September 2024
Fallen Leaves - Kilian Buhl
Every rider dreams of capturing their passion in a video. For Kilian, this dream had been a long-standing project delayed by competitions and the search for the right filmmaker. However, in February 2024, it finally came to fruition. With Joel and his brother, Hosea, in tow, they headed to Maribor. The goal was to create an aesthetic video that inspired viewers to ride and bring pure joy when watched.
February's weather was unpredictable, but the team got lucky. Perfect conditions created the desired moody, autumnal vibe. During the shoot, they often put the script aside, following their flow and spontaneous ideas, which added a special authenticity to the project.
Time was tight and they had only two days to complete the three-minute video. Another challenge was choosing the right music. Kilian placed great importance on the soundtrack and, on the drive home from the shoot, discovered the French rapper Banki on Spotify. Despite his limited following, Banki impressed with high-quality music. Kilian contacted him immediately and Banki, excited by the idea, provided three songs for the project.
In addition to Banki, other partners like RAAW Mountain Bikes, Naked Optics and Styrian Flow supported the project. Together, they crafted a creative masterpiece born from an idea, determination and the collaboration of three friends and their bikes.
This video is not only a testament to Kilian's vision but also an inspiration for every rider. It shows how passion and creativity can lead to something great and reminds us of how diverse and exciting our sport is. An invitation to grab the bike and enjoy the ride.
Words: Kilian Buhl
Photos: Joel Dietenhofer, Hosea Dietenhofer
Video: Joel Dietenhofer, Hosea Dietenhofer