Stories from the wild for the wild.
It’s no secret YETI is built strong for the outdoors. From coolers to ramblers to chairs to hats, they have it all. And if you don’t have one of their products – I bet you at least have their sticker on your vehicle. Represent any way you can.
YETI breathes in the fresh air, the adventure, and the freedom of nature. And that’s why their 2020 YETI Film Tour is a can’t-miss event for anyone who wants to soak it all in. YETI’s own little film festival rolled into Nashville doing cool giveaways and having all of the proceeds go to preserving the wild. You can’t go wrong with that.
But the main event is the six documentary shorts shown – each pushing the boundaries of what is expected of us. Below is the rundown of the ones I was lucky enough to see and my thoughts on them.
SANDBAGGING JIMMY CHIN
Jimmy Chin, Oscar winner for Free Solo, is dying to feel the rush of “getting barreled” – surfing within a wave that could wipe your ass out. It’s the be all and end all for many surfers. Along with well-known surfers Jon Rose, Jeff Johnson, Mark Healey, and Keith and Dan Malloy, director Leisure Rodeo excitedly captures Chin trying to conquer the wave. But more importantly, this is about attempting something new and, no matter how old or accomplished, always learning.
FINDING GROUND: A GEOFF ROWLEY STORY
Getting old is tough, especially when you are repeatedly getting banged up on concrete as a pro skater. At 43 years old, Geoff Rowley has discovered a unique outlet to stay in shape and heal. He’s a hunting guide in the California wilderness with a keenness for the Desert Big Horn Sheep and their survival. My biggest gripe with this one is it feels as though we aren’t allowed enough time with Rowley to connect with his two passions. Director Greg Hunt shows us very little of what keeps Rowley grounded. The audience is left not really caring about what he really cares about.

THE MIDNIGHT HOUR: MARGO PRICE
Their music may not be mainstream, yet Ryan Bingham and Margo Price have each carved their own path to have their music heard. Refusing to play in the music industry’s corporate sandbox, they played by their own rules and the risks were worth the reward. This musical documentary is meant for Nashville as director Scott Ballew rewinds it back to when Price first started out, her search for her own words to sing, and finding the support that would lead to her success. The most absorbing parts are the musical performances that beautifully add to the storytelling of authentic artistry and the adoration Price and Bingham have for one another.
KEKOA
Named after the boat that was handcrafted by brothers Ryan and Jamison Witbeck, this inspiring documentary is all about details and determination when it comes to saving something meaningful. From being lost at sea to Hurricane Irma, Kekoa’s resilience is put to the test as is Ryan and Jamison’s – together rebuilding what was once thought gone forever. It’s a remarkable journey that directors Zach Johaneson and Chris Murphy take us on. One where there is no easy path, but the Witbeck bros are undoubtedly up for the challenge.
LEAN AGAINST THE WIND
Director Keith Malloy captures an extraordinary champion on water as she’s an Olympian kayaker, a surfski racer, an outrigger canoe paddler, and a mom. And there’s no sign of Laura Spalding slowing down. It’s clear to see where she gets her relentless, daring spirit once hearing the tales from her father. He’s laughed in the face of danger one too many times. In fascinating fashion, Spalding has proven many wrong out on the waves – and she’s going to continue to do so while cementing her legacy.
A PRAYER FOR JOSHUA JACKSON
I saved the best for last with this amazing documentary from directors Grayson Schaffer, Ryan Heffernan, and Kahlil Hudson about living out your dream – no matter the cost. Joshua Jackson is a race car driver who wound up in a horrifying crash that took away more than just his NASCAR aspirations. Getting behind the wheel competitively again should have been impossible. Not for Joshua. His perseverance is unreal and not being on the track is unimaginable. The danger will always be there, but for Joshua, fulfilling his need for speed is something he can’t live without.
Check out the remaining dates for the 2020 YETI Film Tour here.
Brandon Vick is a member of The Music City Film Critics’ Association, the resident film critic of the SoBros Network, and the star of The Vick’s Flicks Podcast. Follow him on Twitter @SirBrandonV and be sure to search #VicksFlicks for all of his latest movie reviews.
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