Thursday, September 24, 2009

IF3rd



Snot sliding down my throat, I sit on the living room couch, also known as my little brother's former love pad, and watch.... oh shit what am I watching? Word, It's on BET right now and thaaaaaaaat isn't gonna happen  (because I'm not Alexsis' dad...) so hold up a sec and let me find something legit for background noise. Ha ha ha Eight Crazy Nights on Comedy Central and it's just barely 11am. Love it.

This past week has been full of tissues, DayQuil, and non-alcoholic liquids, courtesy of the 2009 installment of the International Freeskiing Film Festival, or as it is commonly called, IF3. A week ago at 5pm, Colleen and I bolted up I89, hopped the border, and entered the city of Montreal, which I tragically haven't visited since the same weekend in '08.

For those of you who are nodding along like you know what I'm talking about, LISTEN UP. You're missing out! Since September 2007, IF3 has been rocking Montreal annually, bringing the best stars in the ski world from today, yesterday, and tomorrow to the city for the kick-off event of the season. While most events take years to become successful, this is NOT the case with IF3. Hitting the ground running the first year, they've remained strong, bringing an unforgettable weekend to pros, filmers, industry folk, and your every day riders like myself. In 3 fast-paced days, those in attendance get to see the 08/09 movies, plus learn what it's like to be sorry for partying.

Although everybody who's anybody made it to the event, I'll give you a run down of my favorite movies and moments for those of you who embarrassingly have to admit that you weren't there.

MOVIES:

Refresh -- Level 1 Productions


Level 1 - Refresh Teaser from Level 1 on Vimeo.


While L1P didn't win movie of the year, I will undoubtedly argue that this is the movie to see. Preorder it. Skip class. Tell your girlfriend your Great Uncle Alfred kicked it. Do what you have to do to see this film. With knockout performances from the best riders around, Berman rasies the bar even further into the stratosphere.

Amidst current dispute over the use of Warren Miller's suprise voice-over, resulting in legal action from the Warren Miller Entertainment (WME) group, which is not directly associated with Warren anymore, L1P is still holding strong, premiering an amazing film in countless cities. Many are wondering what to do about the situation, but the BEST thing you can do is support L1P by seeing their movie and telling all of your friends! I haven't been so stoked on a movie in such a long time, and PROMISE you won't be disappointed either.

So Far, So Hood -- 4bi9 Media


So Far So Hood Trailer from 4BI9 Media on Vimeo.


As if it wasn't already known, 4bi9 is as legit as they come. After previously winning Am Film of the Year at IF3, the 4biCrew won the honor of showing within the Pro category at the 2009 event-- and rightfully so. AJ didn't cut any corners in this years film, which was evident in the opening shots. I'm really stoked on this movie after swinging by their house during the trip I took to Utah a month ago.  These guys are some of the nicest around, offering up some fresh'n'free iced coffee at their place.

I love this movie because it's got the tight-knit feel of an Am movie, but it's got every other factor that keeps it running with the big dogs. The urban that is presented by the guys is unbelievable, and I'm positive that the bonus features in this film won't let you down. Everyone knows that these guys put out some ridiculous edits, and the stoke factor carries right on over to a feature length film. Cop this while you can. Or else. Blatta Blatt.

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Other notable performances include that of LJ Strenio in Rage Films' Pretty Good,  along with Charley Ager in Poor Boyz Productions' Everyday is a Saturday. So many films this year had amazing segments, that I'm sure you can find something you enjoy in any number of films from the 08/09 crop

MOMENTS:

It goes without saying (but let's say it anyway) that there's a number of great people at moments that happen during IF3.  Some of my favorite are:

-Matt Harvey formally renaming me 'Blondie'. "Cos it's cool."
-Multiple high-fives with Zilla, who didn't even remember meeting me a month ago at first. But regardless, he hooked me up with a shirt so I hooked him up with a beer.


-Being hit on by cab drivers. Happens.
-Wondering where Christian was, it was a 24-hour a day job.


-Late night pizza before hitting the clubs/movies with Bri-con and Mirdur:



             

--Seeing the moment that Dan Brown (Kapitol Photography) and Dan Brown (gangster) met was a moment in history thanks to Matt Stauble


--Mike Rogge using the word epic in every way possible in reference to the Meathead's next film.


--The Drama Llama was an epic addition, until someone ruined Doug Bishop's night by stealing it.
--Shea Flynn decided to get in on the photo-op last minute...



Today the school shuttle driver got a laugh after seeing how I am still not functioning at 100%. I'm never sorry for partying, but I'm not stoked that I have 8:05 and 8:30am classes everyday. Hopefully during class tomorrow, MattyB will nudge me if I fall asleep.

UNTIL THEN....
textually frustrated.

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