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vimff The Beginning

The Beginning

18 mins |
Canada |
2024
GENRE(S): 
  • Canadian
  • Mountain Sports
  • Snowsports
  • Women
DIRECTOR:
Cristobal Ruiz
LANGUAGE(S): English

Synopsis

Alenka Mali, a 24-year-old raised in Slovenia and born in Argentina, grew up immersed in the outdoors, guided by her parents, both acclaimed climbers. From the Patagonian landscapes to the Alps, her childhood was filled with climbing, camping, and adventure. After moving to Squamish, Canada, to live with her father, she embraced freeride snowboarding, dedicating her life to the sport.

A few years ago, Alenka met her partner, Spencer, who introduced her to the world of BASE jumping, sparking a new dream for Alenka—to combine her passions by attempting a snowboard BASE jump off Goat Mountain in Squamish, BC.

In the winter of 2024, after two years of preparation, Alenka set her sights on this ambitious feat, halting her competitive snowboarding career to focus on her goal. With perfect conditions finally aligning, she completed her first snowboard BASE jump, becoming first woman to achieve a successful snowboard BASE jump and document it.

This moment marked not only the realisation of her wildest dream but also a powerful reflection on her journey and the role her mother played in shaping her path. Alenka’s story, told in “The Beginning,” is a testament to the courage to pursue the impossible and the enduring influence of motherhood in shaping our lives.

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Director

vimff The Beginning Cristobal Ruiz

Cristobal Ruiz

Cristóbal Ruiz is a film director based out of Vancouver, Canada. Born and raised in the south of Chile, Cristóbal’s journey led him to immigrate to Canada at the age of 19, where he discovered his passion for filmmaking. Drawing from his multicultural background, he infuses his work with his own life experiences, seamlessly blending diverse narratives into compelling visual stories.

In addition to directing, Cristóbal is the founder of his own production company, Pachamama Film, based in Vancouver, BC. Through Pachamama Film, he channels his creative vision, collaborating with purpose-driven brands and organizations in the realms of athletes, adventure, remote communities, and human stories of resilience.

Cristóbal’s portfolio boasts collaborations with renowned brands such as North Face, Adidas Terrex, Destination Canada, and La Mer, as well as partnerships with platforms like Showtime and WaterBear Network. His work is characterized by its emotional depth, progressive themes, and explosive visuals, creating a human experience that deeply resonates with viewers on an emotional level.

Highly experienced in working with remote communities, mountain terrain, and harsh filming conditions in the mountains, Cristóbal approaches film production from a human lens, elevating the production value of any project, even in the most challenging scenarios.

As a native Spanish speaker and with a global perspective and a commitment to authenticity, Cristóbal Ruiz is available for projects worlwide.

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