Sharp Edges is a personal art piece that follows Shara Zaia, a Colorado-based rock climber, as she navigates identity, belonging, and mental health within the Assyrian diaspora.

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Raised in Ohio as a first-generation Assyrian-American, Shara grew up torn between preserving her cultural heritage and the pressure to abandon it. In an effort to fit in and feel safe, she underwent surgery that distanced her from her truest self. As she grew older, Shara began reclaiming her identity, becoming an outspoken advocate for representation and community. But deepening her roots came with a new challenge: proving and defending her Assyrian identity in a world that erases it.

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Caught in a liminal space between two cultures, Sharp Edges reflects on the emotional parallels between climbing and identity—both requiring resilience, vulnerability, and trust. Using a poetic voiceover and a bold visual style, the film immerses viewers in Shara’s internal world. 

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Through abstract movement, light, and shadows, the audience delves into the spaces between moments, emphasizing the internal landscape of her experiences. The film captures the emotional and physical benefits that climbing offers through its process, shifting away from an outcome-based or send-focused storyline.

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Featuring Assyrian musicians and artists, Sharp Edges is not just a climbing film. It’s a bold act of cultural resilience, self-acceptance, and vulnerability. 

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Estimated run time: 7-10 minutes

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