The Global Paddling Community

Have you ever dreamt of flying? Weightless, effortless, gliding through the endless spaces of the skies? Living total freedom? Welcome to 'Perfect Moment – The Contact'. Read Playak's independent review.

Perfect Moment – The Contact

First, let's look at some text from the press release:

«Have you ever imagined yourself standing on the top of a snowy peak, far from the world of others? Where silence reigns from one horizon to the other, and only untouched snow crystals sparkle under your feet?

Have you ever pictured yourself in the heart of a turquoise tube of water, feeling its pure energy roaring around you, knowing that you would experience Nature’s own chaos theory on your own body in the case of the slightest mistake?

Welcome to Europe’s biggest freesports cinema tour, Thierry Donnard’s ”Nuit de la Glisse - The Perfect Moment”

Perfect Moment is the culmination of 3 years, shooting a range of freesports in amazing destinations, with a handful of the world's finest athletes.

Filmed on 35mm with crisp clear wide-angle shots and nice close ups the footage in the film is inspiring and interviews with the athletes throughout give you an insight into what makes these people spend their lives chasing the dream.»

Review

This was the extract I was sent while sat in front of the computer. With no water in the rivers, an overcast sky and a pond like ocean the invitation to go see the local premier in Stavanger (Norway) was very welcome.

After about an hour of snow capped mountains, ocean surf and words from several individuals talking about being at one with nature, the film eventually moves onto my real reason for watching the movie. Mariann Saether and a team of down to earth kayakers including Benjamin Hjort, Martin Vollen, Ed Cornfield and Jim Cummings ripping it up in Norway.

The footage looks to be shot on two rivers, the famous Ula slides and triple drops and the Jora. The water is low but the footage is well filmed with good angles and slow motion shots. The paddlers look to be having fun and come across well. The kayaking section in my eyes could have been longer but of cause I am biased.

Wrap-up

The film as a whole is well done and well worth a look. There is some really fantastic footage and some awesome action. Everything from Cliff jumping mountain bikers to speed world record kite boarding. You can tell that Skiers have made this film, this tends to make the film drag a little towards the end. The movie is 90 minutes long and could have really been edited down to 60. But at least you get value for money! As a final note on the downside, the guy commentating the whole film is really annoying, he sounds like Vin Diesel on Novocaine...

Live Shows

Look out for Perfect Moment at a cinema near you. The ”Nuit de la Glisse” filmtour will travel to more than 310 cities and ski resorts in seven European countries (France, Germany, Switzerland, Austria, Great Britain, Sweden, and Norway). Get out there and have a look.

-- Mark Burton