The Way Back is a film honoring western heritage, connection to the land, the healing power of nature, and follows the adventure of three women horse packing into the Wyoming Range to ski three alpine peaks.

Their route follows the history of Amy Jane David’s family who homesteaded in the foothills of these mountains in the early 1900’s, and built their own skis and rode horses as a utilitarian means of work and winter survival. While retracing the history of Amy’s family roots and connection to the land, Tatum Monod and Emilé Zynobia share their unique stories and experiences.

As the journey unfolds, connections form through conversation. Deeper stories emerge around injury, grief, grit, perseverance, identity, and community. The trip takes place in late spring which visually shows the transition of new life, wildflowers, and contrast between bright green valleys with stark white peaks. Each day combines sunrise ski objectives hunting down fun corn skiing, and riding horses from camp to camp. The film strikes a balance between retracing old trails and stories with a wild adventure.

The Way Back title nods to the generations back in western heritage, the way back to a slowness and simplicity, the way back to self, the way back to connection with nature, the way back to community.

United States