In this icy father-son drama by Jan-Willem van Ewijk, Gijs’ visit to his son Rein not only tests his skiing skills but also their relationship. Starring real-life father and son, Reinout and Gijs Scholten van Aschat.
We have seen before that winter sports resorts provide the perfect conditions to put family relationships on edge and Jan-Willem van Ewijk’s Alpha. is no different. When young snowboard instructor Rein is visited by his father Gijs the two must brave the snowy mountains and one another’s grievances. Under the permafrost of the ascent, unprocessed traumas emerge and even harsher weather conditions are expected on the way down.
The glances and gestures of the Scholten van Aschats are those of a real-life father and son, both at the top of their acting game. With a razor-sharp edge, cinematographer Douwe Hennink’s stunning camerawork captures the inhospitable landscape on 4:3 postcards. While filmmaker Jan-Willem van Ewijk uses the overwhelming and natural splendour of the Alps to lure inner worlds outside, as he did previously in Pacifica. (2024) and Atlantic. (IFFR 2015).
– Christiaan Boesenach
Trailer
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Film details
- Country of production
- Netherlands
- Year
- 2024
- Festival edition
- IFFR 2025
- Length
- 100"
- Medium/Format
- DCP
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