Experiencing Interruptions?

Salam Alaikum

After surviving a near-fatal accident while attempting a first ascent on Jebel Misht—the world’s third-largest rock face—British climber and adventure athlete Gareth “Gaz” Leah returns to Oman to lead an expedition back onto the wall that nearly ended his life. Partnered with longtime collaborator, Mexican climber Sergio “Tiny” Almada, Gaz confronts fear without letting it dictate the outcome, searching for the narrow line between commitment and consequence.

As the climb unfolds, the past threatens to repeat itself, demanding restraint, trust, and clarity under pressure. Interwoven with the ascent is an intimate portrait of Oman—its vast deserts, ancient villages, and a culture shaped by humility, hospitality, and deep respect for place. In contrast to Western misconceptions of the Middle East, the film reveals a country defined not by danger, but by generosity, wonder, and quiet strength.

  • Gareth Leah
    Producer
    Four Days Buried, Jamrock, Death of Villains, The story of a Trout, No Dreams Left Behind, The Bright Stone
  • Sam Ewer
    Producer
  • Jacob Oster
    Director
    echoes in stone, for the sake of it.
  • Gareth Leah
    Key Cast
    "Four Days Buried, Jamrock, Death of Villains, The story of a Trout, No Dreams Left Behind, The Bright Stone"
  • Sergio "Tiny" Almada
    Key Cast
  • Alden Zimmer
    Camera
  • Jacob Oster
    Camera
  • Will Saunders
    Photography
  • Jacob Oster
    Edit
  • Project Type:
    Documentary
  • Genres:
    Adventure, Rock Climbing, Middle East, Survival
  • Runtime:
    37 minutes 20 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    January 31, 2026
  • Production Budget:
    10,000 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    United States
  • Country of Filming:
    Oman
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    Sony FS7, A7Sii, GH4, GoPro
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    No
  • Digital Cinema Package:
    Unavailable
Director Biography - Jacob Oster

Jacob Oster is a director and editor whose work lives at the intersection of story, place, and human experience. As the founder of Less Chip More Salsa, Jacob approaches filmmaking with a documentary-first mindset, favoring authenticity, rhythm, and emotional clarity over spectacle. His background as an editor deeply informs his directing style, allowing him to shape stories with precision and restraint—both in the field and in post.

Jacob’s work often centers on people operating at the edges of comfort, whether through adventure, culture, or personal reckoning. He is drawn to stories that challenge assumptions and invite audiences to slow down, listen, and see the world with greater nuance. Through his films, Jacob aims to create work that feels grounded, human, and quietly impactful—stories that linger long after the screen goes dark.

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