The Faction Collective, an award-winning ski and apparel brand continues its partnership with non-profit organization Gear4Guides in order to support local communities in developing areas to help build their winter tourism and teach them skiing and mountain safety. This year, Faction athletes Sam Anthamatten and Arnaud Rougier travelled with Gear4guides to Kosovo and Montenegro to share their knowledge and experience with local mountain groups.’Breaking Boundaries in the Balkans‘, a film of the expedition, launches today.
In February 2016, The Faction Collective once again teamed up with Gear4guides on a new project. In conjunction with The Balkan Snow Cooperative and International Peace Park Expeditions, Faction athletes Sam Anthamatten and Arnaud Rougier travelled with Gear4guides to both Kosovo and Montenegro, to explore a cross-border section of the Hajla Peak in the Balkan mountain range.
Breaking Boundaries in the Balkans tells the story of Faction athletes Sam Anthamatten and Arnaud Rougier as they travelled to the Hajla region, and showcases the potential tourism opportunities on the untouched peaks of one of the most bio-diverse areas in the world. The athletes shared their skills and knowledge with the mountain groups on both sides of the border, educating them in mountain safety and skills. Travelling from hut to hut, Sam and Arnaud lead a group from Kosovo ski touring across the border into Montenegro. The first time this border has ever been crossed by ski, the journey marked an important transition in enabling the groups to work together, and in breaking the boundaries so the mountains can be enjoyed freely without borders.
The expedition to the Balkans was, in addition to Faction and Gear4Guides, organized by International Peace Park Expeditions which supports recovery in conflict-affected communities, through sustainable development and transboundary environmental conservation, as well as representatives for Environmentally Responsible Group in Kosovo and Montenegro. Photojournalist Pierre Morel documented the expedition and is available to tell the story. His synopsis of the story, alongside photography, is available to adapt and share. Sam Anthamatten and Arnaud Rougier are available for further interview and comment.
‘Breaking Boundaries in the Balkans’ is available to watch for free now on YouTube, Vimeo or at Factionskis.com/gear4guides.
Editing & cinematography: Etienne Mérel
Producer: The Faction Collective
Color Grading: Valentin Naffetat
Motion Graphics: Emilie Paris-Fumaz
Soundtrack: Song of Water “HWY”; Ryan Tauber “Pioneer”; Tanager Kid “Lake Side; Richard Desalts “Nomad Spirit”; Max Brodie “Neon Lights”; Blake Ewing “Sandstone”
INFO: The Faction Collective
