What is it that gets you hooked at snowboarding? What is it that gets you to want to be part of the snowboard community? And what is it that makes us so passionate about all this? This is Novella. Uplift your friends! - A short documentary that gives a voice to some unique snowboard enthusiasts!
Novella is a unique take on the traditional snowboard movie. In addition to street and backcountry riding, it features interviews with many riders in the community. Each has a unique perspective and experience, but we are all brought together by our love of this one thing. Snowboarding.
Novella is a two year project that resulted in this 20-minute street documentary featuring the voices and riding of Alexis Hernandez-Roland, Laura Rogoski, Parker Gonnet, and Summer Fenton. Novella is a video representation of the non-profit "We're All Mental". We're All Mental's goal is to create a free mental health support network within the snowboard community and beyond by providing safe places to strengthen feelings of belonging, deepen connections, and normalize talking about our struggles and asking for help.
Two years ago Lex did not own a computer, a camera, or know how to edit. They wanted to create a different kind of street snowboard film and took a chance. They created a film that shows more than our snowboarding highlights. It includes the hardships and emotions that got us to this point. There are interview shorts from a variety of riders paired with quality street footage. We hope to leave viewers feeling more connected to the industry and inspired to get out and ride in their own way.
Featured riders: Alexis Hernandez-Roland (they/she), Laura Rogoski (she/her), Parker Gonnet, Summer Fenton, John Bryant, and Darrius Collins
Interviewees: Everyone listed above, plus; Lolo Derminio, Gela Malekpour (she/her), Bille Reva, Egan Wint, Mike McDaniel, Lily Tahar (she/they) & Natawnie Spellacy (she/her)
Filmed and edited by: Alexis Hernandez-Roland
Additional filming by: Casey Pflipsen, Elias Lamm, Pat Morrisey, John Bloom, Daniel Tyler, Daniel Vega, Talon Monteau, Jennifer Chang, Nali Prevedel, Darrius Collins, Riley Hopperstad, Ari Morrone, Kyle Greene, Kevin Nolan & photos by Mary Walsh