Movies
We, at Picture, have an obligation to harness the power of communication to inspire people to dream, build awareness about the world’s current environmental issues, and to present the wide array of viable solutions. Through these movies, we push for change.
Beyond The Green Veil
2024
An adventure between passion and reality, where wild nature and industry meet. Are you ready to question your impact?
Background
Long drives in search of waves, to parts of British Columbia that few people have seen, two surfers are astounded by the destruction of the natural habitat. The impacts of the logging industry are vast, invading the furthest corners of Vancouver Island and into what remains of ancient, old growth forest. It’s impossible to look in any direction without seeing mountain slopes buzzed, like bad haircuts.
Location
VANCOUVER ISLAND AND OLD GROWTH LOGGING
In British Columbia, across the Salish Sea, there is the Vancouver Island. It is a true haven for biodiversity and home to some of Earth’s last remaining old-growth forests. These ancient forests have played a vital ecosystem role for thousands of years.
However, within the last two centuries, roads and logging rights have provided access far and wide into the Island. It led to wipe out 80-to-95% of British Columbia’s old-growth forests - the majority of which, within the last 50 years.
Synopsis
Beyond the Green Veil sets to explore the juxtaposition between backcountry recreation and the access the logging industry provides. Most outdoor enthusiasts are also environmentalists, caring deeply for the natural world and the locations. However, access to these spots is dictated by a necessary but destructive logging industry. Michael Darling, a professional surfer, explores this idea, linking up with professional backcountry skier, Chris Rubens, and snowboarder, Timmy Taussig. They understand each other’s worlds by means of an eight-day camping and touring trip in the Selkirk mountains and a surf trip to the west coast of Vancouver Island. Without shying away from the reality, what they learn challenges audiences and recreationists to contemplate their own role in shaping the future of our environment.
“Beyond the Green Veil” isn’t your typical adventure sport film, stylish but lacking depth, as it takes an honest look at the reality of a destructive industry that makes backcountry sport possible in British Columbia.
Painting The Moutains
2024
The adage goes that beauty lies in the eye of the beholder, and «Painting the Mountains» is a testament to that. Through a journey into the heart of one of the most unpredictable mountain ranges in the world, we dive into the passionate gaze of Matthew, a photographer/journalist who fell in love with El Chaltén, this iconic place at the foot of the Fitz Roy massif in Argentine Patagonia.
Synopsis
This season, a team of French skiers comprising Aurel Lardy, Vivian Bruchez, and Jules Socié arrives with the ambition to pioneer new ski lines in the granite walls of Fitz Roy. Where ropes are typically used for climbing, they want to place their skis and carve turns. Their unique skiing visions offer Matthew a chance to photograph the unprecedented, documenting extreme steep skiing, or «big wall skiing.»
Location
The Fitz Roy massif, located in Argentine Patagonia, lies in the southernmost part of the Andes on the South American continent, straddling the border between Argentina and Chile. It is situated within Los Glaciares National Park, near the village of El Chaltén. This massif is characterized by its steep, iconic granite mountains and particularly unpredictable weather due to its proximity to the Pacific Ocean. These features make it an exceptional terrain for the world’s best mountaineers and the few daring skiers who venture there. The highest point of the massif is the eponymous Fitz Roy peak (3405 meters), just a few kilometers away from the equally legendary Cerro Torre (3128 meters).
Farming Turns
2024
Chris Rubens was living the dream. As a professional skier, for years he travelled the globe in search of the best skiing, until an expedition to Greenland brought the reality of climate change and his impact into sharp focus. Forced to confront his footprint and values, he takes action, risking his career as an athlete to become an organic farmer in a quest to foster a stronger, more sustainable community and connection to the mountains.
Location
Farming Turns is a film set at Chris Rubens’ place in Revelstoke, BC. Based there, Chris and his family have the perfect place to share their passion for skiing, nature and their farm. Tucked between the Monashee and Selkirk Mountain Ranges of southeastern British Columbia, Revelstoke abounds with natural beauty. It is located in the world’s only inland temperate rainforest.
Chris Rubens & his family
Chris Rubens, a globally recognized skier for two decades, spends his winters in the backcountry, focusing on filming and photographing his descents. Inspired by a 2016 trip to Greenland, he advocates for climate action through personal example. With his partner Jesse Johnston Hill, who has a background in tree planting and organic farming, they founded First Light Farm in Revelstoke, BC.
Chronoception
2023
Following in the footsteps of the country’s nomadic people and the ancient Silk Road, Thomas Delfino, Léa Klaue, and Aurélien Lardy embark on an adventure to one of the most remote and still unexplored places in Asia: the Kokshaal-Too Mountains.
The story
There are a thousand ways to tell a story. This one follows a different way of experiencing time, one that guides our protagonists all throughout the twenty-two day expedition in the mountains of Kyrgyzstan. Following in the footsteps of the country’s nomadic people and the ancient Silk Road, Thomas Delfino, Léa Klaue, and Aurélien Lardy embark on an adventure to one of the most remote and still unexplored places in Asia: the Kokshaal-Too Mountains. This dream team, with support from legendary high-mountain guides Hélias Millerioux and Jean-Yves Fredriksen, find themselves thrown into a world where Time and Space appear to stand still.
There are wild animals, of course, but just as wild are the mountain landscapes and weather patterns. Time accelerates when the riders drop in and make their first turns on the other side of the world, sketching stunning lines down truly immaculate peaks. This very personal adventure ingrains Kyrgyzstan and its culture into each of their hearts.
Location
The Kokshaal-Too region is part of the Tien Shan Range. Located on the Kyrgyz-Chinese border, these mountains are surrounded by Lake Issyk-Kul to the north and the Taklamakan Desert to the south. Access to the glacier valleys is extremely difficult, explaining why so few have ever been explored. This makes for an even greater challenge…