People Like Us titlecard.
Pure Joy
JAS CLANCY, REVELSTOKE BACKCOUNTRY
Image: Ryan-Paul Collins
Always engineer for the experience 
ed viesturs on mt. everest, 1996
/
Our first Mountain Hardwear Athlete, Ed Viesturs, led the way for athlete-design collaboration for our company. Always focusing on the outdoor experience and culture, we sweat every stitch and detail.
/
Image: MHW Archive
Jas Clancy, from Revelstoke Backcountry, skis happily in the backcountry.
MOUNTAIN HARDWEAR PRESENTS
PEOPLE
LIKE US
After moving to Revelstoke in British Columbia, Canada,
in 2020, Ryan-Paul Collins felt welcomed, building a
strong friend group and work opportunities. But, despite
this warm reception, he felt there was something missing:
a connection with people like him.

This film follows Ryan as he connects with the queer
community of Revelstoke, documenting their relationship
with mountain culture and building perspective on what
it is like to be queer in a rural setting.

People Like Us celebrates the existence of queer folks in
non-urban environments and show that healthy queer
communities can flourish in small towns.
Personal Expression
HANK STOWERS STYLES A 3 IN THE CANADIAN BACKCOUNTRY
Image: Ryan-Paul Collins
Always engineer for the experience 
ed viesturs on mt. everest, 1996
/
Our first Mountain Hardwear Athlete, Ed Viesturs, led the way for athlete-design collaboration for our company. Always focusing on the outdoor experience and culture, we sweat every stitch and detail.
/
Image: MHW Archive
Hank Stowers styles a 3
in the Canadian backcountry.
Community Exploration
OPEN MOUNTAINS FRIENDS ALL OUT TOGETHER
Image: Nat Segal
Always engineer for the experience 
ed viesturs on mt. everest, 1996
/
Our first Mountain Hardwear Athlete, Ed Viesturs, led the way for athlete-design collaboration for our company. Always focusing on the outdoor experience and culture, we sweat every stitch and detail.
/
Image: MHW Archive
Open Mountains friends skin their way through the backcountry on skis.
Personal Expression
HANK STOWERS STYLES A 3 IN THE CANADIAN BACKCOUNTRY
Image: Ryan-Paul Collins
Always engineer for the experience 
ed viesturs on mt. everest, 1996
/
Our first Mountain Hardwear Athlete, Ed Viesturs, led the way for athlete-design collaboration for our company. Always focusing on the outdoor experience and culture, we sweat every stitch and detail.
/
Image: MHW Archive
Hank Stowers styles a 3
in the Canadian backcountry.
Community Exploration
OPEN MOUNTAINS FRIENDS ALL OUT TOGETHER
Image: Nat Segal
Always engineer for the experience 
ed viesturs on mt. everest, 1996
/
Our first Mountain Hardwear Athlete, Ed Viesturs, led the way for athlete-design collaboration for our company. Always focusing on the outdoor experience and culture, we sweat every stitch and detail.
/
Image: MHW Archive
Open Mountains friends skin their way through the backcountry on skis.
Going Big At Home
MHW ATHLETE LILY BRADLEY DEMONSTRATES CORNICE CREATIVITY AT PALISADES, TAHOE
Image: Anne Cleary / The Mad Trees
Always engineer for the experience 
ed viesturs on mt. everest, 1996
/
Our first Mountain Hardwear Athlete, Ed Viesturs, led the way for athlete-design collaboration for our company. Always focusing on the outdoor experience and culture, we sweat every stitch and detail.
/
Image: MHW Archive
MHW athlete Lily Bradley demonstrates
cornice creativity at Palisades, Tahoe.
Learning Together
OPEN MOUNTAINS FACILITATING AVALANCHE AND RESCUE LEARNING
Image: Nat Segal
Always engineer for the experience 
ed viesturs on mt. everest, 1996
/
Our first Mountain Hardwear Athlete, Ed Viesturs, led the way for athlete-design collaboration for our company. Always focusing on the outdoor experience and culture, we sweat every stitch and detail.
/
Image: MHW Archive
Open Mountains facilitates avalanche
and rescue learning in the snowy mountains.
Getting Into The Big Stuff
BRUCE JOHNSTON RIDES A BEAUTIFUL LINE IN THE B.C. BACKCOUNTRY
Image: Todd Easterbrook
Always engineer for the experience 
ed viesturs on mt. everest, 1996
/
Our first Mountain Hardwear Athlete, Ed Viesturs, led the way for athlete-design collaboration for our company. Always focusing on the outdoor experience and culture, we sweat every stitch and detail.
/
Image: MHW Archive
Bruce Johnston rides a beautiful line
in the B.C. backcountry.
STARRING
Image: Anne Cleary / The Mad Trees
Always engineer for the experience 
ed viesturs on mt. everest, 1996
/
Our first Mountain Hardwear Athlete, Ed Viesturs, led the way for athlete-design collaboration for our company. Always focusing on the outdoor experience and culture, we sweat every stitch and detail.
/
Image: MHW Archive
Portrait of Lily Bradley.
MHW SKI ATHLETE (THEY/THEM)
LILY BRADLEY
Born and bred in Tahoe, Lily Bradley is a MHW Athlete
known for their big airs and styled-out skiing, most
recently seen on the Freeride World Tour. While growing up
in one of the meccas of freeride offered ample opportunity
for Lily to learn from the best, they found themselves
surrounded by discrimination that is common in many ski
towns. As a queer skier, they are passionate about queer
and femme empowerment in the snow sports industry.
When they’re not training and competing in the winter,
Lily studies Political Science at UC Berkeley.
Image: Ryan-Paul Collins
Always engineer for the experience 
ed viesturs on mt. everest, 1996
/
Our first Mountain Hardwear Athlete, Ed Viesturs, led the way for athlete-design collaboration for our company. Always focusing on the outdoor experience and culture, we sweat every stitch and detail.
/
Image: MHW Archive
Portrait of Hank Stowers
SKIER (THEY/HE/SHE)
HANK STOWERS
Hank Stowers is a professional skier, storyteller, and
equity strategist residing in the Pacific Northwestern
United States.Hank grew up in Colorado, competing
in freestyle skiing until, following an injury, they took
some time off snow and moved to the PNW. Hank
returned to skis with a whole new outlook,
co-founding Open Slopes PDX and advocating
for celebration and representation of
queer people in snowsports. 
Image: Ryan-Paul Collins
Always engineer for the experience 
ed viesturs on mt. everest, 1996
/
Our first Mountain Hardwear Athlete, Ed Viesturs, led the way for athlete-design collaboration for our company. Always focusing on the outdoor experience and culture, we sweat every stitch and detail.
/
Image: MHW Archive
Portrait of Bruce Johnston
SNOWBOARDER (HE/HIM)
BRUCE JOHNSTON
Originally hailing from Ontario, Bruce Johnston moved
to Pemberton, British Columbia to pursue his dreams as
a professional snowboarder. These days Bruce’s focus is
on big mountain freeride snowboarding and filming
with Nitro Snowboards and Out Of Service. 
Image: Ryan-Paul Collins
Always engineer for the experience 
ed viesturs on mt. everest, 1996
/
Our first Mountain Hardwear Athlete, Ed Viesturs, led the way for athlete-design collaboration for our company. Always focusing on the outdoor experience and culture, we sweat every stitch and detail.
/
Image: MHW Archive
Portrait of Jas Clancy
SKIER (THEY/SHE)
JAS CLANCY
Jas Clancy moved to Revelstoke on a whim, and
several years later, they are still calling it home,
working as ski coach and exploration geologist.
As a queer person, they dedicate a lot of their
time speaking up about mental health in
both the queer and outdoor communities. 
Image: Colleen Gentemann
Always engineer for the experience 
ed viesturs on mt. everest, 1996
/
Our first Mountain Hardwear Athlete, Ed Viesturs, led the way for athlete-design collaboration for our company. Always focusing on the outdoor experience and culture, we sweat every stitch and detail.
/
Image: MHW Archive
Portrait of Janet Wong
SKIER (THEY/THEM)
JANET WONG
Based in Canmore, Alberta, Janet is a Top Rope
Climbing Instructor certified by the Association
of Canadian Mountain Guides (ACMG), Open
Mountains tail guide, ski patroller, and keen
ice/mixed climber. Janet is currently pursuing
an education as an avalanche instructor and is
working towards their guiding certifications
in the mountain stream.
FEATURING
Queershred Revelstoke logo

QUEERSHRED
REVELSTOKE

Is an inclusive multi-sport group based in Revelstoke, aimed at getting Queers, Femmes, Poly Folk, and Allies out and active in nature. Founded by Vinny Fowler, Emma Kelly, and later Kat Chyczij, Queershred came about with the hope of creating a safe and inclusive space in the mountains. They focus on celebrating everyone, “not just the pros, not just the shredders!”
Open Mountains logo

OPEN
MOUNTAINS

Open Mountains Project is a non-profit society in Revelstoke, dedicated to fostering inclusive mountain culture. They run seasonal outdoor programs for queer, BIPOC, and youth. The cast participated and filmed their winter 2023 QTBIPOC backcountry program in March and interviewed some of the participants and tail guide Janet Wong.
BEHIND THE CAMERA
Image: Laura Szanto
Always engineer for the experience 
ed viesturs on mt. everest, 1996
/
Our first Mountain Hardwear Athlete, Ed Viesturs, led the way for athlete-design collaboration for our company. Always focusing on the outdoor experience and culture, we sweat every stitch and detail.
/
Image: MHW Archive
Portrait of Ryan-Paul Collins
DIRECTOR AND EDITOR (HE/HIM)
RYAN-PAUL COLLINS
Ryan-Paul Collins is a professional photographer,
filmer, and video editor working out of Revelstoke.
He has worked alongside a number of outdoor brands
and his photo work has been widely published. He
worked with Katie Burrell TV as a filmer and editor
and has had his editing work included in Banff
Mountain Book and Film Festival for Beyond
Begbie (2022). As a gay man, Ryan feels he is
ready to share his own story and highlight
the lives of queer people in rural BC.
Image: Ryan-Paul Collins
Always engineer for the experience 
ed viesturs on mt. everest, 1996
/
Our first Mountain Hardwear Athlete, Ed Viesturs, led the way for athlete-design collaboration for our company. Always focusing on the outdoor experience and culture, we sweat every stitch and detail.
/
Image: MHW Archive
Portrait of Nat Segal
PRODUCER (SHE/HER)
NAT SEGAL
Nat Segal is an award winning producer and professional
skier based in Revelstoke. After following her dreams to
compete internationally as a freeride skier, Nat changed
her focus to expedition and film projects, working both
in front and behind the lens. This includes co-producing
Shifting Ice & Changing Tides (2016), Finding The Line
(2018) and most recently Beyond Begbie (2022),
which is premiering internationally.
Portrait of Colleen Gentemann
DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY
COLLEEN GENTEMANN
Colleen Gentemann is an award-winning documentary
filmmaker. With a background in adventure sport Colleen
has filmed in extreme environments all over the world.
Colleen has a special interest in sharing stories with a social
and environmental consciousness which is reflected in both
film and commercial work. Working with a number of
collaborators, Colleen's recent work includes Dream Job
(2019), Coach (2020), Beyond Begbie (2022),
and Weak Layers (2023).
Personal Snow Globe
BRUCE JOHNSTON MAKING HIS OWN WEATHER
Image: Todd Easterbrook
Always engineer for the experience 
ed viesturs on mt. everest, 1996
/
Our first Mountain Hardwear Athlete, Ed Viesturs, led the way for athlete-design collaboration for our company. Always focusing on the outdoor experience and culture, we sweat every stitch and detail.
/
Image: MHW Archive
Bruce Johnston snowboarding in prime snow globe conditions.
Finding Ease In The Trees
HANK STOWERS COMFORTABLE IN FLOAT
Image: Laura Szanto
Always engineer for the experience 
ed viesturs on mt. everest, 1996
/
Our first Mountain Hardwear Athlete, Ed Viesturs, led the way for athlete-design collaboration for our company. Always focusing on the outdoor experience and culture, we sweat every stitch and detail.
/
Image: MHW Archive
Hank Stowers comfortable in float.
Gaining Perspective
DIRECTOR RYAN-PAUL COLLINS AND HANK STOWERS TAKING IN THE TERRAIN
Image: Laura Szanto
Always engineer for the experience 
ed viesturs on mt. everest, 1996
/
Our first Mountain Hardwear Athlete, Ed Viesturs, led the way for athlete-design collaboration for our company. Always focusing on the outdoor experience and culture, we sweat every stitch and detail.
/
Image: MHW Archive
Director Ryan-Paul Collins and Hank Stowers taking in the terrain.
Bright Days And People
MHW ATHLETE LILY BRADLEY FINDS THE BRIGHT SPOT AND SPOTS A LANDING
Image: John Varco
Always engineer for the experience 
ed viesturs on mt. everest, 1996
/
Our first Mountain Hardwear Athlete, Ed Viesturs, led the way for athlete-design collaboration for our company. Always focusing on the outdoor experience and culture, we sweat every stitch and detail.
/
Image: MHW Archive
MHW athlete Lily Bradley finds 
the bright spot and spots a landing.
Breaking Trail
HANK STOWERS AND DIRECTOR RYAN-PAUL
COLLINS MAKING THEIR OWN WAY
Image: Laura Szanto
Always engineer for the experience 
ed viesturs on mt. everest, 1996
/
Our first Mountain Hardwear Athlete, Ed Viesturs, led the way for athlete-design collaboration for our company. Always focusing on the outdoor experience and culture, we sweat every stitch and detail.
/
Image: MHW Archive
Hank Sowers and Director Ryan-Paul
Collins making their own way through snow in the backcountry.


THROUGH SWEEPING SHOTS OF ATHLETES CARVING DOWN MOUNTAINOUS CHUTS CONTRASTED WITH UP CLOSE, PERSONAL INTERVIEWS, THE VIEWER JOINS COLLINS IN A NARRATIVE THAT BEGINS IN ISOLATION AND ENDS WITH COMMUNITY.

SHOWCASING STYLES FROM BIG POWDER SNOWBOARDING TO GOOFY GROUP SKI DAYS, THE FILM HIGHLIGHTS THE POWER FOUND IN COMING TOGETHER AND THE HOUSE THAT POWER BRINGS. IT COMFORTS YOUNG QUEER ATHLETES, ASSURING THEM THAT THEY ARE NOT ALONE.


BUTTER MAGAZINE


I APPRECIATE THAT THIS NICHE IN THE SKI COMMUNITY OF 2SLGBTQ+ IS GETTING EXPOSURE. THERE IS ENOUGH SPACE FOR ALL OF THESE STORIES IN THE MOUNTAINS. THE ENTERTAINMENT FACTOR FOR THE FILM WAS HIGH, THE PURPOSE BEHIND THE FILM IS SO STRONG AND THERE IS A DEEP AMOUNT OF PERSONAL STORY BEHIND THE FILM. THE FACT THAT THE DIRECTION/PRODUCTION WAS DONE BY SOMEONE IN THE COMMUNITY IS SO POWERFUL. IT WAS THOUGHT-PROVOKING AND ASKS THE AUDIENCE TO CONSIDER HOW GENDER INFLUENCES THEIR RECREATION IN THE MOUNTAINS WHICH IS ULTIMATELY WHAT I BELIEVE THE FILM WAS AFTER.


FILM FESTIVAL COMMITTEE


JUST FOLLOWING UP ON THE DENVER SHOW OF
‘PEOPLE LIKE US’... IT WAS AWESOME! IT TRULY
WAS A NIGHT OF COMMUNITY AND SKI STOKE
(A COMBINATION WHICH, AS WE ALL KNOW,
FORMS THE MEANING OF LIFE). THANK YOU
FOR SHARING THIS ART AND FOR HELPING
PEOPLE LIKE US FEEL SEEN & HEARD.



DENVER THEATRICAL SCREENING ORGANIZER


JUST WANTED TO SAY HOW
MUCH I LOVED THIS FILM
WHEN I SAW IT THROUGH VIMFF.
YOU ALL FREAKING ROCK!



AUDIENCE MATTER
Skiers from 'People Like Us' smile for the camera.
APPRECIATION
Skiing in the backcountry.
HELP
PEOPLE LIKE US
GIVE BACK
People Like Us premiered in 2023 in North America
through a range of screenings including film festivals
and community events. The filmmakers waived film
licensing fees for community events that were
fundraising for 2SLGBTQ+ programs and organizations.


So far, the film has screened at 14 community
events and raised close to $10,000.

While the film is now online for free, the
filmmakers encourage viewers to make
a donation to their local 2SLGBTQ+ program.
Sponsors logos of the film: Mountain Hardwear, Mountain Equipment Company, Arts Revelstoke, Fat Tire, Cultural Alliance, Storyhive.
IT SURE TAKES
A VILLAGE
A lot of good folks, near and far, came together
to make this film possible. We were lucky
enough to be one of them.
PRESS FOR PEOPLE LIKE US
Director Ryan-Paul Collins and Hank Stowers taking in the terrain.

NEW FILM “PEOPLE LIKE US” CELEBRATES QUEER CULTURE
IN MOUNTAIN COMMUNITIES

MHW athlete Lily Bradley demonstrates
cornice creativity at Palisades, Tahoe.

PRO SKIER LILY BRADLEY DISRUPTS MOUNTAIN SKI CULTURE IN NEW QUEER SKI FILM

Open Mountains friends all out together on a ski day.

A NEW SHORT FILM MADE IN REVELSTOKE IS EXPLORING QUEER IDENTITY IN MOUNTAIN TOWNS AND SNOW SPORTS

Director Ryan-Paul Collins behind the camera while on the mountain in backcountry of B.C.

FRIDAY FLICK:
PEOPLE LIKE US

Hank Stowers jumps whilst on their skis in the backcountry of B.C.

PEOPLE LIKE US CHAMPIONS QUEER CULTURE IN OUTDOOR SPORTS

Director Ryan-Paul Collins behind the camera while on the mountain in backcountry of B.C.

INTERVIEW WITH THE DIRECTOR, RYAN-PAUL COLLINS

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