This one hits hard. Learning to Down is a documentary about snowboarder Jess Kimura that will make you proud to be a woman and extra proud to be a woman snowboarder. The tears will roll down your face because MY GOD, Jess has been through it. I wonder how her body feels today, after all those heavy stacks…
Jess, THANK YOU FOR EVERYTHING you have done for women’s snowboarding.
Learning to Drown follows the life and career of professional snowboarder Jess Kimura as she unapologetically shatters stereotypes with her own brand of unwavering determination and go-for-broke mentality. After the tragic death of Jess’s partner at the height of her career, she spiraled into a cycle of self-destruction, grief and despair. Compounded by head injuries and mental health issues, the circumstances seemed insurmountable. Jess’s only way out was within — as she faces her deepest fears, she reminds us that not all wounds are meant to heal.
“Jess Kimura is not afraid of falling. This beautiful film showcases her long journey of persistence and determination as she takes on one challenge after the other to become one of the most influential snowboarders of her time. Jess openly shares her deepest fear and suffering and reminds us of the importance of being our best selves, in this inspiring lifetime story of a hero.”
— BACHAR KHATTAR, JURY MEMBER OF BANFF FILM FESTIVAL
There is a house in New OrleansThey call the Rising SunAnd it’s been the ruin of many a poor girlAnd God I know I’m one…
For me it’s not a competition. It shouldn’t be women against each other. It’s more like I need to leave this place, women’s snowboarding, better than I found it.
– Jess Kimua
Read more about Jess Kimura in this amazing interview on Teton Gravity. Super insightful.
For more women’s shred flicks, head over to our video section and get inspired!