"Open Minds" | Will Bosi and Dave Graham in search of the future of bouldering

A dream for bouldering fans: In the 40-minute documentary "Open Minds," two of the world's most influential boulderers venture into a valley brimming with untapped potential. Will Bosi and Dave Graham take viewers on a journey through Val Bavona in search of new, promising routes. and crystals.

Dynamic duo Bosi and Graham

Dave Graham, the »Wizard of Climbing« and Will BosiScotland's "strongest export since whiskey was invented" were searching for new boulders in Val Bavona – and they succeeded. The dynamic duo dedicated the spring of 2025 to the valley in Ticino. The two bouldering legends tackled one project after another, despite, or perhaps because of, their very different approaches.

Climbing trips like this one always open my eyes anew.

Will Bosi
Will Bosi in Captain Nemo (8C) | Image: Robbie Meade / Peny

From Dave's inexhaustible creativity and keen eye for a fantastic line to Will's deep-rooted enthusiasm and methodical approach, the film explores how two very different styles can lead to the same result: exceptionally strong bouldering. Featuring Swiss legend Giuliano Cameroni They demonstrate the importance of teamwork in developing challenging routes.

I have this curse on me, namely that I will forever try to climb everything.

Dave Graham

A tick list full of 8s

The film also shows how much effort, knowledge, and above all, teamwork are required to find, decipher, and climb new boulder problems at the highest level. The team's different approaches are particularly striking: Dave Graham works with boundless creativity, while Giuliano Cameroni possesses a relaxed natural talent, and Will Bosi takes a focused, methodical approach. This very mix is ​​the perfect prerequisite for cracking difficult routes. Furthermore, the tick list of the three climbers consists exclusively of routes graded at least 8.

Will Bosi: Brain Rot (8C+)
Will Bosi: Embrace Gravity (8B+)
Will Bosi: Captain Nemo (8C)
Will Bosi: Kyanite (8C) – First Ascent
Dave Graham: Curve Ball (8C)

“Climbing with Dave is an incredible experience. I usually make a move, tick it off, and move on. Dave is the complete opposite – his eye for the rock is perfect. He tries everything three or four different ways and refines it until the beta is optimal. Finding projects with him is practically perfect,” Bosi says about his time in the valley.

Dave Graham projecting | Photo: Robbie Meade / Peny

Rest days for crystals

Due to the rainy spring, the two quickly gained some unwanted days off, which Dave Graham happily used productively – namely, with his second hobby: searching for crystals. "I love searching for crystals because it's a bit like searching for boulders. When I started climbing and was always looking for new boulders, they were like crystals to me too," he tells the camera. "Boulders and crystals are very similar in that respect: you're looking for something unique among a hundred, maybe even a thousand, identical-looking blocks. Of course, you can discover many boulders, but are those really the diamonds?"

Will and Dave searching for crystals in Val Bavona | Image: Robbie Meade / Peny

Here's the link to the film:

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Credits: Cover image: Image: Robbie Meade / Peny

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