One of the most influential snowboarders of all times, Jess Kimura’s impact reaches throughout the sport, from hosting grassroots events that support young female snowboarders to sweeping the Transworld Snowboarding Rider’s Poll Awards multiple times. Jess has earned practically every accolade in her genre, but it’s her unique and authentic personality that earns Jess her substantial and varied fan base.

“Premiered at Tribeca Film Festival this summer, Learning to Drown follows the life and career of Jess Kimura”

Her first film appearance earned her the opening segment for Think Thank’s Right Brain Left Brain in 2010, which she earned by throwing down a slew of tricks, like the backside tailslide down a big ledge in Alaska.

She’s always taken younger riders under her wing and her all-girls film project, The Uninvited, is yet another proof of she pours her heart and body into snowboarding.

Premiered at Tribeca Film Festival this summer, Learning to Drown follows the life and career of Jess Kimura. One of the most influential snowboarders in the world, Jess was at the top of her game when tragedy struck. As everything came crashing down, grief led her down a path she could have never imagined.

“Jess’s only way out was within — as she faces her deepest fears, she reminds us that not all wounds are meant to heal”

After the tragic death of Jess’s partner at the height of her career, she spiralled into a cycle of self-destruction, grief and despair. Compounded by head injuries and mental health issues, the circumstances seemed insurmountable. Jess’s only way out was within — as she faces her deepest fears, she reminds us that not all wounds are meant to heal. Learning to Drown gives viewers the front seat as Jess unapologetically shatters stereotypes with her own brand of unwavering determination and go-for-broke mentality.

“Jess Kimura is not afraid of falling. This beautiful film showcases her long journey of persistence and determination as she takes on one challenge after the other to become one of the most influential snowboarders of her time. Jess openly shares her deepest fear and suffering and reminds us of the importance of being our best selves, in this inspiring lifetime story of a hero.” — Bachar Khattar, jury member of Banff Film Festival