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‘The Approach’: The North Face Spotlights BIPOC, Women, and Adaptive Athletes

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Lots of action. Lots of pow. And lots of representation.

The North Face and film director Anne Cleary highlight a unique group of people in this winter film — BIPOC, female, and adaptive athletes. Despite their big talent and passion for skiing, they aren’t usually represented in film or the industry as a whole.

“The Approach” is one project aiming to change that by setting an example.

“Whether taking turns breaking trail or finding our own unique paths down, the tracks we leave behind are the perfect expression of each person’s individual contribution as well as what we can collectively accomplish,” wrote the North Face.

“Follow along these unique tracks with ‘The Approach,’ an action-driven ski and snowboard film.”

The film stars big-name athletes too: Brooklyn Bell, Vasu Sojitra, Leanne Pelosi, and Spencer O’Brien, along with rising stars Ingrid Backstrom, Emilé Zynobia, Sophia Rouches, and Anna Soens.

from left to right: ingrid backstrom, vasu sojitra, and emilé zynobia skiing in the PNW
From left: Ingrid Backstrom, Vasu Sojitra, and Emilé Zynobia; (photo/The Approach Film)

This film is sponsored by Hydro Flask, Smartwool, The North Face, Fat Tire, Subaru, and more.

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