In many American ski towns, the tourism and services economies would grind to a halt without their Latino populations. In a place like Jackson, Wyoming, the Latino community is a mix of documented immigrants and undocumented workers - many of whom are facing increasing risk of deportation under the current Presidential Administration, often resulting in family separation.
Members of the Latino community ski alongside us, live next door, and participate in the same kids programs and school classes. They build homes and hotels, landscape, paint, clean sheets and towels, stock groceries, and cook in the restaurants we frequent. They keep the machine humming. Yet, we barely notice them.
The documentary film, The Quiet Force, investigates the human and economic impact of hispanic immigrants living in ski towns— specifically, Mammoth, Vail, and Jackson—where they comprise 30 percent (or more) of the local population
The film’s narrative explores the effects of the current political climate and actions on Latino individuals and communities. Interviews with immigrant families, local politicians, law enforcement, educators, non-profit organizations, and economists provides a balanced analysis of an ever-changing issue that remains murky even to the most seasoned.
Hilary Byrne & Sophie Danison are filmmakers with a deep love for the outdoors and a belief that quality storytelling can lead to positive social change. Hilary spent seven years in Jackson Hole working for some of the top action sports production companies including Brain Farm and Teton Gravity Research, producing content for Red Bull Media House, National Geographic, and Outside Television. Sophie is a videographer, photographer and film editor, inspired by the outdoors & facilitating storytelling of people doing what makes them feel alive. She has worked with outdoor media companies & nonprofits alike including Teton Gravity Research, Trout Unlimited, Orvis, NRS, and more. She studied Photojournalism and Spanish at The University of Montana.