The little-known world of paramotoring comes into sharp focus at the 2024 Radical Reels Tour from the Banff Mountain Film Festival in the film “Desert Wings”. This stunning film takes viewers on an exhilarating journey through the skies above the American Southwest’s most dramatic desert landscapes. As pilots glide through the air, viewers are treated to breathtaking vistas of rugged desert terrain, offering an unparalleled visual experience that pushes the boundaries of adventure cinematography. This film is a “must see” on the big screen.
Directed by Nathan McBride, a world-class adventure filmmaker and aerial cinematography expert based in Salt Lake City, “Desert Wings” showcases not only the raw beauty of paramotoring but also the skill and dedication of its practitioners. McBride’s passion for capturing the essence of both place and skill shines through in every frame, offering audiences a rare glimpse into this niche sport.
The film, shot over six intense days, follows multiple paramotor pilots as they navigate the thermals and vistas of the Southwest. What sets “Desert Wings” apart is its ability to capture the freedom and beauty of flight against the backdrop of some of America’s most stunning natural wonders. The juxtaposition of dwarfed paramotors against the expansive ancient, weathered landscapes of the desert creates a visual poetry that is both thrilling and meditative
One of the most memorable sequences in “Desert Wings” occurred during the Salt Lake portion of the shoot. Braedin Butler, a talented paramotor pilot new to the production, was asked to perform a simple foot drag across the water’s surface. What transpired next left the entire crew in awe. Butler, exceeding all expectations, executed a perfect water landing, surfing the lake’s surface with both feet for an astounding 15 seconds. This unexpected display of skill, captured flawlessly by drone operator Ian Rinefort, became an instant highlight of the film, embodying the spirit of spontaneity and mastery that defines the sport..
However, not everything went to plan on the shoot. During a desert scene, pilot Justin Farrer faced a harrowing moment when his engine refused to shut off upon landing. The potential danger of a continuously spinning propeller strapped to one’s back is not lost on the crew, adding a palpable sense of tension to the beautiful imagery. Farrer’s calm and resourceful handling of the situation – including his ingenious solution of using a spark plug from his Subaru to fix the paramotor – speaks volumes about the quick thinking and adaptability required in this sport.
The cinematography in “Desert Wings” is nothing short of spectacular. McBride’s expertise in aerial filming allows viewers to soar alongside the pilots, feeling the rush of wind and the vastness of the desert below. Through McBride’s lens, we see paramotoring not just as an extreme sport, but as a unique way of interacting with the landscape, offering perspectives and experiences that would otherwise be impossible.
As the film makes its way across Australia on the Radical Reels Tour, be prepared to be reminded that even in our well-mapped world, there are still new frontiers to explore – sometimes, all it takes is a different point of view.
“Desert Wings” doesn’t just document a sport; it captures the essence of freedom, the beauty of our natural world, and the indomitable human spirit that drives us to take to the skies. It’s a testament to the power of adventure filmmaking and a celebration of those who dare to spread their wings and soar.
See it at the Radical Reels Tour – in theatres all around the country this October.
