Bombardier Blood

Bombardier Blood is a triumphant and inspirational documentary film that profiles the life journey of Chris Bombardier, a courageous and daring haemophiliac climber who is driven by an extraordinary and possibly fatal dream. Premiered in 2019, the film is a graphic depiction of the monumental task Chris embarks on, faced with both skepticism and encouragement.

The title of the film stems from both the protagonist's name, Chris Bombardier, and his unique medical condition. Chris is not just your average climber; he is one who battles haemophilia, a rare disorder that impedes the body's ability to make blood clots, a process needed to stop bleeding. This condition poses an ever-present and deadly risk, especially for a climber like Chris who seeks to conquer the highest peaks in the world which are fraught with danger.

Launched by Octagon and Believe Limited and directed by Patrick James Lynch, Bombardier Blood unfolds Chris's audacious attempt to become the first person with haemophilia to climb the Seven Summits of the world, the highest mountains of each of the seven continents. The film takes us through Chris's journey from peak to peak, across various continents, tackling extreme climates, inhospitable terrains, and coping with the inherent risks of his condition.

However, the film does not only concentrate on Chris's climbing endeavor. It also provides an illuminating look into the global disparity in healthcare for individuals with haemophilia. Jessica Bombardier, Chris’s wife, also features prominently in the film, a steady presence of support and love throughout his perilous but passionate pursuit.

We follow Chris’s journeys, from the rolling summits of Denali in Alaska to the harsh, icy slopes of Everest in Nepal. We feel the chilling winds, the thin air, the sense of isolation, but through it all, Chris's unwavering spirit shines through. The essence of his journey becomes even more moving when we see Chris interact with the local communities in Nepal and see firsthand how individuals with the same condition in that region lack adequate treatment and suffer immensely due to the lack of resources.

In his quest, Chris is not alone. Filmmaker and director Patrick James Lynch has himself experienced the loss of a brother due to complications of haemophilia, making this film a personal and emotionally invested project for him. There is a camaraderie and shared commitment that comes across strongly in the film as Chris, Patrick and their team venture forward to bring visibility to an overlooked, global public health issue.

Bombardier Blood astutely uses Chris’s life and his unique journey to shine a spotlight on a crucial global health issue. It provokes thought and urges action, while at the same time inspiring viewers with the indomitable human spirit multiple ways – battle against a potentially life-threatening medical condition, dream big, challenge oneself, ignore prejudices, and attempt what seems like the impossible.

The film persists in communicating a significant message: the critical need for equality in healthcare. Chris's journey illustrates the stark contrast between individuals with haemophilia in developed countries, who live full, active lives, and those in less privileged parts of the world, where the disorder can still be a death sentence.

Bombardier Blood is a poignant narrative of courage and determination. Yet, at its crux, it is a human story. Whether we're mountaineers or not, it urges us to examine our perspectives and privileges. It makes us question how we use our own capacities for change. It tells us about the importance of dreaming fearlessly, even in the face of deadly risks.

In the end, Bombardier Blood reminds us that mountains are not the only obstacles in life that we are faced to overcome. Sometimes, blood can be just as powerful, if not more. It teaches audiences that the true mountain is not made of rocks and ice, but rather our human limitations and the societal barriers we must strive to conquer.

Bombardier Blood is a documentary which captures the essence of human spirit in its rawest form, revealing a captivating narrative of an extraordinary journey filled with courage, endurance, love, and an unwavering desire to challenge the status quo. To put it succinctly, it is a triumph of the human spirit over life-threatening adversity.