We’re hosting Asiemut at Pack and Paddle next Thursday night (Jan 26) and I wanted to share why I think this is my favorite adventure film of all time.
The first thing I love about Asiemut is that everything about the project of the trip and the making of the film seems to be pure adventure. This is the first bicycle tour for the film
makers as well as their first film to make. Anytime you are doing things for the first time – it’s an adventure. All of this together? And on the scale that they took on? Wow!
I also loved the way that Melanie and Olivier showed all the aspects of adventure throughout the film: The high points and the low points are shown with an honesty and a realness that is very special. On very long journeys that are physically demanding, there inevitably comes times that make you wonder why you ever attempted the trip and what your motivations are with the trip. Melanie and Olivier show this side of adventure without pretense or bravado. There’s a scene in the film that even after seeing the film 4 times, I still tear up when watching it.
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U0HJWsdD_3I[/youtube]
The beauty of the surroundings in the film are amazing. The Himalayas, the Mongolian plains, the huge passes of Tibet, the Taklamakan desert. Wow – the scenery in this film is truly, truly amazing.
The other side of this film that I love is how it inspires you to be a “citizen of the world”. By bicycling, Olivier and Melanie were able to integrate with the people that lived along the path that they rode. The film me think about my place in the world and inspired me to want to experience it.
My saddest note is that I won’t be here for the screening. Becky and I will be in Salt Lake City for a trade show. I would have loved to meet Olivier and Melanie. While I am sad that I won’t be here – I am super excited that all of you will be able to meet this wonderful couple traveling all the way from Canada for the screening of their films at Cinema on the Bayou.
Be sure to join us on Thursday, January 26th at 6pm at Pack and Paddle for the screening. Melanie and Olivier will be on hand to introduce the film, and then answer questions after the screening. The showing is free – but we ask that you support Cinema on the Bayou with a donation when you come that night.
Nice commentery Dickie. That means alot coming from you.Have fun skiing in Utah.