Project archive, april 2020

Covid-19 disrupted the international economy on an unprecedented scale. The air sports industry was no exception. Despite being considered non-essential, the air sports communities are tight-knit groups that are accustomed to relying on one another for support and inspiration. For many of the industry professionals, Covid-19 took not only their jobs, but also their connection to those whom they embrace as family.

Kinetic wanted to help, but didn't want to simply ask for handouts. Instead, we wished to create an opportunity for work. A way for the creative and motivated skydivers, BASE jumpers, speedflyers and paragliders to add value to the community and bring each other closer together. With only digital means of connection at our disposal, we settled on a film festival, because it was something we could do together while still being far apart.

The idea was simple: Artists could submit films created during the Covid-19 lockdown; and the audience could choose to donate if they felt inspired by the films. The festival was able to raise 2,000 USD for the 8 artists who received an equal share of the donations by being featured in the festival. The project was a huge success in connecting the community, with more than 60,000 people viewing the films over the 10-day event.

We've kept a curated selection of the films here. Scroll down for a healthy dose of inspiration.

Curated Films

Dare to live - Johannes bergfors

A unique discussion on fear, and overcoming it. This film was left on the back-burner for over five years before Johannes Bergfors finally found it a home in the Project Archive Film Festival. We chose to premiere the event with Dare to Live because of its strong message of freedom, community, and daring in this time of confinement, isolation, and fear. To see more of Johannes' work, visit http://www.johannesbergfors.com.

Freeflow - Adriano Tanaka

"Skydiving for me is much more than a sport. It's an energy that connects like minded people," says Marco Maluf, co-founder of the Freeflow camp in Brazil. Adriano Tanaka created this film to show how a friendship became an event, and event became a place for like-minded people to connect. To see more of Adriano's work at http://www.adrianotanaka.com.

West MTN. Yacht Club - Taylor Stewart

This homegrown film from Taylor Stewart and other Salt Lake City locals is less of a story and more of a 4-minute assault on the senses. Filled with Ski-BASE, paraglider cutaways and speedflying, Taylor's video is the definition of freedom, and what you should be doing with it: passionately enjoying life with close friends. More of Taylor's shenanigans can be found at https://www.instagram.com/beef___stew/ .

In Formation - Jasper Van Der Meer

Seven elite skydivers set out to achieve the physically impossible, breaking the sound barrier in formation freefall. This is perhaps the highest production quality skydiving parody we have seen yet. Featuring many notable names in the industry, and directed by the skilled hands of ToraTora's Jasper van der Meer, this three-year back-burner project was finally released to the world in part because of the motivation and clear deadline created by Project Archive. To see more of Jasper's work, visit http://www.instagram.com/meerjasper.

moments - Keith Creedy

An assembly of moments created and captured at three skydiving events over the course of three years, this video embodies some of the fundamental reasons why Keith Creedy loves skydiving. Each of the three parts has a unique tone; awareness, perspective, and chaos. See more of Keith's work at https://www.youtube.com/HumanFlightMedia

Dream - Timothy Parrant

Powerful images and powerful words. This short film by Timothy Parrant mixes beauty and pragmatism, leaving us with an existential but hopeful message, far from white-washed Disney themes, and far more believable. We chose this film to conclude the Project Archive film festival for this reason. To view more of Timothy's work, visit https://www.instagram.com/koala_in_the_sky/ .