The documentary short Hidden Hokkaido is an Italian production running 8 minutes and 24 seconds, directed by Federico Remolif. Written by and starring Massimo Ferro, and produced by Massimo Ferro and Oliver Mondino, it was made in Italian and completed on 15 December 2024.
Its central theme is snowboarding, told through a journey across the Japanese island of Hokkaido. Two friends travel the island in a van in search of perfect snow and remote places far from the busiest tourist resorts. The film thus explores not only the sport but also the connection with nature and the desire for freedom the mountains can offer.
The protagonists are the authors and performers themselves, who take part in the story first-hand. The snowboarders’ real participation documents both the challenges encountered along the journey and the moments of discovery and magic connected with the sporting experience.
The message that emerges is a hymn to freedom, sharing and love for the mountains, where sport becomes a way to experience nature authentically and intensely. Through unexpected encounters and obstacles faced along the way, the documentary highlights a spirit of adventure and a sense of connection with the environment.
From a production perspective, the film was made with a budget of 10,000 US dollars. It is neither a student project nor the director’s first work. Shot digitally in 4K with a 16:9 aspect ratio, it presents itself as a professional production with carefully crafted visual rendering.
Film Information
Title: Hidden Hokkaido
Original title: Hidden Hokkaido
Director: Federico Remolif
Production: Massimo Ferro, Oliver Mondino
Country: Italy
Language: Italian
Running time: 8 minutes and 24 seconds
Genre: Documentary, sports short film
Sport featured: Snowboarding
Protagonist(s): Massimo Ferro, Oliver Mondino
Completion date: 15 December 2024
Premiere: [Not stated]
Distributor: [Not stated]
Shooting format: Digital 4K 25p, 16:9, colour
Director’s first film: No
Student project: No