Freeride films have rarely been political and they probably don't have to be. But consider the modern socio-eco-political motifs: global warming, the pandemic, gender and ethnicity balance. There have been many films recently that have been motivated, or at least justified, by this. Now, as if none of this had happened, they are riding their board(s) towards the valleys. The question for the audience is whether ski films should be a mere escape from reality and reverie or whether they need meaning and depth. Nevertheless, trends that we are noticing are the discovery of the Balkans (you can discover them again and again!) and even more distant mountain regions "Go East!", or "Go South America!" In addition: an improved gender balance, the search for meaning and risk management, "Why?" as a central and motivating question and increasing personalisation. Names and collectives are replacing established productions!
The order is semi-random. Have fun!
Patagonia Sincera
Content: A film dedicated to freeriding and ski mountaineering in Patagonia. Ice climbing, ice mushrooms, powder and steep gullies, enriched with philosophical depth - it's all there!
First impression: Wonderful images from a highly underrepresented mountain region. We are waiting with great anticipation!
We reflect on: "Fascinante!"
The Why
Content: Tyrolean ski mountaineers explore Peru and ask themselves, "Why?" At this point: we wish you a speedy recovery, Fabi!
First impression: Thought-provoking and adventurous.
We reflect on: "An avalanche is triggered on every shitty trip!" "It's too much of a risk!"
Free Rider
Content: Sam and Victor in steep terrain with lots of snow.
First impression: Nothing can go wrong with a toothbrush in your mouth!
We reflect on: "So you think you are free? You call yourself a Free Rider?"
Next Stop Sneg
Content: At the invitation of friends, two local heroes travel far to the east, to Siberia, and find deep powder.
First impression: Culturally exciting and adventurous!
ANYWHERE FROM HERE
Content: A young skier dreams of who he would like to be one day.
First impression: The great truisms of the ski industry sweetly packaged.
We reflect on: "I wanna do the impossible!"
FRAGMENTS CHOISIS
Content: The winner of the PG VdW Award 2021 Elisabeth Gerritzen with a very personal film.
First impression: Critical and private insight.
NUNATAK
Content: A group of old friends go on a big ski expedition.
First impression: Adventurous!
Balkan express
Content: Max and Jochen travel through the Balkans by train, bike and skis.
First impression: Ecologically and culturally valuable!
Arlberg effect
Content: Timmy Schröder explores freeriding at the Arlberg.
First impression: Gnarlberg feel-good cinema!
Surreal
Content: Innsbruck snowboarders produce a relevant and diverse film.
First impression: Fantastically playful snowboarding!
BRAP SKI 2
Content: Lots of everything: action, spins and heli-skiing.
First impression: Too much snowmobiling...
We reflect on: "Yeeeahhh Buddy! Oh! Oh no!"
Upurkushun
Content: Ski expedition in Peru's high mountains.
First impression: A+ Sufferfiest!
Snow Blind
Content: Ski touring despite blindness.
First impression: Inspiring message to never give up!
We reflect on: "...you can just forget about being a blind person and go skiing!"
Magic Hour
Content: TGR as you know it: action, helis and canned beer!
First impression: Stomp! Bam! Gnarly!
We reflect on: "This might be the best place in the world for skiing."
LA ZONE - OFFICIAL TRAILER
Content: History lesson about "The Zone", where European snowboarding made its first big leaps.
First impression: Could be interesting!
We remember: "Ca va bien!"
The Approach 2
Content: Diversity! More human diversity than is usual in this genre.
First impression: Feel good film!
We reflect on: "I see skiing in there!" "That was fun!"
DRØM
Content: Norwegian boys have fun.
First impression: Norwegian boys go for it.
BON DIEZ
Content: French boys have fun.
First impression: French lads go for it.
We reflect on: "Enjoy your meal!"
Yours Truly
Contents: Pro skier special turn.
First impression: Aesthetically high quality.
Tracing Influence
Content: History lesson with old acquaintances.
First impression: A bit sentimental!
We remember: "We know everyone on the mountain."
MAYBE NOT.
Content: Telemark in the park!
First impression: Very fun and slightly innovative!
Stepping Out : An Alaskan Ski Expedition
Content: Expedition into the Alaskan backcountry.
First impression: Woman power!
We reflect on: "You never really know what you are gonna get!"
SOMETHING
Content: Parker White surfs powder with the smoothness of a squirrel.
First impression: Worthwhile, short experience.
We reflect on: "Unbelievable, unbelievable stuff."
Lukmed - A Georgian ski film
Content: "Go east", the trend continues.
First impression: Promising!
We reflect on: "Le Freeride is just unbelievable!"
Making the most of It
Content: A ski film portrait of Juliette Willmann.
First impression: Great lines and crisp beats!
A Part Of Us
Content: Risk management in the marriage of Jacob and Sofia Wester.
First impression: Sweet and romantic, and hopefully also relevant in terms of skiing.
We reflect on: "A looong way down".
Feel Real - BLANK Collective Films
Content: Completely carefree: Feel good and have fun!
First impression: Pretty bare.
We remember: "If you pee, I'm gonna pee."
CHAMELEON
Content: Urban rails and backcountry powder spins.
First impression: New schoolers with a retro look.
Beyond Begbie
Content: Colonial legacies meet indigenous origins, adorned with ski tours.
First impression: One of the more important ski films of this year.
We reflect on: "named after this colonial figure, who in my mind and in my opinion wasn't a great guy."
SINNER FIELDS
Content: A Bavarian in Puivaschnä!
First impression: Do you lay down!
We reflect on: Do I spider? How much can it snow?
Nexus
Content: Heroines in British Columbia.
First impression: Likeable top class!
We reflect on: "Hospital life brings you the full human experience."
Eulogy Of A Steep Skier
Content: Nikolai and Krister are now going their separate ways.
First impression: Slightly confused, but optimistic from experience!
We reflect on: "First some coffee!"
The Fifty - Cody Townsend - Season 4
Content: See Seasons 1, 2 & 3.
First impression: We have no worries: Season 4 won't disappoint either!
We remember: "As predicted, the weather is unpredictable."
Invisible Grounds
Content: Xavier and Elias are looking for the right conclusions.
First impression: Here, in the trailer for the Freeride Film Festival, aesthetic black-and-white cinematography with snowboarding of alpine value is foreshadowed.
We reflect on: "I am addicted to this feeling! Got to find a way and have a good approach to feel safe." "Back in the days it was all about proving, proving, proving, now it's about passing a message."
