Gale is an audiovisual splitboard experience and leads through forests in the Obergoms, slopes of the Aletsch region and follows a rope team on the Urner Traverse. Levi Luggen and Gregor Betschon show the different facets of touring in dynamic, artistic images and, together with sound artist Andreas Achermann, paint a unique mountain world. The Brit Joshua Truscott combines image and sound with his lyrical texts so that the emotions and feeling of the mountains reach the audience. Immerse yourself in this special atmosphere and let yourself drift.
Photos by Phil Bucher and Simon Ricklin
Official website: www.galefilm.com - with film and competition
We met with the filmmakers and talked about GALE:
What was the inspiration for Gale?
Originally, we wanted to release a 4-day traverse through the Uri Alps as a film. This was supposed to take place in the spring. In January, there was meters of snow in the Valais and so we started to make a short film about powder skiing in the forest. In the end, we combined the two parts into one film and added a part with splitboarding in alpine terrain. This gave us the ideal basis to show different facets of splitboarding in one film. The inspiration and ideas for the music and lyrics came from the conversations during filming. We looked for ways to tell our experiences in a subtle form of film.
Does the name "Gale" have a special meaning?
On the one hand, "Gale" is a Valais German word that means a grassy ridge. The term "Gale" is therefore often found on maps, including above the Hungerberg, a place where we often filmed. In English, "gale" means "storm", which is symbolic of the first part of the film, where we often filmed in stormy weather.
The area looks world class, where was it filmed?
We filmed mainly in the canton of Valais, the crossing took place over several days in the canton of Uri. There were also a few days in central Switzerland.
"With Josh we have found an excellent poet with an incomparable voice who perfectly conveys the emotions and feelings to the viewer."
Why did you choose splitboarding as a medium for this film and why is it so important to you personally?
Levi: Splitboarding means freedom to me, it gives me the opportunity to explore the most remote corners of the Alps independently. Exploring untouched areas is one of the most exciting things to do for me. Even in densely populated Switzerland there are many such places. So you don't have to travel halfway around the world and cause a lot of CO2 to have an adventure. Since this is my favorite way of snowboarding, it was only logical to make a film in this way. And I hope that with the film we can inspire others to splitboard as well.
Gregor: I love the conversations about different topics during the climb, sometimes wild theories and funny stories are told, which distract from the sometimes very strenuous climbs :)
Basically, life on a tour is a little slower than in everyday life, which I like, and the opportunity to explore new terrain on every tour makes it even more exciting. For the film, it was a medium that allowed us to find and ski to our spots in peace and quiet. Filming in a ski resort can sometimes be very hectic.
The narrated poem is a beautiful, unique feature in the film, how did you come to incorporate that into Gale?
After the rough cut was finished and we had found the music with Andreas, the film was still not complete. It was missing a connecting element that would make the film accessible to those less enthusiastic about snow. A classic narrative voice didn't really convince us, so we tried poetry. In Josh we found an excellent poet with an incomparable voice who perfectly conveys the emotions and feelings to the viewer.
Can you explain the concept of the premieres with the live music of Andreas Achermann? And what considerations were behind this decision?
We see music in film as a hub for emotions. It carries and conveys feelings and allows us to perceive the images more intensely and subjectively. That is exactly what we wanted to offer the audience with "Gale" and so it was clear that the live performance was the key to a special experience. Since Andreas makes the soundtrack with his synthesizer, the implementation was also realistic. The stage design alone with him at the side of the screen when we drive through the deep snow - unforgettable.
What equipment did you use during filming?
We usually put on The Storm by Hä? after breakfast and only take it off again when we get home. It is so thin that it doesn't get too hot when climbing and still protects against the wind. It also fits perfectly under the helmet when riding or under the cap when touring.
We are both sponsored by K2 Snowboarding and use their "Freeloader" splitboard as well as Waive boots and Far Out bindings
When climbing with a splitboard, you can sometimes work up a sweat, so you have to be careful not to get cold when you take a break or at the summit. It is therefore helpful to wear several thin layers of clothing so that you can always choose the optimal combination for the weather. For the outer layer, we recommend a hardshell with plenty of ventilation so that you are prepared for any weather.
Can you tell us some funny stories from this experience?
Gregor tried a few times to run with the skins mounted incorrectly.
And at one of the first premieres, Andreas' screen saver suddenly turned on (on the screen), even though he was still playing music and the credits were rolling. After that, we always double-checked everything. ;-)
Any other comments?
We would like to thank all the lovely people who have so generously supported us in this project!
Filmmakers: Gregor Betschon, Levi Luggen
Drivers: Levi Luggen, Gregor Betschon, Matthias Schwestermann
Music: Andreas Achermann
Poems: Joshua Truscott
Photo: Phil Bucher, Simon Ricklin
Colors: Oli Schmocker
Special thanks: Vera Rijks, David Bertschinger Karg, Harry Putz, Kuno Egli, Ahriel Povich, Thomas Landolt, Markus Stoffel
Sponsors: K2 Snowboarding, Doodah
Supporter: Exped, huh? Wear, Pow Gloves
