90 Seconds of Aspen – Portrait Series of ASPEN Locals
90 Seconds of Aspen is a short-form video storytelling series that celebrates the people who make the Roaring Fork Valley extraordinary. Each episode captures a 90-second cinematic portrait of a local resident whose presence, story, or life’s work has left a lasting impact on the community. From the quiet leaders to the bold visionaries, this project shines a light on those who help shape Aspen’s unique character—on and off the mountain.
The series highlights a diverse range of voices and perspectives—from artists and athletes to entrepreneurs, educators, and unsung heroes. Featured individuals include longtime community icons like Steve Karczewski, photographer Jeremy Swanson, snowboard instructor Susan Saghatoleslami, former ski instructor, late Per Guldbrandsgaard, and artist Matty Davis. Together, they reflect the resilience, creativity, and authenticity that defines mountain life in Aspen and the greater Roaring Fork Valley.
Shot and produced locally in Aspen, Colorado, each episode blends intimate interviews with documentary-style cinematography—capturing subjects in their element, whether it’s behind the scenes at an event, out on a trail, or inside their place of work. With short interviews and a focus on visual storytelling, the format offers a quick yet meaningful glimpse into who these people are and why they matter.
As an Aspen-based filmmaker and photographer, my goal with 90 Seconds of Aspen is to create a visual time capsule of the community—something that’s personal, real, and reflective of the people who give this place its soul. The series is an ongoing project that continues to evolve with each new story added.
This series shares DNA with my documentary films 2 Legs Is 2 Easy and 80 for 80—both of which spotlight remarkable individuals who redefine what’s possible in the mountains. These longer-form films grew from the same belief that ordinary people doing extraordinary things deserve to be seen. Whether it’s a one-legged skier chasing big lines or an 80-year-old hiking Highland Bowl 80 times in a season, their stories reflect the heart and grit of this community. 90 Seconds of Aspen continues that tradition in bite-sized form, offering a quick but powerful lens into the lives that make Aspen more than just a postcard-perfect place.