A powerful new documentary from filmmaker Tom Shadyac (behind Liar Liar, Bruce Almighty and Ace Ventura) is heading to streaming — and its roots are right here in Memphis.
“Memphis to the Mountain” is a three-part series directed by Zachary Barr that will debut September 5 on Hulu and Disney+, according to an exclusive from The Hollywood Reporter. Hollywood Reporter
Climbing Toward Change
The series follows a team of young climbers from a largely under-resourced neighborhood in South Memphis as they strive to conquer Mount Kenya—a staggering 16,000-foot rock tower and Africa’s second-highest peak. Over the span of a year, fans will see the grit, training, and perseverance that it takes — from climbing gyms and local walls to mentorship with elite climbers such as Alex Honnold and Philip Henderson. Decider+1
What makes this story especially personal is how it grows out of Memphis itself. Shadyac is co-founder of Memphis Rox, a nonprofit climbing gym and community center born in Soulsville / South Memphis. Local leader Chris Dean joined forces with Shadyac in building the vision for Rox, which serves not just as a gym but as a space of hope and empowerment. Hollywood Reporter+1
The Team, The Vision & The Impact
Barr leads the doc, funded by Sender Films and Shady Acres Entertainment, while executive producers include Shadyac, Kelley L. Carter, Jason Aidoo and Peter Mortimer. The series landed at Andscape, the content studio behind the release. Hollywood Reporter+1
In announcing the series, Jason Aidoo (VP & Head of Andscape) said,
“Memphis to the Mountain is a celebration of what happens when you pour into a community and then watch it rise … this story reminds us that greatness is already within these neighborhoods, waiting to be unleashed.” Hollywood Reporter
Shadyac added:
“Memphis to the Mountain is proof of the transformative process that occurs when young people are able to reach beyond their circumstances … discover the infinite potential that lies within.” Hollywood Reporter
Chris Dean, a producer on the project, spoke of its deeper meaning:
“It isn’t just about conquering a mountain outside — it’s about scaling the walls inside each of us, and finding the strength to grow into a fuller version of yourself.” Hollywood Reporter
A New Chapter in Shadyac’s Work
While many still recognize Shadyac for his hit comedies (Patch Adams, Bruce Almighty, The Nutty Professor), in recent years his focus has shifted more toward documentary work and social impact storytelling—I Am and Brian Banks being notable examples. IMDb+2Hollywood Reporter+2
But for Memphis, this is more than just a new film: it’s a homegrown story of resilience, community, and aspiration.
