“Long Live Chainsaw”–Trailer Release

Coming Winter 2021, documentary film “Long Live Chainsaw” from Red Bull Media House and Anthill Films, reveals the true story of the meteoric rise, untimely death and long-lasting legacy of Canadian downhill mountain bike legend, Stevie Smith.

Raised by a devoted single mom in humble surroundings, Stevie’s unwavering belief not only propelled him to become the best in the world but inspired everyone he touched to believe in their own impossible dreams.

A look behind the curtain of downhill World Cup racing, “Long Live Chainsaw” portrays an underdog overcoming the odds to win the 2013 Overall title. Known as the “F1 of cycling”, downhill had long been dominated by Europeans before ‘The Canadian Chainsaw’ became the unlikeliest of heroes.

“Long Live Chainsaw” is produced in partnership with the Stevie Smith Legacy Foundation. In 2017, the foundation built a community bike park in Stevie’s hometown of Nanaimo to honor his life and legacy by keeping kids stoked on being outside and riding bikes. All proceeds from the film will be donated to the Stevie Smith Legacy Foundation to help grow Stevie’s legacy of inspiring the next generation of riders.

Red Bull Media House and Anthill Films present “Long Live Chainsaw” in support of The Stevie Smith Legacy Foundation, written, directed and edited by Anthill Films with support from Adidas Five Ten, SRAM, RockShox, Fox Racing, Cycles Devinci, Crankbrothers, Schwalbe, Shimano, Maxxis and Evil Bikes.

Key Release Dates:

Nov 5: World Premiere, Nanaimo, The Port Theatre

Nov 6: Film Festival Premiere, Banff Film Festival, British Columbia

Nov 13: Vancouver Premiere, The Centennial Theatre

Nov 20: Whistler Premiere, Maury Young Arts Centre Theatre

Nov 12 – Dec 14: Exclusive premiere events

Dec 14: Non-exclusive film screening events

Mid-Dec: Digital Download sales begin (iTunes, Google Play, Vimeo, etc…)

View all Premiere Tour Dates HERE.

Click HERE to apply for a premiere event.

Director’s Statement

“When Stevie was suddenly taken from us in 2016, as filmmakers, we were immediately drawn to the idea of honouring Stevie’s life and legacy on screen. Having been so close to him, we knew that some time would have to pass before we’d be emotionally ready to embark on this project. Stevie’s story belongs to the community as a whole. His life touched so many people that it seems fitting his story be told through the united efforts of the community he helped inspire. This film has been a huge collaboration from those who knew him best—family, friends and fellow riders—to every filmmaker and photographer that ever worked with him. Our hope for this film is that his extraordinary story continues to inspire future generations of young athletes. Stevie may no longer be with us, but his legacy sends a ripple of positivity out in the universe that will grow with all who come to know his story. Long Live Chainsaw.” – Darcy Wittenburg.

Quotes

“I was beyond excited when Darcy from Anthill contacted me about the idea to make a film about Steve’s life story. I was at a loss for words….for me, this is the greatest tribute possible! I think that the telling of Steve’s story will be inspiring to a lot of the young riders out there. It will show them that you just never know…if a kid from Cassidy can do it, anything is possible!” – Tianna Smith, Mother.

“Stevie was a pioneer of Canadian gravity racing and a massive inspiration for many of our athletes. He was a proud Canadian and wished the success of all his fellow riders. The goal of the Stevie Smith Legacy Foundation is to help foster success in young cyclists in Canada and around the world. Already, the foundation’s initiatives have supported young riders to represent Canada at an international level. We are really excited for the release of this project with Anthill Films to further share the impact that Stevie is still having.” – Gabe Fox, Stevie Smith Legacy Foundation Board Member.

“He’s left a legacy of a lifetime. There’s a lot of people out there who strive to be the next Stevie Smith” – Brook Macdonald.

“He got in people’s hearts, he won fans, and those fans are going to follow him forever.” – Steve Peat.

“You still see chainsaws on flags at world cups now, and I think you always will.” – Rob Warner.