“SOMOS,” directed by Rafael Pease, is narrated in Spanish with English subtitles and premiers in Bozeman on Nov. 9
By Julia Barton DIGITAL PRODUCER
BOZEMAN—In his latest short film, director and athlete Rafael Pease opted out of the traditional structure of ski and snowboard movies by situating the mountains as the main focus rather than the people exploring them. “SOMOS” is narrated by remote Alaskan mountains, and in this story, the mountains speak Spanish.
While Pease intends to make “SOMOS” available for free streaming later down the line, the film is set to debut at the Rialto in Bozeman on Nov. 9 at 6:30 p.m.
Pease, a Chilean-Cuban athlete, filmmaker and activist, has been making films since 2015 as an outlet for sharing environmental information with the public. For this project, Pease wanted the mountains to do the talking.
Although the film features Pease and Argentinian snowboarder Iñaki Odriozola mountaineering and riding, Pease said: “We’re not protagonists. We’re just figures in it… it’s [from] the perspective of nature and how she views us.”
Viewers of ski and snowboard films are used to seeing impressive, beautiful, snow-covered landscapes, but the narratives are too often framed as athletes conquering the mountains rather than learning to live harmoniously with them. The term “somos” in Spanish translates to “we are.”
Pease hopes that through viewing his films, people will be inspired to take action to protect mountains instead of continuing to conquer them.
“You can love things to death, and if you don’t know what your impacts are—or what the impacts of bigger industries are—on the environment, then you’re just going to be complacent,” Pease said.
Through making the film’s narration in Spanish, Pease paid homage to his roots while also working to make the film more accessible to Hispanic audiences.
“I feel like all the ski and snowboard movies I’ve seen come out of the states, that people from all around the world watch, are all in English and it’s all predominantly Americans in the films who look and speak the same,” Pease said.
While reading subtitles during a ski film isn’t exactly what English-speakers in America often expect, “SOMOS” offers a new experience and creates visibility for the mountains, Spanish-speaking populations and non-American athletes.
In the coming months, Pease intends to have the subtitles translated into many different languages and make the film easily accessible digitally across the world.
“My goal with all the films I have made is to have the largest visibility possible,” Pease said. “If we hold the position of being a journalist or a filmmaker, or whatever it is, then we must do it right.”
“SOMOS” will premiere at the Rialto as part of Earn Your Turns, an event featuring multiple backcountry-inspired snowboarding short films.
Bike Big Sky is a FREE community mountain biking group with BSCO and Gallatin Alpine Sports. Meet at posted locations at 6 p.m. Monday evenings. Visit BSCO.org or swing by
Event Details
Bike Big Sky is a FREE community mountain biking group with BSCO and Gallatin Alpine Sports. Meet at posted locations at 6 p.m. Monday evenings. Visit BSCO.org or swing by GAS for ride information.
Time
July 15 (Monday) 6:00 pm - September 23 (Monday) 6:00 pm
Hike Big Sky is a FREE guided hike for our community and visitors alike. A different trail will be featured each Monday at 9 a.m. Visit BSCO.org for trail description
Event Details
Hike Big Sky is a FREE guided hike for our community and visitors alike. A different trail will be featured each Monday at 9 a.m. Visit BSCO.org for trail description information. Please wear layers, bring water and snacks. Bear spray recommended.
Time
July 22 (Monday) 9:00 am - September 23 (Monday) 12:00 pm
Bike Big Sky is a FREE community mountain biking group with BSCO and Gallatin Alpine Sports. Meet at posted locations at 6 p.m. Monday evenings. Visit BSCO.org or swing by
Event Details
Bike Big Sky is a FREE community mountain biking group with BSCO and Gallatin Alpine Sports. Meet at posted locations at 6 p.m. Monday evenings. Visit BSCO.org or swing by GAS for ride information.
Time
July 22 (Monday) 6:00 pm - September 30 (Monday) 6:00 pm
Join Santosha, BASE and Gourmet Gals to bring you a donation based all levels community yoga lunch break class every Wednesday throughout the summer. It will be
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Event Details
Join Santosha, BASE and Gourmet Gals to bring you a donation based all levels community yoga lunch break class every Wednesday throughout the summer. It will be taught by a variety of teachers from Santosha and BASE. This summer all proceeds will go to Big Sky Band-Aid, aside from the first one on the 26th that is happening during Pride week- all funds donated for that class will go to Big Sky OUT. A delicious lunch will also be served by Gourmet Gals following our practice each Wednesday (included in donation). You are welcome to donate with cash at the event or you can Venmo @Santoshabigsky and make a note for Community Yoga. Hope to see you in the Park!
Time
July 24 (Wednesday) 12:00 pm - September 23 (Monday) 1:00 pm