WATCH: MAVEN – These Women Showcase Resilience and Connection in the Australian Backcountry

We Are Explorers writer, thru-hiker, and all-round adventure nut Kate Donald joined a bunch of women in the production of MAVEN, a film that captures the spirit of the Australian backcountry and the women who explore it.

The Australian snowfields might not be the best playground out there. Heck, half the world probably doesn’t even know that it snows out here. We’re not famous for our deep powder, towering peaks, or gnarly lines (although we’ve got a few hidden gems).

Tenison Woods Knoll in NSW looks pretty good here though

What sets us apart is our backcountry community – a sanctuary for growth, camaraderie, and a deep love for the environment.

Three incredible women – Divya Gordon, Chess Smee, and Leah Foster – felt it was about time the world got a glimpse of what makes our alpine backyard so special. MAVEN is their story; a short documentary that captures the essence of adventure in the Snowy Mountains.

Who created MAVEN?

What began as a simple idea quickly evolved into a passion project fuelled by a shared desire to shine a light on the untold stories of women in the backcountry.

Behind the lens was Divya Gordon producing and directing the film. Divya is a visionary outdoor filmmaker, who spent most of her early adult years in the nomadic van life, immersing herself in the outdoors through climbing, highlining and, of course, skiing.

Divya doing what she does best

Her debut into adventure documentaries, ‘Seven7Seven’ gained her recognition at the Vancouver International Mountain Film Festival (VIMFF) and Stockholm City Film Festival.

Leading the charge on screen is Chess Smee, seasoned guide and athlete. With her infectious love for the mountains, her mission is to empower people to safely enjoy the outdoors. Balancing life as a ski instructor at Thredbo, with backcountry guiding for ‘K7 Adventures’, she spends the other half of the year pursuing an endless winter as an avalanche educator, backcountry guide, and race/freeride coach in Canada.

Chess lookin’ chuffed!

Last but definitely not least, is the lady that holds the trio together, and usually provides the snacks. Leah Foster, director at ‘K7 Adventures’, landed the role of production and design with her creative outlook and background in graphic design.

Snack sergeant Leah always on duty

Supported by industry giants including Arc’teryx and Nikon, these three girls set out to capture the very spirit of alpine life in Australia.

What’s it all about?

Set in Kosciuszko National Park, New South Wales, MAVEN invites us into the lives of the remarkable women who call the high-country home; including yours truly. Through the eyes of Chess, we’re taken on a journey that goes beyond skiing and snowboarding – it’s about self-discovery and resilience.

Chess sets herself some epic season goals: summiting Australia’s 11 highest peaks on snow in a single day, an almighty lady’s snow camp-out, and a mission to Australia’s hardest-to-reach hut. In this film, we witness the bonds of friendship and the relentless determination shared among these girls.

As the story unfolds, we’re treated to awe-inspiring views of the ‘Main Range’ and exhilarating footage of local ladies shredding some of our steepest lines. But MAVEN isn’t just your typical snow film – it’s a narrative woven with themes of resilience, connection, and environmental consciousness, mirroring the layers of complexity found in our mountainous landscape.

What they didn’t anticipate was the challenges they would face, filming during a season with the 6th lowest snowfall in recorded history. They began to question their very existence living in a place that so strongly feels the ripple effects of climate change through the mountain ecosystem and into the community. MAVEN concludes with interviews and insights from ecologists as well as a powerful call for viewers to reflect on the natural world around them.

Through stunning visuals and authentic storytelling, MAVEN beckons viewers to immerse themselves in the rugged beauty of our snow-covered wilderness and the unbreakable spirit of those who call it home.

Watch incredible scenes like this at one of the locations below

Where can I watch MAVEN?

The film will be touring with Warren Miller’s 75th Anniversary movie, ‘All Time’, alongside fellow-locally produced film, Convergence. Head to the We Are Explorers Event Calendar to see all the screening locations.

In July there will be a select few special Arc’teryx Winter Film Tour Events that include Q&A with the directors, Divya and Taylor Bennie-Faull (Convergence), and their crew.

MAVEN premieres this Thursday the 11th of April at the Hayden Orpheum Picture Palace, Sydney.

The Arc’teryx Winter Film Tour stops:

• Sydney, 11th April 2024 – Hayden Orpheum Picture Palace
• Mt Buller, 6th July 2024 – Mt Buller Cinemas
• Mt Hotham, 9th July 2024 – The General Store
• Falls Creek, 11th July 2024 – Frying Pan Inn
• Jindabyne, 16th July 2024 – Banjo Patterson Hotel
• Thredbo, 19th July 2024 – Thredbo Alpine Hotel

Photos supplied by MAVEN