Since premiering in October, “Pretty Faces” has played to sold out crowds across the country.
The first-ever, all-female ski film is the brainchild of Lynsey Dyer, professional big mountain skier and co-founder of SheJumps. The inspiration for “Pretty Faces” came from Lynsey’s years of experience in the ski industry watching women consistently underrepresented in snowsports entertainment despite growing female participation.
We caught up with Lynsey on the film tour:
“Pretty Faces” is in the full swing of its tour. What’s been the reception and your most memorable moment so far?
LD: Every show has sold out. We’ve been blown away by the response. My favorite moments are seeing the “unicorns” show up. From 4-year-olds to 80-year olds, even “man-icorns” come out to see the show!
How have “Pretty Faces” screenings been different from any other films you’ve been a part of?
LD: Every show the crowd walks out happier than when they arrived, like kids remembering why they love to play in the snow. That was my goal—it’s the greatest gift to watch even old men turn into kids again.
You’ve been featured in several ski films before. What inspired you to make your own?
LD: I’ve had this in my head for so long now and assumed someone would make it, but when they didn’t I felt a responsibility to make it happen. This sport has given so much to me—I wanted to help other young girls see the magic of the mountains.
“Pretty Faces” isn’t your first time recognizing females as underrepresented in the outdoors. How did SheJumps play a role in the production or idea of “Pretty Faces”?
LD: SheJumps has been the main benefactor of the film tour. Our programming helps get kids and girls outside in places and situations where they wouldn’t otherwise have the opportunity. Though we have grassroots chapters all over the country, our main program for kids only happens in Utah in partnership with the Boys & Girls Club. This film will help expand that programming.
As this is an all-female ski film, how have you seen guys react to the screenings?
LD: Guys love the film. We even catch them tearing up. Ha.
“Pretty Faces” includes a lot of user-submitted film that you edited into the story. What inspired that idea, and what kinds of footage did you receive?
LD: My intent was to offer girls of every age around the world a stage to showcase what they could do and what skiing meant to them. We received lots of footage from dads and daughters, and seeing how most of us owe a lot to our dads for getting us out there, the footage easily and authentically added to the story.
A lot of young women are looking up to you and the other big-mountain skiers in this film. Who were the women that you looked up to when you were coming up the ranks?
LD: My heroes were outside of the ski industry, mainly Jane Goodall. She followed her passion and took risks to study chimpanzees in the wild, though many doubted her. She devoted her life to using her gifts to make the world better and fighting for what she believed in. I always admired that.
What were the high and low points of making this film?
LD: The low points were many, many failed film days. Either the filmers missed shots or the avalanche danger was so great we had to pull the plug, or the thousand times we were told “no” and “that’s impossible” or just never taken seriously. And even team members giving up and quitting at pivotal times, saying we didn’t have anything. All those struggles just fueled the fire to keep focused, however. When we finally emerged from the cave of the editing bays at the end of the summer—what a high to hear once-naysayers or skeptics do 180s and be completely inspired by the teaser or the film. That’s the payoff. This film isn’t just for girls. For every skier who dreams of the big gnarly line of one’s life, this film is our entire story.
What message do you most want people to take away from the film?
LD: If you believe, anything is possible.
Full Crew on Stage at the Boulder Premiere – Photo by: Gretchen Troop
The Boulder Premiere – Photo by: Gretchen Troop
A young fan sharing her art with Lynsey at the Seattle Mountaineers Screening
Lynsey signing posters at the Seattle Mountaineers Screening
Unicorns at the Seattle Mountaineers Screening
For more information, visit Unicorn Picnic.