José Rios Vazquez films with the Sachtler FSB 4 in the Peruvian Andes

José Rios Vazquez is not only an adventurer and a mountain climber. Above all, he is a passionate cinematographer and director in spite of difficult conditions for filmmakers in Peru. This combination makes him the perfect partner for the latest project by Cancino Films, a Peruvian production company. With its film productions, Cancino Films has supported the conservation of the ecosystems in the Andes for 30 years. The documentary series "El Llamado de la Montaña" (Engl. "The Call of the Mountain") was shot in the Huascarán National Park and is to be shown at international film festivals in the 2011/12 season.

FLYING HIGH WITH THE SACHTLER FSB 4

In the national park, which has been declared a world natural heritage site by UNESCO, stands Peru's highest mountain of the same name, the Nevado Huascarán. To film the last two nature films for the documentary series, José

Rios Vazquez headed to this mountain with his companion, the director of the mountain guide school “Don Bosco en Los Andes” now called “Renato Casarotto climbing center”. He took the Canon XL H1 camcorder and the Sachtler FSB 4 tripod system with him.

ROBUST EQUIPMENT FOR HARSH CLIMATE

Not only does the film reveal the beauty of nature high above in the Andes in impressive pictures of landscapes; José Rios Vazquez also documented the flora and fauna and accompanied mountain climbing teams on their tours. The extreme climate conditions were a challenge for both the team and the equipment. "The climate at an altitude of 6,000 meters is very harsh, but even at -10 °C (14 °F), the Sachtler tripod system worked smoothly and dependably," reports José Rios Vazquez.

CONVINCING IN PERFORMANCE AND DESIGN

"With its five-step counterbalance, the fluid head provides clean pans. In addition, the complete tripod system with a weight of 4.9 kg is easy to transport and was therefore perfect for our demanding mountain tours," summarizes Vazquez. Even the design of the Sachtler equipment impressed the Peruvian: "I like the logo and the color combination with red details and a lot of black."

The film material is currently in post-production. In 2011/12, the result of the adventurous filming tour is to be shown, among other places, at the following mountain film festivals: Tegernsee International Mountain Film Festival, Germany / Berg+Abenteuer Filmfestival Graz, Austria / Banff Mountain Film and Book Festival, Alberta, Canada / Mountain Film, Telluride, USA.

ABOUT JOSÉ RIOS VAZQUEZ

Studied social communication in Peru.
Has filmed numerous documentaries, corporate promotional films, and different series in his 28 years as a cinematographer.
Received the Peruvian film prize for the best tourism film and different international prizes.
Is a member of the "Association of Directors" in Peru.

IMPRESSIONS

"Films are the eye of life."
José Rios Vazquez

INTERESTING LINKS

Watch the trailer for "El Llamado de la Montaña" (Engl. "The call of the Mountain") here.
Visit the Facebook Page of José Rios Vazquez.
Learn more about the school for mountain guides “Guide Don Bosco”.
Here, you'll find further information about the Sachtler FSB 4 tripod system.