THE GOLD STANDARD (V15 First Ascent)

The Gold Standard documents Keenan Takahashi's years-long pursuit of one of the last unclimbed faces at the iconic Buttermilks in Bishop, California. Originally probed by legends Chris Sharma and Jason Kehl in the early 2000s, the project sat untouched for nearly two decades before Keenan took up the torch in 2018, committing to what would become one of the most storied bouldering projects in North America. This film is a masterclass in patience, obsession, and the quiet courage it takes to chase a line that has humbled the best in the world. At a proposed V15, the stakes are as high as the boulder itself, and watching Keenan methodically work through the movement — armed with years of beta, failure, and hard-won strength — makes for gripping, deeply human storytelling that goes far beyond the send.

mellow · 17:04

Keenan Takahashi tries to complete the last unclimbed face in the heart of the Buttermilks. Originally attempted by Chris Sharma and Jason Kehl in the early 2000’s, Keenan has been trying this project since 2018. A Highpoint Production Presented by: ANTIGRAV & La Sportiva Additional filming by Owen Bissell and Dee Limvere With additional support from: Organic Climbing & FrictionLabs MB01HTYRUFHAR1I MB01FGA6N9XQLXK MB01TFJSR3VF0EL