Gripping new film documents gruelling Arctic expedition

A new film follows young Antipodeans as they ski 560-kilometres to cross the Greenland icecap towing 60 kilogram sleds.

In Nansen’s Footsteps documents the Antarctic Heritage Trust’s third Inspiring Explorers’ Expedition. The film was shot and directed by Australia’s Keith Parsons. He was one of four young people selected for the expedition, along with well-known Kiwis Brando Yelavich and Hollie Woodhouse and fellow Australian Bridget Kruger.

The film is now available online via the Antarctic Heritage Trust website, www.nzaht.org after quietly screening at The Explorers Club Polar Film Festival in New York.

Keith says the film was incredibly challenging to make.

"The adventure was unfolding in real time, there were no second takes, no setups … it was all action.I constantly battled to keep the batteries warm and charged and the gearfrost-free. It was an unforgettable experience though and I think the film has an authenticity borne out of those limitations."

Led by Trust Executive Director Nigel Watson and guided by Ousland Explorers master guide Bengt Rotmo, the expedition was in part supported by Australasian outdoors company Kathmandu. The expedition honoured Fridtjof Nansen. A Norwegian polar explorer and Nobel Peace Prize winner, Nansen completed the first crossing of Greenland in 1888.

Nigel Watson says the film captures the highs and lows of the 28-day journey.

“There were times of utter elation with breath-taking sights, but also some very challenging periods including storms and significant snowfall.”

As well as numerous storms, the team pushed on through illness and fatigue … even developing a taste for the pounds of butter they had to eat to maintain their energy levels.

“We had to dig deep (literally at times!) to get through this journey, but it helped deliver on the Antarctic Heritage Trust’s goal of Inspiring Explorers.”

The film includes some incredible drone footage which captures the beauty of an area few viewers are likely to travel to.

“We hope people around the world will see this film, be inspired by Nansen’s story and take the opportunity to get out and explore this amazing world we live in.”

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