Patagonia’s new film Thrawn documenthe resilient and passionate Cairngorm snow community – and their apparently unmatched dedication to snowsports.
In Scotland, the word “thrawn” can mean “stubborn”, but it is stubborn for a good reason. The snow community in the Cairngorms take on a virtuous struggle to make the most of what’s available each season.
Lesley McKenna, a local to the area and three-time Olympic snowboarding competitor, was raised on this innate tenacity. She has spent her life pushing the boundaries of her sport and advocating for the people and place that shaped her. Her story is an example of what makes the community so special.
She says: “Thrawn is the ability to make the most of whatever we’ve got. Up in the Highlands we are connected to that energy.
“What brought me back to live here is that there is so much potential in the community and the passion that they have for making the most of whatever life throws at them.”
Inspiring others in the Highlands
Like many other mountain areas across Europe, the Cairngorms are facing the impact of environmental and economical challenges first-hand to snowsports and the culture. But motivated to fight for what they have, the community are coming together to find ways to protect wintersports and the playgrounds for generations to come.
The film shows the unique power of the snow community in its resilience and stubbornness to make the best of things, which is what “Thrawn” is about.
Director Hannah Bailey explains: “The Cairngorms breeds a special kind of folk who make do with what they have, and make use of every opportunity out there. In times of environmental and societal uncertainty, this community virtue of adaptability and resilience is more important than ever. This story is an example of that.”
Thrawn is a film about resilient community, and the ability of snowsports to bring people together with purpose.
Where to see Thrawn
You can watch the film. Thrawn will also be screened in Fort William, Aviemore and Portree this month, accompanied by panel discussions with Hannah and Lesley.
The Worn Wear Repair van will also be on hand for gear repairs at the Fort William and Portree events.
February 16 – Fort William Mountain Festival (see price of tickets in link)
February 21 – The Old Bridge Inn, Aviemore (tickets are free but you ned to book)
February 25– Magic Mountain Festival, Portree, Isle of Skye (see price of tickets in link)
Who is Lesley McKenna?
Lesley is a three-time Olympic snowboarder, winter mountain leader, and co-founder of Wandering Workshops. She has been a trailblazing figure in the world of professional snowboarding, making a lasting impact, not just through her impressive performances on the slopes but also by advocating for greater recognition and opportunities for women in snowboarding.
Lesley is the co-founder of Wandering Workshops, which she set up to help make the outdoors a more accessible space. She now spends her time leading people in the backcountry on skis and snowboards around the Cairngorms while working as a coach developer and studying for her PhD at Leeds Beckett University in the area of ethics in sport.
Who is Hannah Bailey?
Hannah is an award-winning photographer, director and producer who has been immersed in the underground scenes of action sports, adventure and the outdoors for more than 10 years. She has travelled to Afghanistan to document girls skateboarding in a conflict zone with NGO Skateistan; to Albania to cover the fight to protect the Vjosa for Patagonia and EcoAlbania; and spends the rest of the time in the Highlands of Scotland supporting outdoor communities driving change.
Her work as a storyteller has focused on individuals, communities and projects that highlight outdoor sports for environmental or societal good. Driven to push these stories and messages, she hopes to support the outdoors community in being passionate advocates for change. Her Patagonia Film, Thrawn is a part of that.