Archive · 28 Jul 2026
National Geographic to Document Aron Ralston's 127 Hours Ordeal
Aron Ralston, a mountain climber, got his arm trapped by a boulder in a Utah canyon in 2003.
He had to make a tough choice to cut off his arm to survive.
National Geographic is making a documentary using his raw footage from that time.
This documentary will show his real thoughts and struggle, unlike the movie '127 Hours' which was a fictional version of his story.
The documentary will be directed by James Marsh, who has won an Oscar for his previous work.
National Geographic is producing a documentary about Aron Ralston's 2003 survival ordeal in Bluejohn Canyon, Utah.
The documentary will use never-before-seen raw footage shot by Ralston during his six-day struggle.
Ralston had to choose between perishing in the canyon or severing his arm to free himself.
The documentary is directed by Oscar-winning filmmaker James Marsh.
Ralston's story was previously adapted into the 2010 film '127 Hours' directed by Danny Boyle.
- Who
- Aron Ralston, James Marsh, National Geographic
- What
- A documentary about Aron Ralston's survival ordeal
- When
- 2003 incident, documentary release planned for next year
- Where
- Bluejohn Canyon, Utah
- Why
- To document Ralston's survival story using raw footage
Documentary Authenticity
Fictionalized Adaptation
Storytelling Approach
Documentary Authenticity
The documentary will use raw, never-before-seen footage to present Ralston's ordeal authentically.
Fictionalized Adaptation
The 2010 film '127 Hours' fictionalized Ralston's story for dramatic effect.
- Documentary Director
- James Marsh
- Production Company
- Magna Studios
- Release Platform
- National Geographic
- Incident Year
- 2003
- Location
- Bluejohn Canyon, Utah
- Memoir Title
- Between a Rock and a Hard Place
- Film Adaptation
- 127 Hours (2010)
- Film Director
- Danny Boyle