HNIFF 2025
The League - a Future for Freeskiing
Directed by Mathias Skaarup Schmidt · Denmark · 40 min · long short · documentary
A decade after freeskiing became an Olympic discipline, many riders are longing for an alternative to the current trajectory of the sport. Instead of rigid contest structures and national teams, they dream of a new kind of freeski event, something more true to the sport’s unruly origins. And so, in the fall of 2022, an idea begins to take form… THE LEAGUE is the untold story of how the Jib League came to be. It’s an intimate documentary following Ferdinand Dahl, James “Woodsy” Woods and Øystein Bråten on their path to creating one of the most instantly beloved events in freeskiing. Enjoy this unfiltered, behind-the-scenes journey from frustration to inspiration, doubt to certainty and worry to jubilation as three friends strive to create something original, and to push the sport they love in a bold new direction.
This film's screening window has ended.
From the director
With ‘The League’ I aim to delve into the human stories behind freeskiing, focusing on the characters' personal journeys rather than just their athletic feats. While the creation of the Jib League provides a narrative framework, the film’s main focus is the intimate themes like purpose and creativity. Emotional conflicts are portrayed naturally without forced drama, allowing viewers to connect with the characters on a deeper level. Through a mix of fly-on-the-wall observation and intimate interviews, I aim to capture the essence of the chartacters’ experiences. Ultimately, "The League" is both a contemporary tale and a timeless exploration of the human condition, breaking ski-film conventions while honoring the sport's heritage.
