Absinthe Films, a Swiss-based production company renowned for its stylish snowboard films, will release its newest movie, Resonance for Whistlerites next Tuesday (Sept. 11).
The film takes viewers from frigid Alaska to the Swiss Alps and even features some backcountry riding near Brandywine and Squamish.
Resonance showcases some of the world’s best riders, including veterans Bodie Merrill, Nicolas Müller and two-time Olympian Danny Kass during the 2011-12 winter season.
“We choose certain riders who have the best style,” said the film’s director, Justin Hostynek, who counted Müller’s first ever double cork 1080, and Merrill’s ridiculous one-footed backside 720 as some of the highlights from this year’s shoot.
Despite some of the more difficult tricks seen in the movie, Hostynek hopes Resonance will encourage less experienced riders to hit the slopes this winter.
“What we really want to do is get people trying to go out and snowboard themselves. To be more engaging and let people feel like ‘whoa I can go do that too,’ instead of watching somebody do something that they would never be able to attain,” he said.
Featured pro Lucas Debari was one of those young riders who drew inspiration from Absinthe’s acclaimed films growing up.
“They’re videos I grew up watching and I was always a big fan of,” he said. “They give you the best display of pure snowboarding and they do a good job of removing some of the commercial aspects.”
Hailing from just outside of Bellingham, Wash., Debari practically grew up on Whistler’s slopes and noticed a difference between North American ski resorts and their more intimidating Swiss counterparts. “The Alps have huger mountains” and “colder temperatures,” he said. “The chairlift puts you into a real situation right off the bat compared to North America.”
Absinthe Films’ is encouraging audiences to leave their cars at home for the premiere at Millenium Place as part of their carbon neutral Sphere of Influence Tour.
There will be two showings of Resonance, at 7 p.m. and 9 p.m., with doors opening a half hour before each screening.
A portion of the event’s sales will go to local non-profit Zero Ceiling, which provides educational and developmental opportunities to youth through adventure-based activities in Whistler.
Tickets are available at the door or at select snowboard shops Evolution, Showcase and The Circle.
