Sometimes great things arise from quick ideas, fleeting thoughts and late-night conversations. Wild ideas come together to form something concrete, and suddenly you find yourself in the middle of a project.
Welcome to the movie “Stilfser Joch – Abseits der Kehren”.
Before you read, please note: this post was translated with the help of Deepl.
If you find any errors – please have fun first and then give me a hint.
There are roads that are more than just asphalt and curves – they are places of longing. The route to the Stelvio Pass, built 200 years ago, is one of them for me. For decades, riding through the 48 hairpin bends of the eastern ramp has been part of my life as a motorcyclist. And even after more than 30 years, every visit to Italy’s highest pass is a special experience for me – whether by motorcycle, bicycle, car or on foot.
The content of www.MotorProsa.com also thrives on this. This did not go unnoticed, which is why Alex Milz, filmmaker and motorcycle traveler, wrote to me at some point. We immediately hit it off, one word led to another, and the idea of a cinematic portrait of the Stelvio was born.
A
magnificent idea
Alex’ movies impress viewers with their steady camera work, exceptional image and sound quality, and Alex’s particularly pleasant voice. And last but not least, they captivate with their depth. One example is his movie “Griechenlands vergessene Dörfer” – a masterpiece that left me speechless.
But making a movie about the Stelvio Pass? Another one? YouTube is already overflowing with poser scenes and, more recently, crash scenes. Thousands of action cameras have now completely digitized the road, and every day drones fly around competing with the alpine choughs. Everything has already been filmed at the Stelvio Pass—just not by everyone.
So from the outset, we asked ourselves: What happens beyond the hairpin bends, where the power of nature dominates? What stories do the people who live in this region tell? What and whom does the Joch divide, and what and whom does it connect?
Research
as a gift
Alex and I met at the end of May 2024 and immersed ourselves in books and websites. For a week, we roamed the Upper Vinschgau Valley in search of filming locations, because the path to the pass was blocked. We looked up at the snow, yellowed by Sahara sand, filled notebooks with ideas and scene images, and threw the script out several times.
Stelvio research, due to the winter closure from the valley
We poured our passion into this idea—and were richly rewarded. Not only did Alex manage to recruit his son Daniel as an outstanding cameraman, but we also came into contact with Arthur Gfrei, THE Stelvio Pass expert. We had both devoured his book “Die Stilfserjochstraße” beforehand, and Arthur also gave us access to his huge archive and granted us an in-depth interview. A highlight of our research was the excursion with him to the pass and the remains of the front line from the First World War.
But that’s not all: Wortwerkstatt organized an electric motorcycle and a radio communication solution for us for the shoot. The Prad Tourism Association supported our project in an uncomplicated and generous manner. The Burgschänke Schluderns allowed us to start filming at Churburg Castle. Christian Thoma provided us with unique footage of the construction of the Tibet hut and took care of food and lodging for the entire crew. And we were able to recruit Lanfranco Sorvillo, who could probably drive the 48 hairpin bends blindfolded, as the driver for our camera car.
Stories
that touch your heart
The movie was not only intended to illustrate and inform, but also to move viewers. We chose locations that spoke for themselves and did not require voice-over commentary. We sought out emotional moments and found them in restaurants, living rooms, and right on the roadside. We kept the interviews informal, asking few questions so we could listen more attentively. We ended up with a mosaic of impressions that ultimately shed new light on the Stelvio Pass road.
We certainly put in some effort.
„Abseits der Kehren“ is an invitation to take a fresh look at the Stelvio Pass. Not as a sporting challenge on a motorcycle or in a sports car, and not as a backdrop for selfies, but as a memorial and a monument, a link between regions, cultures, and ultimately people.
Online (with English subtitles) at youtube.com/alexonroad
Working with Arthur, Alex, and Daniel was an exciting and creative dialogue. I got to know “my” street in a whole new way, and it resulted in a very special movie. I am very grateful for that!
Comments
on the movie
In “Das Stilfser Joch – Abseits der Kehren”, passionate motorcyclists explain what most tourists and pass enthusiasts probably miss: life beyond the curves.
In poetic, calm, and powerful images, we experience the view of the locals, because the report also gives a voice to the people who live with and on the Stelvio Pass. Some of them have been there for several decades. Impressions are vividly conveyed and charmingly accompanied by historical footage.
“Stilfser Joch – Abseits der Kehren” is a movie that sheds new light on the history of this legendary mountain pass. Director Alex Milz weaves together impressive images of the breathtaking landscape with the voices of contemporary witnesses and enthusiasts with great sensitivity and reverence. Memory, the present, and destiny flow into one another and show that this is not just about a road, but about a place that connects people in many different ways. A work that touches, inspires, and lingers in the mind.
“Go and see it, everyone. It’s a unique movie. The facts are presented objectively, without being didactic, and the maker’s emotions are palpable from the first minute to the last.”
Thanks
for the support!
- Prad Tourism Association
For your straightforward assistance in implementing this project - Tibet hut
For the valuable support during our filming - Burgschänke Schluderns
For making the very first film scenes possible - Zero Motorcycles Europe
For the provision of your Zero DSR/X - Wortwerkstatt
For logistical support with vehicles and equipment - Cardo Systems
For simplifying our communication
Perfectly matching:
Ultracycling – Go further than the rest
Stelvio Pass on a bicycle: 100 vertical metres
Stelvio Pass on a bicycle: 1000 vertical metres
Stelvio Pass on a bicycle: The last 4 bends
Let’s climb the Stelvio together!
Stelvio – Count from 1 to 10!
Have fun looking at them!
