Ogden’s ‘Super Frenchie’ documentary coming soon

Above : Matthias “Super Frenchie” Giraud taking off. (Photo: YouTube)

One of the best movies to play at the 2020 Spokane International Film Festival was the documentary “Super Frenchie.”

The film, which was picked up in January by Greenwich Entertainment , was written and directed by Chase Ogden . Besides being a past director of SpIFF, Ogden is an associate professor of film and theater at Eastern Washington University.

And “Super Frenchie,” a documentary study of the stunt skier Matthias “Super Frenchie” Giraud , is being released today in a limited theatrical run – which, unfortunately, won’t include Spokane.

But if you want to see the film, and you should, Ogden says that it will continue on the festival circuit – including the upcoming Seattle International Film Festival – and will be available VOD on June 4th.

In my preview of the film before its SpIFF 2020 screening, I wrote this:

“Not only does Ogden show Giraud at his best on the slopes, but he gives us enough background to make the French-born daredevil more than the always smiling, totally engaging performer he strives to be. A bit of troubled family history adds to his story, thought it never overwhelms it.

“Nor does the singular dramatic moment, which comes halfway through. Amid all the stomach-dropping moments of Giraud flying off mountains, wearing his skis as he plummets toward the snow-covered rocks below, Ogden includes a number of touching scenes with Giraud’s friends, wife and young son – a boy who seems to be following in his dad’s shoes.

“All in all, ‘Super Frenchie’ – a title that comes from the nickname that Giraud has given himself – is an exciting feature, and one well worthy of carrying the expectations of SpIFF 2020’s closing night.”

And I’m not alone in my praise. Writing for the Vancouver, B.C., arts magazine Stir, critic Gail Johnson wrote the following:

“Director Chase Ogden’s doc is not merely an adventure thriller; it’s an intimate look at the mindset of a man who has spent his entire life jumping off things. Giraud is neither fearless nor reckless. A husband, father, and meticulous planner, he’s also a philosopher of sorts.

“With beautiful original music by composers Jonathan Haidle and Brad Laina layered with the sounds of the wind, Giraud’s breathing, and the occasional yee-hah!, ‘Super Frenchie’ explores the higher power of nature and the place this extreme and tender human calls home.”

The final word? Extreme sports documentaries don’t come much better.