TEDDYBEAR CRISIS HITS NYC: An uncommon premier for an original film
The idea seemed to work for both parties. Ski cinematographer Kris Ostness asked a friend to premier his new ski film, TeddyBear Crisis, in New York City. His friend thought he could use the film as a backdrop to celebrate his birthday with friends and skiers. But could an unadvertised (besides the birthday invitation) ski premier at a small bar on the lower east side of Manhattan really work? Indeed, the electricity pouring out of Epstein’s Bar on Saturday, November 19th from non-skiers and skiers alike proved to be an overall. The easily apparent appreciation of the diverse crowd of attendees for the insane talent of both the skiers and the indie-style film made TeddyBear Crisis the ideal film and fit for the bar and its eclectic neighborhood.
“Both TeddyBear Crisis and Epstein’s reflect Ostness’ style,” says Riggs Kubiak, the premier’s host and honored birthday boy. “Ostness is kinda always off the beaten path with his artistic, non-flashy approach to skiing and filming, so this venue perfectly represents his film and his attitude.” According to Kubiak and Epstein’s owner, Patrick Conlin, the unassuming bar on the corner has hosted several skate and BMX premiers representing the young, active feel of the neighborhood, as the area has become a place for artists and merging trends.
Once the film was underway, the indie-filled soundtrack immediately resonated with the underground style of the attendees. And unlike most ski movie premiers held at large auditoriums, this venue allowed for multiple reactions of the film to be heard. Observations ranging from, “Damn, that was an impressive cab 9,” to “how do their skis stay on when they grab them like that,” exhibited the expansive array of fans and bar patrons. Tanner Hall and Laurent Favre’s urban rail segment caught the eyes of many observers, and Simon Dumont’s monstrous air in Park City and ensuing gruesome crash caused many onlookers to cringe and raise their drinks to an outrageous attempt. And like any viewer of Kris Ostness’ and Henrik Rostrup’s new film, admiration abounded for the mammoth backcountry features complete with untracked landings, and the impressive editing highlighted by the numerous time lapse shots and distinctive skier introductions. Meanwhile, performances by the likes of Tanner Hall, Jon Olsson, Mike Wilson, and Oscar Scherlin motivated and excited the crowd with their wondrous abilities.
As the credits scrolled across the one and only plasma TV screen behind the bar, high-fives and drink salutes quickly followed for a unique and extremely off-the-beaten path ski movie premier. People left humming their new favorite indie tune and practicing their new ski/freestyle walking moves with widespread smiles and anticipation for the upcoming ski season.