On a funeral procession to the roof of Africa, four friends confront mortality and discover the meaning of life.
They thought they were just spreading ashes and telling a story, but fate had other plans.
It was Forrest West II’s dream to climb Mt. Kilimanjaro before he died. After a 20-year battle with Parkinson’s, Death stole that chance. Armed with his grandfather’s ashes and the help of three friends, his grandson set out to make sure that dream was fulfilled in the afterlife.
What followed was more than a story about carrying a loved one’s ashes. It became a legend steeped in meaning: Life & Death. Shadow & Light. Love & Legacy.
Now in its final stages of post-production, ASHES OF THE MOUNTAIN is a feature-length documentary about how ordinary people transform loss into purpose and find meaning in the climb itself.
View the trailer here.
ASHES OF THE MOUNTAIN is a fiscally sponsored project of the Austin Film Society. You can make a donation to this project here. You will receive a letter acknowledging your gift to the Austin Film Society on behalf of the project. Since AFS is a non-profit organization, your donation may be deducted from your taxes as a charitable contribution under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Service code.
ABOUT THE FILMMAKER
Joseph Buchanan Lindley is an expedition filmmaker whose work explores the depths of human meaning and connection, bridging the gap between narrative and non-fiction. His storytelling blends real-life journeys with mythological symbolism, inviting audiences to reflect on their own lives through powerful, emotionally charged narratives.
With a background in extreme sports and sculpture, Joseph brings a unique, multidisciplinary approach to visual storytelling — using texture, scale, and cinematic realism to elevate existential themes that resonate on a profound level. ASHES OF THE MOUNTAIN marks his debut feature, chronicling a harrowing expedition up Mt. Kilimanjaro and the timeless human search for legacy, purpose, and renewal.
