What is a Turkish-American Muslim skier and an Iraq War Veteran doing together in Kyrgyzstan? The question is answered as this inspired pair team up to help organize and produce central Asia’s first ever freeride competition: The Silk Road Freeride.
Stacy Bare works to expand the power of the outdoors in dealing with life’s individualized hardships. Ahmet Dadali has had a long career as a professional skier, striving to share the good it has brought to his life. Together, they work to connect with the local community over a shared love of sport and adventure. As they absorb the Kyrgyz culture, skiing begins to reveal its deeper truth.
The film culminates in the emotion of the competitors as they cross the finish line and celebrate this new experience. They’ve shared their country’s mountainous beauty with the outside world in a way that’s never been done before.
This journey takes you back to the excitement of your first competition. We meet an inspired group of skiers who spark (or rekindle) the motivation to experience new people and cultures. Most of all, this short documentary reminds us of the unity we share both as skiers and as humans.
Starring: Ahmet Dadali, Stacy Bare & the Kyrgyz ski community
Executive Producer: Völkl Skis
Produced By: Team Thirteen icw with Adventure Not War & Ryce Travel
Director: Matt Sheridan
Director of Photography: Hennie Van Jaarsveld
Additional Cinematography: Matt Sheridan & Yente Van Eynde
Editorial: Hennie Van Jaarsveld & Duvan Durand / Lasher Post
Sound Design: Clarke Jackman & Will Berridge
Additional Artwork: Claire Thimon