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GIRLS RIDING HIGH

Set in the wild expanse of Alaska, "Girls Riding High" follows 19-year-old mountain biker Lucy Hankins as she leads young girls through the breathtaking Kenai Mountain-Turnagain Arm National Heritage Area. This inspiring documentary captures their summer experiences and a grueling 25-mile overnight bike trip, showcasing how high-adrenaline sports can be a powerful tool for transformation. In a state grappling with the highest youth addiction rates and a national mental health crisis affecting teens, especially girls, Lucy’s program, inspired by the Icelandic model, demonstrates how adventure and nature can build confidence, resilience, and grit. "Girls Riding High" offers a moving portrait of how one individual's passion can ignite change in their community and inspire others to do the same.

  • Katrin York
    Director
  • Amy Hankins
    Producer
    First Film
  • Artem Savitckii
    Cinematography
  • Project Type:
    Documentary, Short
  • Runtime:
    26 minutes 2 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    August 14, 2024
  • Country of Origin:
    United States
  • Language:
    English
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    No
  • Digital Cinema Package:
    Unavailable
  • Rossland Mountain Film Fest
    Rossland
    Canada
    November 16, 2024
    Canada Premiere
    Official Selection
  • Anchorage International Film Festival

    United States
    December 13, 2024
    United States Premiere
    Official Selection
  • Lookout Wild Film Festival
    Chattanooga, TN
    United States
    January 17, 2025
    Award - Best Documentary
  • Montreal Women Film Festival
    Montreal
    Canada
    January 21, 2025
    Award - Best Short Documentary
  • Ladyface Mountain Film Festival
    Agoura
    United States
    February 7, 2025
    California Premier
    Award - Spirit of Ladyface
  • London Mountain Film Festival

    United Kingdom
    March 1, 2025
    UK
    Official Selection
  • Mountainfilm
    Telluride
    United States
    May 26, 2025
    Colorado Premier
  • Ladek Mountain Film Festival
    Ladek
    Poland
    September 7, 2025
    Poland Premier
  • Filmed by Bike
    Portland
    United States
    May 17, 2025
    Oregon Premier
Director Biography - Katrin York

Katrin York is a filmmaker who splits her year between Hawaii and Alaska. Originally from Siberia, she studied film in Hollywood before focusing on documenting the planet's most remote places, from the Arctic to Africa. Alongside collaborations with conservation organizations like Sea Shepherd, Katrin works with outdoor brands, blending adventure with commercial storytelling. Her recent documentary, "Girls Riding High," reflects her mission to inspire and empower youth.

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Director Statement

My work is driven by a deep connection to the world’s most remote and untamed places. I focus on wildlife and nature conservation, while also telling stories of humans in the wild and their profound bond with the environment. Through my films, I aim to inspire respect for the natural world and drive meaningful change.