With Pachamama, Protest Sportswear offers an immersive experience in the spectacular landscapes of Patagonia. The film stars Camille Armand, professional snowboarder on the Freeride World Tour, accompanied by his friends Julian Casanova, mountain guide, and Pierre Hourticq, extreme skier. Together, they set off on an epic 5,000 km journey through the wilderness of South America, pushing their limits in extreme and unpredictable conditions.
A physical and mental challenge
The expedition is not just about sporting performance. Behind each ascent, there is a colossal amount of preparation, strategy and endurance. The weather conditions make each ascent difficult, and the weight of the equipment adds an additional constraint. Patagonia is renowned for its capricious climate, where the wind can reach dizzying speeds, putting even the most experienced freeriders to the test.
The three adventurers must also deal with the isolation. Far from any assistance, they can only rely on their experience and team cohesion to deal with the unexpected. Every mistake can be fatal, making concentration and vigilance essential.
Patagonia, an inhospitable playground
Far from the crowded resorts, the three riders are looking for unspoilt descents and unexplored landscapes. Patagonia, with its steep mountains and unpredictable climate, proves to be a constant challenge. Each summit conquered is a victory over nature and over themselves.
The film authentically captures the moments of doubt and calculated risk-taking, as well as the raw and wild beauty of these remote territories. Each ride becomes a dance with the elements, a moment when technique and intuition intertwine to tame the mountain.
An immersive cinematic approach for ‘Pachamama’
Beyond the sporting performance, Pachamama stands out for its careful production and visual aesthetics. The film is directed by Yannick Boissenot, known for his ability to capture the essence of expeditions in extreme environments. The images are breathtaking, with natural light effects enhancing each scene. The aerial shots and close-ups plunge the viewer into the heart of the action, making each descent even more intense. The soundtrack also plays a key role in the immersion. Between moments of tension and moments of contemplation, it perfectly accompanies the narration and amplifies the emotions felt by the riders and the audience.
A commitment to nature
Pachamama is not just a freeride film, it is also a tribute to nature. The name of the film, borrowed from the goddess of the Earth in Andean culture, reveals the philosophy behind this project: a deep respect for the environment and the desire to minimise their impact.
Throughout their journey, the three adventurers adopt a sustainable approach, avoiding helicopters and preferring to approach the summits on foot. This way of exploring the mountains in harmony with nature adds a spiritual dimension to their adventure.
International recognition
Since its release, Pachamama has won numerous prestigious awards at mountain and adventure film festivals. These include
- Special Jury Award – Chamonix Film Festival (France)
- Audience Award & Best Mountain Film – Transylvania Mountain Festival (Romania)
- Best Cinematography & Best Editing – Alta Montaña Festival (Spain)
- Best Film – Montagne, Sport & Aventure – Gorniskega Filma Festival (Slovenia)
- Best Spirit & Best Documentary – AWE Film Festival (Canada)
- Polish Mountaineering Award – MOCGOR Zakopane (Poland)
- Best Feature Film – Destination Unknown Film Festival (Norway)
- Best Film – Travel Film Festival (Cyprus)
- Honourable Mention – Freeride Film Festival (Austria)
These awards recognise not only the film’s striking visuals, but also its immersive storytelling and the way it conveys the passion of freeriding.
‘Pachamama’: a film that makes an impression
The strength of Pachamama lies in its ability to capture the essence of freeriding and to convey to the viewer the feeling of freedom and adrenaline that comes with it. The spectacular images, combined with an immersive soundtrack, make this film a unique experience. But beyond the spectacle, Pachamama also offers a reflection on our place in nature. The immense Andean landscapes remind us of how small man is in the face of the grandeur of the wilderness.
A message for future generations
Through this film, the three freeriders also wish to raise awareness of the fragility of these magnificent ecosystems. Climate change and human activity are endangering these preserved territories. By adopting a respectful approach and sharing their love of the mountains, they hope to inspire future generations to preserve these wild spaces.
Where can I see Pachamama?
After a successful tour of various festivals, Pachamama is now available to the general public. Extreme sports enthusiasts, travel enthusiasts and anyone looking for an escape can watch the film on YouTube. This initiative by Protest Sportswear allows a wide audience to discover this extraordinary human and sporting adventure.
If you are interested in Protest Sportswear’s commitment to sustainability, you can also read our review of the flagship models in the PVRE Green series.
