Tragedy of Balandrau snowstorm comes to big screen 25 years later

Twenty-five years after ten hikers died in a sudden blizzard on Balandrau mountain in the Catalan Pyrenees, their story – and that of the sole survivor – is being told in a new film.

'Balandrau, Vent Salvatge' (Balandrau, Where the Fierce Wind Blew) opens in cinemas on Friday, telling a survival story inspired by the real-life disaster.

Directed by Fernando Trullols, the mountaineering film stars Álvaro Cervantes, Bruna Cusí, and Marc Martínez, and highlights the role of firefighters in the rescue operation.

Nestled in the Pyrenees, the Casal Camprodoní cinema hosted the pre-release screening on Monday, paying tribute to the victims and everyone involved in the rescue.

"This story belongs to you," Trullols told an emotional audience.

Among those attending was Josep Maria Vilà, the sole survivor, who watched the film alongside emergency workers, family members of the deceased, and local residents.

A minute's silence was observed before the screening.

"We made it with heart and respect"

"We made it with heart and respect," Trullols said of making the film.

After three years of work, including extensive special effects to recreate the blizzard, cold, and extreme conditions, he said he was "very grateful" to have brought the project to life. 

Despite the grief at the heart of the story, Trullols described the work as "a celebration of life" and a tribute to the victims and to all the people and professionals who participated in the rescue.

“To all those who responded, to save lives, search for them, and put themselves at risk in a commendable way,” he said.

A step toward healing

Josep Maria Vilà, the sole survivor, said he believed the film would continue the path of "repair and healing" that began 25 years ago, after he lost his partner Mònica and his friends in the tragedy.

He added that, over time, he had found a way to return to the mountains and enjoy them. "I knew I couldn’t carry ghosts and that I had to go back, even knowing the first trips would be hard," he said.

Actors approach roles with respect

Among the cast is Àlvaro Cervantes, who plays Vilà. "It was a huge responsibility, for what he lived through, and he was very generous with my many questions," Cervantes said.

Bruna Cusí, portraying Mònica, Vilà’s partner, said one goal was to convey her "vitality." "We knew she had to have a very special place [in the film]," she said.

Both actors said they approached the roles with respect for the families and friends behind the story.

"Cisco was like that"

Rita Moles Cruz, widow of Cisco Carola, attended the premiere and said the film deeply moved her.

"I wasn’t expecting it. Seeing him like that in person hurt me a lot," she said – the film includes real footage of the rescue.

She added that the movie is "a well-deserved tribute," and praised the actor portraying Cisco for capturing his personality. "Maybe a few swear words were missing, because he had a strong character, but that's how he was. He loved the mountains more than me," she said.

The screening ended with three minutes of applause and a standing ovation.

Balandrau, Vent Salvatge opens in cinemas on Friday, February 20.