International Freeski Film Festival
This past weekend was packed with ski movie premieres. On Saturday night, Teton Gravity Research premiered their new film, "The Dream Factory," in Jackson, Wyo., while at the same time, in Seattle, Wash., Matchstick Productions was debuting their new film, "The Superheroes of Stoke." And meanwhile, in Montreal, Canada, the International Freeski Film Festival was taking place, featuring a handful of films, awards, autograph signings, parties and more. We've got a gallery of images from IF3, a behind-the-scenes video from the MSP premiere, and we asked TGR athlete Griffin Post and MSP athlete Cody Townsend to report back on the new films and the premiere nights.
Best segment in the film
Cody Townsend, MSP: Tie. Richard Permin and Eric Hjorleifson. As the opener of the movie, the Frenchmen goes on an all out rampage with a Metallica-charged soundtrack paced by massive tricks off natural terrain and an almost super human ability to out race avalanches. Meanwhile, Hoji puts together an amazing segment stocked with perfectly stomped airs and his signature fluid style – all put together in two days of filming fresh off of ACL surgery and rehab.
Griffin Post, TGR: The Corbett's session. Full party vibe, and a totally new perspective on one of the most iconic "runs" in North America.
Most interesting location
Cody Townsend, MSP: Chatter Creek, BC. Sure Chatter has been filmed many times before but considering the mind-blowingly deep snow that was showcased in this year's flick, it sure makes your interest to head to Chatter Creek sky-rocket.
Griffin Post, TGR: It was interesting to see the urban potential around Anchorage. A totally different take on a state known for its big mountains.
Stand-out athlete
Cody Townsend, MSP: The heroes of yore. Being the 20th anniversary film for MSP, the vintage footage spiced throughout the modern movie is inspiring and at times tear jerking.
Griffin Post, TGR: Dash Longe. His closing segment in Alaska, with a mix of hard-charging big mountain lines and tricks, takes the cake.
Quality of the soundtrack
Cody Townsend, MSP: Breaking away from MSP's formula, they opted for a more mellow and groovy soundtrack to go along with the storylines and historical dialogue.
Griffin Post, TGR: Awesome. An eclectic mix of tunes that seemed to match the mood of the skiing and set the tone for the whole movie.
Style of cinematography
Cody Townsend, MSP: Standard MSP, which means high quality, artistically composed and visually engaging. Bonus note: Seeing 20 years of cinematographic evolution is almost as impressive as the progression of skiing.
Griffin Post, TGR: The cinematography was a cool mix of archival 16mm footage and new RED footage, sometimes stitched together to create one seamless shot. Cranes, remote control helis, and sliders upped the production value, a term ski movie producers like to use a lot.
Rowdiness of the premiere audience
Cody Townsend, MSP: Packed with the most tweens and teens at any ski movie I've ever seen, the vibe was 'youth-gone-wild' mixed with 'why-won't-it-snow-already!'
Griffin Post, TGR: Jackson Hole on a Saturday night and a flick that pays homage to Doug Coombs and the Jackson Hole Air Force? Yeah, it was pretty rowdy.
Description of after party
Cody Townsend, MSP: I think there might be a few people still partying ...
Griffin Post, TGR: Marc Andre Belliveau warmed up the sold-out crowd at the Mangy Moose, then American Royalty got the dance party started. Volkl kindly provided a mansion, equipped with a hot tub and sauna, for the after party ... which may or may not still be going on.
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