The intro segment of Nimbus Independent’s new film After the Sky Falls reminds me of Tron. In fact, the graphic designs set to low-speed electronic music is so different from their usual edits that it’ll make you wonder if Nimbus is deviating from their style of filmmaking and editing. But then they start skiing.
That’s when we’re instantly reminded of the pow-filled slow-mos that defined their acclaimed movie Idea. The remaining 25 minutes bring the audience on a winter journey filled with deep snow, foreign mountains, and the ridiculously smooth skiing of Pep Fujas, Eric Pollard and Chris Benchetler. And while your ski season might already be getting started, it’s still worth the time to watch this gem one evening next to the fire, if only for pure inspiration.
What makes Nimbus films unique is that all the skiers have very similar styles. Other ski movies feature a mix of urban specialists, big-air masters and backcountry experts. Such movies aim to showcase a variety of styles. Nimbus is all backcountry. But it works (and isn’t repetitive, thanks in part to Nimbus adding Standard Film’s Jeff Wright and Poor Boyz’ Tyler Hamlet to the production crew). Pollard’s editing and direction also insure the audience gets a sense of how much fun the crew had in the making of the movie. Nimbus is a family, whereas other ski movie companies feature an ever changing lineup of athletes.
And these guys are clearly adults in the ski industry. There aren’t any shots of partying. Pollard even brought his daughter along on one of the trips. They approach skiing from the same perspective and execute their vision very effectively. It’s still ski porn, don’t get me wrong. But its not aggressive or adrenaline-charged, nor does it make you crave après activities like some other movies.
Except for the intro song, the soundtrack features different genres of music that all provide a laid-back vibe. Those tones perfectly compliment the suave skiing of these three veterans. The easy-going music also underscore the good-vibes that seem to define the Nimbus crew’s exploration of foreign cultures.
After the Sky Falls is also a travel story. The crew explores foreign lands and cultures. Many similar movies achieve that storytelling through athlete interviews. Not the case with this movie. Instead, every interaction and glimpse into international culture is dubbed over with music. That editing technique falls in line with the smooth nature of Nimbus’ new movie. For decades, ski movies involved central narration that connected each segment. It was the status quo, and ski movies continue to use narration or interviews that add fluidity to the story. Pollard, Benchetler, and Fujas abandoned that norm in past movies and did so in their new film as well.
I watch ski movies to see the best skiers in the world do things that either I can’t do or don’t have the opportunity to do. And listen for enjoyable music to accompany the segments. That’s what Nimbus does, and that’s why Idea was such an effective film. Simplicity. They just give you skiing and music. No expert editing tricks. Some movies include the sounds of the snow in addition to the music, but for the most part, After the Sky Falls is just smooth, stylish skiing set to a subtle soundtrack. The simplistic editing corresponds well with the similar styles of skiing displayed by these athletes and their close friends.
The new Nimbus film isn’t going to blow your mind with progressive acrobatics or painful urban attempts. It’s a feel-good movie that’ll stimulate your love for traveling and riding snow.
