The latest trailers reflect on what is actually or supposedly essential, return to metaphorical roots, emphasize friendship, community, stoke over the little things. The one or other outlier searches for the meaning of life, but most refrain from public reflection. Perhaps because the format "Pro Skier Stands on a Jetty in Alaska and Explains the World" doesn't do the world justice (anymore), even in the winter sports bubble? As in recent years, there are fewer helis and more ski tours. As always, the park faction is hitting the snow and concrete with skill. Pleasing this year: several prominent features for sit-ski athletes and one-legged athletes, including MSP and Warren Miller.
As usual, the list is incomplete. We're focusing on the more freeride-heavy films and, for the smaller productions, more on the Alpine region.
The big ones:
Stoke the Fire - TGR
Content: Oh My God! Whoooooooooo!
First impression: classic, cheerful TGR production, even slightly self-deprecating?
We reflect on: "Stoke is a well-functioning vacuum cleaner that sucks right into the furthest corner." - John Collinson
The Stomping Grounds - MSP
Content: MSP athletes explode their home spots
First impression: Hit this, hit that, stomp that. Sitzski backflips!
We reflect on: "It's good to be with friends"
Winter starts now - Warren Miller
Content: All kinds of things
First impression: Powder, piste, park, speed flying, heli, ski tour
We reflect on: "It'll all go down, just as it always has"
.Roots - The Faction Collective
Content: Usual variety with the Faction All Stars, there's something for everyone.
First impression: Like a music video for a millennial pop song, somewhere between cheerful and slightly melancholy.
We reflect on: the roots.
Nothing New - Level 1
Content: Nothing New, the sequel to last year's film Nothing.
First impression: Nice. Portrait format?
We reflect on: Billy Preston
Tales from Cascadia - Blank Collective
Content: Blank Collective/Salomon athletes in the Cascades. Pillows, tours, the occasional backcountry kicker.
First impression: Not much of a search for meaning, you just film at home because you can't get anywhere else and it's pretty cool at home anyway.
We reflect on: "A unifying identity of fun-seeking exploration"
Long Days - Legs of Steel
Content:"the film is a real time showcase of what these athletes are willing to go through in order to make a ski film"
First impression: Why vertical format?
We reflect on:Embedding Facebook videos in the PG Editor is unfortunately very difficult! How did that go again?
The Approach - The North Face
Content: "an action-driven ski and snowboard film elevating people of color, women, and adaptive athletes."
First impression: Beautiful snow & beautiful terrain, positive mood.
We reflect on: The journey is the destination.