Crossing The Caucasus | hiking across Russia, Georgia and Azerbaijan (short film)

In 2018, Richard Hartfield set off alone into Russia's North Caucasus Mountains. His plan was to follow a 1200km backpacking route that he'd made on his phone. It led through tightly-controlled border areas in Russia, Georgia and Azerbaijan. But this self-shot, solo hiking adventure soon evolved into something else: A celebration of human kindness, set within regions more often perceived as divided and volatile.

Crossing The Caucasus premiered as part of the Kendal Mountain Film Festival in 2021.

[markinney]

As an Azerbaijani, I enjoyed your Great Caucasus journey. You’re always welcome here, especially in Azerbaijan 🇦🇿 ❤

[theteconotiam]

As a Muslim, I know there are many Muslims in Caucasus, and I knew a little about the natural beauty of Caucasus. But after watching your journey, I get more info... Thank you a lot... This video should have millions of views...

[TheWorldNeedsNata]

This is an impressive journey you did. Congratulations. As a Georgian citizen and a woman, I find it challenging to replicate similar trip. Still, I hope one day the region will have enough peace and prosperity for its residents to enjoy living there at its fullest and at peace with each other.

[vectorland]

As an Ingushetian, I must say that this video is really impressive. There are very few trips to the Caucasus like this one on Youtube. There are also very beautiful historical ruins in Ingushetia. There are 8th and 13th century towers in Dzeyrakh, Egikal, Galashki and Sunzha .How beautiful, isn't it!

[JourneywithBrandon]

This took an extraordinary amount of courage to complete! You've done something incredible to be proud of. Amazing work, thank you for taking me with you in your video.

[maxlerus]

This video is incredible!
Im in love with this region and plan on going there in the future as soon as Ive got the time and money. Its just sad when I watch the news and the only things you hear about the region are ongoing conflicts for centuries. But this video beautifully shows that the people there are extremely kind and it looks like it makes them very happy that someones coming to their country. The way they proudly present you their dances, music, food, culture etc. makes me smile a lot.
Thanks for the great video, keep it up!

[mockingjasonn]

what a fucking trip dude.
thanks for sharing it with us!
i cant even explain how much respect i have for your bravery. i wouldn’t even dare to dream of such a thing. this is fucking inspiring.
beautiful shots taken as well.
and i just want to point out that even when things didn’t work out or you got a
major stepback, you still kept going. and that all alone? like what the fuck dude.
and what you got in return were some beautiful kindhearted people.
thanks again for sharing this crazy adventure with us and i’ll keep an eye out for your video’s! have a good one homie x

[amoreazione]

This documentary deserves so many more views!!

[annemiker]

hi Richard! you've done a great job! just a wonderful video.
I'm from Russia and I feel very sorry for the situation that has happened to you there. you know 99% of Russians are still afraid of traveling there but you've done it!
thank you very much

[newzrat]

I could have watched for a few more hours. What beauty!!

[GoingTheWholeHogg]

As if the hiking itself isn't challenging enough, you had to deal with so much bureaucracy, uncertainty over routes and permission, constantly changing plans and the mental toll this takes, plus you were filming it all. A great effort, and well edited to tell the story of your journey. I can't imagine how tricky that must have been to cut it all down to 23 minutes! You've mentioned you might edit an extended version for YouTube, would love to see that too! We've hiked and filmed a lot of trails from Svaneti to Lagodekhi over the last couple of years, a few border permits to get here and there, but thankfully no tense encounters with the authorities or underlying fear following us. Well done! Kim

[dianawanderlust]

Richard, such an amazing video! Thanks for sharing

[yekaterinaminskova]

Wow what a trip! You are one brave guy. I'm from North Caucasus (Russia) and growing up with such nature been a blessing. Thank you for sharing your journey and showing such incredible views !

[mercedesaug]

Thanks for taking us along. Transcendent scenery. Love the people you met. Uncomplicated, generous, seem genuinely happy despite oppressive situation. Thanks again.

[TeutobergForestryService]

Bravo; sir. All men are animated in all forms but few truly get to live. You’re really living, brother.

[OktaviusBiedermann]

What a journey! Gonna do some hiking myself when I'm in Georgia in September.

[Droidzi]

Great presentation - most enjoyable. I've grown increasingly curious about this part of the world since exploring my DNA (25% South Caucasus)

[denizyilmaz]

Absolutly beautiful! one of the greatest travel documentaries i ever watch. well done my friend

[RE-nbnt]

Wow, what an incredible journey. Thank you for sharing it with us!

[xeenslayer]

What an inspiring trip man! Absolutely amazing experience you must've had there. Just wow!