A Ski Movie About Ski Movies: Legs of Steel, Red Bull Drop “We Can’t Not”

All Images: Courtesy of Red Bull

When Paddy Graham has an idea, it's best to zip it and listen. For years, the legendary skier has been a dominant force in freeskiing both in front of and behind the camera. But over the last two seasons, his goal was different from past endeavors. Graham and his production company, Legs of Steel, set out to answer an age-old question: why make a ski movie in the first place?

For a guy from Sheffield, United Kingdom, this can be a recurring inquiry from friends and family back home. On top of that, it's a question that nobody can seem to properly answer. Graham's crew, made up of an incredible roster that includes Finn Bilous, Markus Eder, Kye Petersen and Tom Ritsch, is the perfect set of skiers to join him on this quest for the truth.

To get closer to the answer, the team heads to the high peaks of Alaska, utilizes a massive LED virtual studio, and even gets Sean Bean (another Sheffield native) to narrate the film. Yes, we finally have a ski movie narrated by Borromir .

Does it work? Can Graham finally give us a concrete answer as to why he's dedicated his life to both skiing in and creating movies that cost him blood, sweat and tears? After watching the hour-long project, we can conclusively say, no. But maybe that's the whole point?

Whatever you get out of "We Can't Not," I promise you'll be delighted by the end. It's truly one of the most creative, well-produced, elaborate ski films ever made, and odds are high that you'll wrap it up wanting to grab your friends and head into the mountains yourself. Dim the lights, and catch the full film and photo gallery below.

From YouTube:

"We Can't Not," presented by Völkl. A ski film about making a ski film, a Legs of Steel and Red Bull Media House co-production, narrated by Sean Bean, with an original soundtrack by Cari Cari.

Paddy’s from Sheffield and is not a ski instructor. He doesn’t do competitions and he definitely doesn’t do slalom. In fact, he’s spent most of his life making ski films. But helping his family understand exactly what he does and why? That’s not a conversation that’s not really been had yet. Why risk life and limb? Why spend hours in freezing conditions for a few seconds of footage? What is it about flying around on the snow with planks of wood on his feet that makes him happy?

“We Can’t Not” is a ski film about making a ski film. One that looks to answer these questions in the hope of explaining his career choices to those nearest and dearest. And what better way than rounding up a who's who of the world's best skiers—a superstar, an underdog, a young gun and a mysterious veteran—and taking them to Alaska, the most feared and equally beautiful proving ground in freeride? What follows is two years of long waits, gear anxiety, thumping helicopter blades, and moments that either fall apart or turn into something extraordinary.

Narrated by Sean Bean, expect passion, obsession, fear and friendship—and a proper stab at the only question that matters; Why do we do this? Because, well… we can't not.

STARRING Paddy Graham, Kye Petersen, Markus Eder, Tom Ritsch, Finn Bilous

Photo Gallery

Alaskan spines and Finn Bilous are a match made in heaven | Photo: Raphael Poeham

Paddy Graham (left) and Finn Bilous (right) finding air time in AK | Photo: Aina Punsola

It takes a village... and some good luck | Photo: Aina Punsola

Tom Ritsch begins his descent (left)

Markus Eder celebrates with a tasty nose butter (right)

Photo: Aina Punsola

Big dawg powder 8s

Skier: Markus Eder, Paddy Graham | Photo: Aina Punsola

A ski movie, inside of a ski movie, INSIDE of a ski movie | Photo: Hai Yen

"We Can't Not" is sure to be one of the wildest ski films of the year... maybe ever

Photo: Aina Punsola