Born into the iconic action sports production company Teton Gravity Research, co-founded by his acclaimed filmmaker father Todd Jones, Kai Jones became a professional skier at just twelve years old. Kai swiftly rose to the top of freeskiing with viral videos that earned him four consecutive Skier of the Year nominations, beginning at the unheard-of age of fourteen.
On March 7, 2023, at sixteen, Kai suffered a near-fatal, potentially career-ending injury deep in Wyoming’s remote backcountry. After a remarkable rescue, he faced an uphill battle through multiple surgeries, intense physical rehabilitation, and relearning to walk—all while confronting whether he still wanted to pursue a career as a professional skier. This film offers an unfiltered look into Kai’s journey as he delves into his young but resilient spirit to find these answers. The film captures the immense mental and physical struggles he battled while attempting to return to the top of the mountain.
Clayton Vila is an American professional skier turned writer/director from the remote Block Island, Rhode Island.
Despite growing up on an island 14 miles out on the ocean without a mountain in sight, Clayton became a professional skier at age 18. After years of success, including winning an X Games medal and starring in dozens of the world’s biggest ski movies, Vila decided to begin directing the ski moves that he starred in. He quickly fell in love with craft and decided to branch out to other areas of the film industry. In 2018, he directed a feature documentary for ESPN, Back to Life, which successfully launched his career as a filmmaker.
Today, Clayton lives in Los Angeles writing and directing documentaries, national TV commercials, and narrative films for countless brands and studios. His unparalleled understanding of the professional athletes and their internal struggles has led his films and branded content to win awards from major award ceremonies including the Webby’s, Clios, and multiple Oscar-qualifying film festivals.
Todd Jones is an accomplished filmmaker and co-founder of Teton Gravity Research (TGR), widely recognized for his groundbreaking documentaries that capture the essence of human perseverance and the relationship between athletes and the natural world. Over his illustrious career, Todd has mastered the art of combining cinematic storytelling with breathtaking visuals, creating films that resonate deeply with global audiences.
Among his most notable works are Lindsey Vonn: The Final Season, Andy Irons: Kissed by God, and HBO’s Edge of the Earth. In these films, Todd explores themes of resilience, triumph, and the profound challenges faced by world-class athletes.
Todd’s distinctive ability to tell deeply personal and impactful stories has earned him widespread recognition, with his documentaries praised for their emotional depth and stunning visual craftsmanship. Based in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, Todd continues to create films that inspire and educate, bringing the stories of extraordinary individuals and their environments to life.
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