"Seven Seconds: The Dream of Flying" – A New Documentary Celebrates Women's Ski Jumping

A captivating new documentary celebrating a pivotal moment in women’s ski jumping is making its way to theaters. Seven Seconds: The Dream of Flying, directed by Martina di Lorenzo, recently premiered in Germany and is set to air in Austria soon. This film narrates the inspiring journey of female athletes during the landmark inaugural women's ski flying event held last year in Vikersund.

The title, Seven Seconds, signifies the fleeting yet exhilarating moments a ski jumper experiences when airborne on the world’s most massive ski jumping hills. Traditionally, ski flying competitions at these iconic locations—including Kulm (AUT), Oberstdorf (GER), Planica (SLO), and Vikersund (NOR)—were exclusively male-dominated. However, the 2022/23 season witnessed a momentous change, with 15 women participating in the inaugural women's ski flying competition at Vikersund. Slovenian jumper Ema Klinec etched her name in history by achieving a remarkable jump of 226 meters, setting a new world record.

Martina di Lorenzo's documentary intimately follows two pioneering athletes, Katharina Schmid and Eva Pinkelnig, providing a close-up of their paths to success. "This documentary goes beyond ski jumping; it delves into the personal journeys of two elite jumpers," di Lorenzo noted. "It offers insights into their passion, determination, and the obstacles they encounter both on and off the hill."

Moreover, the film powerfully showcases the triumphs and tribulations these athletes faced as they pushed the limits of their sport. Di Lorenzo dedicated nearly four years to this project, with 34 days of filming throughout an entire season, capturing everything from summer training sessions to competitive winter events.

Seven Seconds profoundly explores the hard work and dedication these women invested to claim their spots on the ski flying hills, culminating in their historical feat at Vikersund. "I aim to illustrate the fascination of ski jumping and the intensity with which these women chase their dreams," di Lorenzo explained. "This film encapsulates the passion, courage, and perseverance of our formidable female protagonists on their path to flight."

The documentary premiered with a special screening for the athletes during the World Cup weekend in Vikersund. Di Lorenzo shared, "I felt quite nervous before the private showing in March, but ultimately I was delighted. The athletes felt accurately represented, which was crucial to me—I aimed to create a film in which they could truly see themselves."

Currently, Seven Seconds: The Dream of Flying is screening at the Kurfilmtheater in Oberstdorf, a town famously associated with the prestigious Four Hills Tournament. The Austrian premiere is scheduled for August 21st at Metropolkino in Innsbruck, where stars of the film, Eva Pinkelnig and Eva Ganster, will be present as honorary guests. The documentary will also feature at the Kitzbühel Film Festival and later during the Nordic Week in Einsiedeln.

This film transcends mere sports documentation; it pays homage to the passion and determination of women who have reshaped the landscape of ski jumping.