LavaLine
Dance above the CRATER - A journey through fire and ashes
Mount Yasur, Vanuatu, April 15th 2020.
With their latest project LavaLine, extreme athletes Alexander Schulz and Rafael Bridi climbed the heights of Olympus speaking of the most spectacular and adventurous slackline that the world has seen so far. A balancing act in a breathtaking, almost surreal, scenery. Anchored in volcanic rocks and ashes, the 2.5cm wide and 260m long line crossed the crater of Mount Yasur on the volcanic island of Tanna. The athletes set a new Guinness World Record by crossing this perilous highline surrounded by lava bombs and ash fall.
UPDATE: LavaLine Spots for DJI and Casio are online:
Alexander had been dreaming about walking a line above lava for years. Through his father, a hobby volcanologist, he already got in touch with the fire-breathing giants at a very young age – a passion he has shared with his father since childhood. After years of researching, the destination for their last journey to lava was clear: Mount Yasur on the volcanic island of Tanna, located in the archipelago of Vanuatu in the South Pacific Ocean.
Greatly impacted by the Corona crisis and despite many obstacles, the project was ultimately successful. The sulfuric acid had threatened to damage the gear, the declared state of emergency had led to Tanna being cut off from trade and the production crew quarantining itself in a jungle village for an unforeseeable amount of time.
Thanks to the support of the local population and the tireless efforts of the whole team, Alexander eventually was able to realize his longheld dream: together with his Brasilian colleague Rafael Bridi he walked the unique LavaLine on April 15, 2020.
Director and producer Johannes Olszewski, together with DP Felix Reichert (quadratkollektiv), accompanied the journey to the lava. The expedition was shot in Black Magic Raw with Cooke Optics (S4Mini) and Fujinon lenses.
The 45-minute documentary is currently in post-production and is scheduled to premiere in autumn 2020.
Starting at May 17th we will regularely publish blog posts here, that are giving insights into our experiences & the full story. Stay tuned!
Selection Media Coverage
Süddeutsche Zeitung | Tanz auf dem Vulkan
Spread Stories, not the Virus | Tanna, Vanuatu: Gestrandet im Paradies | Stranded in paradise
Albawaba | Two Adrenaline Junkies Walk Slackline Over Active Volcano, Set World Record
Climax Magazine | Lavaline - Weltrekord im Angesicht der Pandemie
Q&A on DJI’s official blog VIEWPOINTS
#staysafeTAFEA:
Seeing the urgent need for preventive measures in the face of a possible COVID-19 outbreak in Vanuatu, director Johannes Olszewski, together with the NDMO (National Disaster Management Office) launched the campaign #staysafeTAFEA: A national health campaign to educate the population of Vanuatu - especially the remote regions of the province of Tafea - about the virus and to communicate specific hygiene measures. The resulting clips were broadcast on national television and shared via social media. More in depth info can be found here.
Facts to LavaLine
Location: Mount Yasur, Tanna Island (Vanuatu)
Date: April 15, 2020
Length: 260m
Rigging: Deadman anchors in volcanic rocks and ashes (using wood and chains) with A-Frames (1 Hang frame)
Special remarks: Unpredictable lava bombs, wearing protective masks due to sulfuric gases
Athletes: Alexander Schulz, Rafael Bridi
Partners: G-SHOCK, Blackmagic Design, EVOC, Stubai Bergsport, Balance Community, Quadratkollektiv, Cooke Optics, Lacie, Ledlenser, Fujifilm, DJI, Michael Radeck - flyingshots, Bebob, Archiware
Blog posts about LavaLine
How does it feel to be thrown off the slackline by shockwaves from super loud explosions, while 900° Celsius hot, orange-glowing lava bombs are flying and landing next to you?