Female Ski Film Pioneers: Introduction to the First All-Women Production
In a groundbreaking move, the ski movie industry is witnessing a progressive shift, with the film "Advice for Girls" leading the charge. The film, showcased at the Roxy theater in Missoula on the 6th and 7th of December, is significant for its focus on female skiers and their experiences, challenging the traditionally male-dominated narratives in ski films.
The film features an entirely female cast and crew, a first in ski movies, and stars well-known female skiers like Devin Logan, Amie Engerbretson, and Lynsey Dyer. The filmmaker, Addy Jacobsen, introduced the film along with two producers, and even read a poem she wrote early in her ski career at the beginning of the film.
The ethos of "Advice for Girls" is empowering women and girls in skiing. The film repeatedly calls for girls and young women to "take up space" in the sport, addressing the issue of underrepresentation that has been common in famous ski movies over time. It also confronts the problem of the "token female" in ski movies, where one woman in a mostly male cast receives little camera time.
"Advice for Girls" aims to spur a change in the ski industry for better representation of female skiers in future films. It does this by showcasing younger skiers like Rylee Watson, Caroline Brokaw, and Autumn Evanko, and by featuring big cliff lines and a sick park edit mainly featuring Logan, the first ever US women's slopestyle Olympic medalist.
The film also discusses the advice Jacobsen would give to younger female skiers facing a male-dominated sport. It highlights female skiers helping and inspiring other female skiers, and showcases Evanko performing a backflip off a cliff in one of the final scenes of the film.
The film's impact extends beyond the screen. It has provided a platform that highlights women’s athleticism, skill, and stories, inspiring a new generation of female skiers and contributing to greater visibility and representation of women in the sport. The film's well-attended screening by the Missoula ski community, particularly women and girls, is a testament to this.
Influential female skiers like Ingrid Backstrom, who has appeared in over 20 ski films, are helping pave the way and elevating women's roles in ski films by teaching clinics and spotlighting emerging talent. Social media expressions emphasize excitement for the next generation of female skiers who are "fearlessly pushing this sport further," correlating with the ethos that "Advice for Girls" promotes — empowering women and girls in skiing.
Thus, "Advice for Girls" is pivotal as part of this broader cultural shift in ski media, fostering female empowerment, broadening representation, and encouraging inclusivity in the ski movie industry. This contributes not just to visibility but also to inspiring and supporting women to advance their presence and influence in skiing culture.
- The Missoula ski community appreciated the well-attended screening of "Advice for Girls," as it expressed support for the home-and-garden of female skiers.
- The film's emphasis on female empowerment in skiing has inspired conversations about lifestyle changes, leading to a shift in outdoor-living among women and girls.
- With the success of "Advice for Girls," women in sports are increasingly recognized for their athleticism and contributions, expanding the realm of possible role models beyond traditional narratives in the ski industry.
