Cast

Jeff Johnson, Yvon Chouinard, Doug Tompkins, Makohe, Keith Malloy, Timmy O'Neill

Film description

Inspired by the discovery of previously unknown materials from the 1968 expedition of Yvon Chouinard and Doug Tompkins, Jeff Johnson, a California surfer, sets out to follow their tracks and scale the Corcovardo volcano in the stunning virgin wilderness of Patagonia. Filled with adventure, which according to Chouinard, begins when everything goes wrong, it is not the goal but the journey itself that is most important to director Chris Malloy. Johnson pays close attention to his changing surroundings. His observations and interviews with locals reveal a world suffering from excessive tourism, industry, overpopulation, which makes the globetrotter rethink his own life and attitude toward the environment. His historical heroes had the same experience, subsequently devoting years of work and millions of dollars to establish the world’s largest private nature reserve in Patagonia. The occasional naiveté of Johnson’s thoughts is counterbalanced by breathtaking images and moving music. It is a road film, environmental documentary, and a life lesson – pack your bags!

Jan Topolski