A 100-year-old ski legend outlives two centuries of history — on snow.
This short film retraces the life of Herman Smith Johannsen – the man who introduced the sport of cross-country skiing to Canadians. From past to present, his life story is portrayed through pictures from sports newsreels, Norwegian archives and his family album. The film catches up with him at both the Canadian Ski Marathon, where he is the honoured guest, and on a return trip to his native Norway.
Production
Nifty weaving of family photos, Norwegian archives, and marathon footage.
Direction
William Brind lets Johannsen's absurd longevity speak for itself.
Director
William Brind
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Johannsen lived to 111, becoming the oldest living Canadian — he skied until 107, because of course he did.
The 'Canadian Ski Marathon' sequence captures him at 103; he was still waxing his own skis.
US
