In the world of adventure films, “Balkan Express” is the thrilling sequel to the crowd-pleaser, “Ice & Palms,” that had us all in awe at the 2019 Radical Reels Tour. Directed by Philipp Becker, this visually spectacular film sends us right back into the wild escapades of the dynamic duo, Jochen Mesle and Max Kroneck, weaving a tale of bikepacking and skiing that spans 2,500 kilometres, featuring an insane 40,000 metres of elevation gain.
Fast forward four years from their unforgettable journey through the Alps and Mediterranean, and Jochen and Max were itching for another adrenaline-soaked adventure.
But this wasn’t your run-of-the-mill adventure; it was a rollercoaster of bone-chilling temperatures, flat tires, minor crashes, showdowns with street dogs, exhaustion, and heartwarming encounters with total strangers who became their guardian angels along the way. Capturing the footage for the film themselves, their hard work and planning paid off with “Balkan Express” being awarded the Best Snow Sports Film at the 2022 Banff Centre Mountain Film Festival.
When asked about their favourite off-camera moments from “Balkan Express,” One particular gem that didn’t make the final cut was their encounter with Edis, a local mountain guide from Kosovo. Edis proudly shared snapshots of himself, cruising through the city streets with skis on his back – a sight that turned heads and raised eyebrows in Prizren, no doubt. Turns out, their previous film, “Ice & Palms,” had lit a fire under Edis, inspiring him to embark on this unconventional adventure. Meeting Edis in person, hearing his tales, and witnessing his boundless love for the mountains left an indelible mark on their journey.
Another unforgettable memory etched in their minds was their arrival at Mount Olympus in Greece. Following a dry spell in the Alps, their expectations were modest. But a weather map revelation stopped them in their tracks. The area around Mount Olympus was gearing up for the mother of all snowfalls – the biggest in all of Europe! Amidst icy obscurity and the relentless dance of fate, their journey unfolds, weaving danger into a mesmerising story of high- altitude intrigue.
The mountain conditions were absolutely primo, a rare treat. Picture this: the sun rising over the ocean as they trudged through a metre of fresh, fluffy snow – a memory that’ll make anyone smile. Of course, their journey wasn’t all smooth sailing. The first flat tire? Oh, it struck just 20 minutes into their adventure, right after they’d rolled out of the Thessaloniki train station. Talk about adventure kicking in right off the bat!
Nervous about what to expect on a bicycle-border- crossing escapade, they stumbled upon quite the surprise: two peacocks casually sauntering around the border terminal. The border officers initially wore stern expressions, but that all changed when they spotted the skis strapped to their bikes. Suddenly, it was all smiles and camaraderie. They even whipped out their smartphones to show off webcams of nearby ski resorts and gave insider tips on the best powder runs. Who would’ve thought border crossings could be so entertaining?
In the world of adventure filmmaking, “Balkan Express” not only captures breathtaking landscapes but also serves up heartwarming encounters anda hefty dose of human spirit. It’s a reminder that the best adventures often lurk off the beaten path, and that every challenge is a chance to discover the kindness of strangers and the depth of our own determination. Jochen Mesle, Max Kroneck, and director Philipp Becker have invited us all aboard a journey where the thrill knows no limits and where adventure is the name of the game.
Watch ‘Balkan Express’ from Radical Reels 2023 on Adventure Reels TV HERE