Chris Benchetler, renowned for his boundary-pushing approach to action sports filmmaking, is set to debut his latest ambitious project, "Mountains of the Moon," with a unique, live-scored premiere in Jackson Hole. This event transcends a typical film screening, merging cutting-edge visual artistry with improvisational musical performance, echoing Benchetler’s long-standing admiration for the Grateful Dead’s ethos. The premiere, scheduled for March 20th and 21st at the Center Theater, promises an immersive experience that aims to dissolve the perceived boundaries between humanity and the natural world through a nocturnal lens.
The genesis of "Mountains of the Moon" can be traced back to Benchetler’s previous acclaimed work, "Fire on the Mountain," released in 2019. That project showcased a "multi-pronged creative project" that explored skiing in elaborate, illuminated suits and featured Benchetler’s innovative use of light and visual effects. The current endeavor builds upon this foundation, pushing the envelope further into a nocturnal domain. Weeks were dedicated to meticulously crafting terrain features in the dark at Mammoth Mountain and employing what are described as "glowing lures" for oceanic segments, all culminating in this Tetons debut.
Benchetler’s artistic vision for "Mountains of the Moon" is deeply influenced by his lifelong appreciation for the psychedelic aesthetics and improvisational spirit inherent in the Grateful Dead’s music and performances. This connection is not merely thematic; it informs the very structure and presentation of his films, aiming to create an experience that is both visually stunning and deeply resonant. The film itself is narrated by celebrated mycologist Paul Stamets, whose insights into the interconnectedness of life are woven into the narrative, providing a philosophical undercurrent to Benchetler’s athletic and artistic endeavors. Stamets’ inclusion adds a layer of scientific and ecological perspective, aligning with the film’s exploration of "unseen connections" within the natural world.
This project marks a significant evolution in action sports cinema, moving beyond conventional narratives and visual styles. "Mountains of the Moon" seeks to transport audiences into a different perception of the environment, one illuminated by artificial light and underscored by live musical interpretation. This approach challenges traditional filmmaking techniques, integrating elements of performance art and immersive theater into the premiere itself.
A Legacy Rooted in TGR and a Passion for the Unseen
Teton Gravity Research (TGR), a long-standing institution in action sports filmmaking, shares a deep and storied history with Chris Benchetler. For years, Benchetler has been a prominent figure in TGR’s filmography, renowned for his ability to conquer challenging terrain and his consistent presence in projects that capture dream conditions. His iconic segment in TGR’s "One For The Road" exemplifies the caliber of his skiing and his alignment with the company’s pursuit of raw, authentic mountain experiences. The connection between Benchetler and "Fire on the Mountain" was facilitated by TGR’s Todd Jones, who played a crucial role in connecting Benchetler with the producers who helped bring that groundbreaking project to fruition. This collaborative history underscores TGR’s ongoing support for innovative and forward-thinking projects within the action sports community.
The transition from "Fire on the Mountain" to "Mountains of the Moon" represents a deliberate escalation of Benchetler’s creative ambitions. While his previous work explored the potential of light and visual effects in ski films, "Mountains of the Moon" delves into a more comprehensive, nocturnal exploration. The project’s development involved a significant investment of time and resources, including weeks spent constructing custom features designed to be illuminated and skied under artificial light. This hands-on approach to landscape modification, coupled with innovative filming techniques, signifies a departure from traditional methods, prioritizing a unique visual and experiential outcome.
Fans of Benchetler’s work will recognize his signature blend of focused intensity and unadulterated joy when he is on the snow. These are the qualities that have made him a beloved figure in the sport. The inclusion of Paul Stamets as narrator adds a novel dimension, moving beyond the previous engagement with the late Bill Walton’s distinctive voice. Stamets’ expertise in mycology and his philosophical insights into ecological networks provide a distinct and compelling narrative voice, aimed at revealing the intricate and often overlooked systems that govern life on Earth. This choice of narrator suggests a deeper thematic exploration, connecting the visual spectacle of skiing with the complex biological tapestry of the planet.
Sculpting the Unseen: A Sensory Spectacle
The "Mountains of the Moon" premiere in Jackson Hole is not merely a film screening; it is envisioned as a comprehensive sensory event. The choice of venue, the Center Theater, on March 20th and 21st, provides a platform for this multi-layered experience. A significant component of the event’s immersive quality is the live musical accompaniment provided by Ross James, a member of the Terrapin Family Band, along with his collaborators. This live musical element is integral to the film’s presentation, designed to interact with the visuals in real-time, mirroring the improvisational spirit that inspired Benchetler. The collaboration with musicians known for their connection to the Grateful Dead’s legacy further solidifies the project’s artistic direction, aiming for a synergy between sight and sound that is both dynamic and emotionally engaging.
The visual production of "Mountains of the Moon" is a testament to Benchetler’s commitment to pushing technological boundaries. He has partnered with Treatment Studio and 4Wall Entertainment, a team with extensive experience in large-scale productions, notably their work on the Dead & Company’s Las Vegas Sphere project. This collaboration brings a high level of technical expertise to the film’s visual presentation. The use of advanced cinematography, sophisticated laser technology, and intricate projection mapping is intended to create a visual environment that is unprecedented in action sports cinema. This fusion of high-tech production elements with the raw athleticism of skiing aims to create an experience that is both visually groundbreaking and emotionally impactful. The goal is to create a world on screen that is both familiar in its mountain setting and alien in its nocturnal, illuminated presentation, drawing viewers into Benchetler’s unique vision.
The narrative arc of "Mountains of the Moon" is reportedly structured around Benchetler’s journey and his exploration of the natural world through a different temporal and visual lens. The film is expected to document the challenges and triumphs of creating such a project, from the initial conceptualization to the final execution. The integration of Stamets’ narration suggests that the film will also delve into broader themes of ecology, interconnectedness, and the importance of understanding and respecting the natural environment. This thematic depth, combined with the innovative visual and auditory presentation, positions "Mountains of the Moon" as a significant artistic statement within the action sports and broader cultural landscape.
Event Details and Broader Implications
The premiere of "Mountains of the Moon" in Jackson Hole represents more than just the unveiling of a new film; it signifies a continued evolution in how action sports narratives are presented and experienced. By integrating live music and advanced visual technologies, Benchetler and his collaborators are pushing the boundaries of cinematic storytelling. This approach not only captivates audiences with a unique spectacle but also elevates the art form, demonstrating the potential for innovation and cross-disciplinary collaboration. The event’s focus on live performance suggests a move towards more interactive and engaging premiere experiences, fostering a deeper connection between the audience and the art.
The choice of Jackson Hole as the premiere location is also significant. As a renowned hub for winter sports and outdoor culture, the region provides a fitting backdrop for a film celebrating mountain landscapes and athletic achievement. The engagement with local musicians like Ross James further roots the event in the community, creating a sense of shared experience. The fact that tickets are available for purchase indicates a commercial aspect to the premiere, suggesting that this immersive format is being tested as a sustainable model for future productions.
The implications of "Mountains of the Moon" extend beyond the immediate entertainment value. The project’s emphasis on nocturnal exploration and the use of artificial light raise questions about our relationship with the natural world and our perception of it. By revealing landscapes in a new light, Benchetler encourages viewers to reconsider their perspectives and perhaps to see the familiar in unfamiliar ways. The inclusion of Paul Stamets’ ecological insights adds a critical layer, prompting reflection on the interconnectedness of all living things and the importance of environmental stewardship. This blend of athletic prowess, artistic innovation, and ecological consciousness positions the film as a potentially influential work, capable of sparking dialogue and inspiring action.
The success of such an ambitious and multi-faceted project could pave the way for future endeavors that similarly blend diverse artistic disciplines and technological advancements. It challenges the conventional definitions of action sports films, suggesting that the genre can be a platform for broader artistic expression and social commentary. The long-term impact may lie in its ability to inspire a new generation of filmmakers and athletes to explore creative avenues that transcend traditional formats, fostering a more dynamic and thought-provoking landscape for storytelling in the action sports world and beyond. The premiere itself, with its live musical score and advanced visual production, is likely to be remembered as a landmark event in the evolution of action sports cinema.