We Can't NotPresented byVölkl
Alaska — still from the shoot

The Film

We Can't Not

A ski film about filming a ski film

Synopsis

Paddy's spent his whole life making ski films. But explaining why he's compelled to do so? Not so much.

Until now. "We Can't Not" is a ski film about making a ski film. One that his whole family can understand. Well, that's the idea anyway.

And what better way to do this than by rounding up a who's who of the world's best skiers and pointing them at Alaska, the most feared and equally beautiful proving ground in freeride?

What follows is two years of long waits, gear anxiety, thumping helicopter blades, and moments that either fall apart or turn into something extraordinary.

Narrated by Sean Bean, expect introspection, snow nerds, raw talent and the occasionally terrifying stab at the only question that matters: Why do we do this?

Directed by
Adam Gendle
Narrated by
Soundtrack by

Statement

Paddy Graham

Throughout my entire career, I have tried to explain to friends, family and strangers the magic of working as a professional freeskier. Why we leave home. Take the risks. Make the movies. And quite honestly, I never really could give a fulfilling answer. A part of me has always wanted to bring them along for the ride and make them see it for themselves. Well, now we're bringing you along with us too. This project is as close as you can get to joining us over two years of making our next ski movie. The ultimate behind the scenes. And perhaps a humble attempt to answer the impossible question, why we do it?

Paddy Graham. Freeskier, filmmaker

The Crew

Adam Gendle

Written and directed by

Adam Gendle

@gendle

Whether you are an action sports athlete, a musician or a carpenter, the choice to do what you love is often not the safest path and here lies the jeopardy. There is always a high risk of failure when attempting a career in what you love, and these stakes have followed Paddy throughout. The fact that Paddy and his peers risk their lives on a daily basis only raise those stakes…and make for a more thrilling watch.

At the end of the day, this is a human story about people doing what they love and showing the people they love…why.

Adam Gendle

Hailing from the UK's Midlands, Adam found a passion for snowboarding at his local indoor ski slope. He's been an integral part of the British snowboard scene for over 30 years, as an athlete, film maker, personality and host.

With a boxset of British snowboarding movies to his name and an award winning 'mockumentary' #skigoodmoneywillcome with Legs of Steel in 2014. Adam again found success in 2022 within the international ski scene with 'Here hold my kid' where his comedic approach to film-making was again rewarded as a fresh take in the community.

Johno Verity

Director of Photography

Johno Verity

@johnoverity

In the late 1990s and 2000s, Johno was a prominent figure and defining rider in the UK professional snowboarding scene, appearing on numerous magazine covers and in snowboard films. Johno has spent over 25 years working behind the camera also finding success with Adam Gendle as the DOP of #Skigoodmoneywillcome & 'Here hold my kid'.

Johno has also contributed to other Legs of Steel projects in the including Action Men & the Ritsch's Roll 'Livestream', so let's say, we have some history.

When Johno isn't behind the lens, he's infront of it wearing his pink hat, look him up on social media.

Christoph Thoresen

Action DOP

Christoph Thoresen

@christophthoresen

Over the past 25 years, Christoph has experienced sports film production from every possible perspective — as a professional athlete, filmmaker, photographer, editor, and producer. This comprehensive background shapes a distinctive creative DNA focused on outstanding camera work, a deep understanding of technology, and absolute authenticity in how action sports are portrayed.

Christoph was awarded with a Sports Emmy for “Outstanding Camera Work” on Markus Eder's The Ultimate Run.

About Legs of Steel

Alaska — still from the shoot

Legs of Steel is a film production house and creative agency located in Innsbruck, Austria. We believe in sports, but our curiosity goes beyond. Our award winning portfolio spans some of the most-watched action sports films in recent years, high-profile sports documentaries and advertising content that moves the needle. We collaborate with brands and athletes across the globe.

Founded by professional athletes, the company stands at the forefront of cutting-edge camera technology in the outdoors, paired with an unmatched understanding of the inner world of elite athletes.

Film Locations

Alaska

USA

Whistler

Canada

Ahrntal

Italy

Helsinki

Finland

Wanaka

New Zealand

Innsbruck

Austria

Hokkaido

Japan

Sheffield

UK

Region Dents du Midi

Switzerland

Credits

Written and directed by

Adam Gendle

Created by

Tobi ReindlPaddy Graham

Narrated by

Sean Bean

Executive Producers RBMH

Sarah StowFlo MoserGalen Knowles

Executive Producers

Tobi ReindlDaniel SchiesslPaddy Graham

Produced by

Jordy NorrisKatharina Murr

Head of Production

Katharina Murr

Production Manager RBMH

Caroline Sales De Marco

Edited by

Aina Punsola

Director of Photography

Johno Verity

Director of Action Alaska

Christoph Thoresen

1st AC

Matt McCormick

Cinematography

Raphael PöhamJoi HoffmannAndre NutiniArttu Heikkinen

Additional Camera

Bryan SmithAnna Jantunen

FPV

Luke BredarBrent Loies

Additional Editors

Lukas JoasFabi Hyden

Music composed by

Alexander KöckStephanie Widmer

Performed by

Cari Cari

Sound Mix

Alex Haslinger

Colour

Ivan Filipović

Music Supervision RBMH

Fabienne Brauns

Red Bull Snow

Bertram MooneyEmile Lavoie

Starring

Kye PetersenMarkus EderTom RitschFinn BilousPaddy Graham

Cast

Seth Graham
· Young Paddy
Flloyd Kennedy
· Grandma
Peter Burtonas
· Pub Landlord
Jill Priest
· School Teacher
Emma Manton
· Supermarket Employee
Ryan Van Kesteren
· Parisian Artist
Hai Yen Nguyen Thi
· Commuter 1
Ole Pavel
· Commuter 2
Luke Faid
· Car Park Attendant
Lee Kyounggoi
· Sushi Chef
Carol Little
· Vibe Bringer
Sian Leigh
· Birthing Mother
Gregory Cox
· Shakespearian Performer
Christian Stevensen
· Director

Additional Cast

Patricia GrahamJohn GrahamFinn GrahamRey GrahamAndrea GrahamElia HoferTobias SiederHank BilousEmma BilousPeter Bilous

LOS Press Relations

Edur Gorospe

Title & Animation

Danny McCormick

Art Direction

Paddy Graham

VFX

House of ArcadeJoan AmatAdrià Draper

Photography

Aina PunsolaJustin BefuHai YenMatt McCormickJordy Norris

Creative Assistance

Oliver Riezner

UK Unit

Autumn WorksJohn WellsJohno VerityRyan Van KesterenOllie PeacockKelham StudioDevonshire Park TheatreRyan GrahamOrchard StudiosJames WilkesMark Bowyer

Hyperbowl 1st AD

Alexander Immler

Hyperbowl 1st AC

Manuel Koch

Key Grip / Crane Operator

Mike Brunner

Focus Puller

Andreas Thomas

Gaffers

Robert MayrEwan WoodPedro Iglesia

Hair & Make Up

Christel Thoresen

Production Coordinators

Melanie TestorTorge Nagel

Hyperbowl Studio

Tobias JöckleLauritz RaischElfi Kerscher

Set Build

Penzing Studio Set Construction

Freeski Archive

Chris AsquithKlaus PolzerFilip JarosEric IbergJohnny Decesare