecuadorian visual artist based in New York. She holds a Fine Arts degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and a Master’s in documentary filmmaking from Goldsmiths, University of London.

A member of the U.S. State Department’s Young Leaders of the Americas Initiative, Guayasamin freelances for international NGOs focused on environmental protection and social equality. She released her first film, Beyond the Summit, blending her love for nature, storytelling, and inclusion in adventure sports. Beyond the Summit was recognized at the Awareness Film Festival and screened across Europe and South America.

Notes on the Film

“As a director and producer, it was important to immerse myself in the research and logistics, to portray the character’s life and convey the message of social impact clearly. Finding the purpose of the story and the spirit of the character was a great learning and collaborative process. The creation took shape during the development of the expedition, and this enriched the outcome of the film.

Through this documentary, I seek to portray an inspiring life message that raises awareness and expands the collective consciousness. I aim to help transform us into a more inclusive and responsible society by generating positive impact that conveys recognition and education.”

–  Isabel Guayasamin, Director

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