The International Freeride Film Festival 2008 had budding film-makers flocking to Saint-Lary Soulan, France last week.

The third edition of the festival was held from 17-19 January in Saint-Lary Soulan to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the hip French winter resort. Over three days, the square-eyed jury watched dozens of films from amateurs and professionals from every corner of the globe. “This year, the selection has been really interesting because it was so diverse,” said World Champ Xavier De le Rue.

After much heated debate, the prize for the best Freeride film 2008 was awarded to ‘Lines’, a documentary film about snowboarding in Alaska, produced by snowboarder Axel Pauporté. (Check out the teaser here.)

“The marvellous work of Axel makes ‘Lines’ a film of lasting quality,” said Maritxu Darrigaud, president of the jury. Maritxu and the other members of the jury were won over by the in-depth insight into the stress, danger and talent of big mountain riding.

The other big prize, for the Best Freerider 2008, was awarded to Xavier De le Rue for his amazing riding.

The International Freeride Film Festival 2008 was a huge success, with the jury, competitors and the audience all clamouring for organizer Bruno Delaye to fix a date for a fourth edition next year. Before that, there are treats in store for surf lovers, as the Surf Film Festival will be heading to Saint-Jean-de-Luz in May 2008.

See the official Freeride Festival website for further info.

Words by: Elisa Routa