DENVER - Warren Miller Entertainment is celebrating 60 years of film making in Colorado.
One of the segments fans will see in this year's ski movie "Dynasty," explores a Mongol tribe in northwest China whose ancestors are believed to be the world's very first skiers some 3,000 years ago.
Local professional athlete and filmmaker Chris Anthony documented the journey, giving Colorado students a behind-the-scenes look at the making of a Warren Miller film.
"I can't help but think, 'Gosh, if they actually knew the real story of how we got this shot and how we ended up in this area,'" Anthony said.
After starring in Warren Miller's epic ski films for 20 years Anthony decided it was time to expand his resume so he picked up a camera and started shooting.
"You can't always be an athlete for the rest of your life, but there is something about telling a story . . . It's a great opportunity for you to open your mind," he said.
Home from an 18 day trip in the Altia Mountains in northwest China, Anthony is sharing his journey in hopes of inspiring the next generation of filmmakers and adventure seekers.
With the help of a University of Colorado Boulder student, Anthony put together the 25-minute documentary. It is a behind-the-scenes look at the crew's journey to find a Mongol tribe. Based on rock drawings, archeologists believe Mongol tribe members are decedents of the first people to ever ski.
"For me it was the most difficult journey I've been on," he said.
The crew walked hundreds of miles while horses carried their gear and after two-and a-half days in some of the most unforgiving conditions they found what they were looking for.
"Of course I want to see these skis and the first thing I notice is they have the right shape," Anthony said.
What we consider modern technology these early skiers invented thousands of years ago to hunt for food and survive.
"I just got to experience something that was the most amazing thing I've been a part of," he explained.
Anthony hopes his documentary will give a whole new perspective to what it means to make movies.
"Dynasty" is showing in theaters across Colorado and will be in Boulder and Denver next month. Anthony is showing his documentary, primarily at schools and at private events to raise money for charity.