Mendoza, Argentina – The new Netflix adventure drama “Society of the Snow” is inspired by the real-life 1972 plane crash in the Andes. The disaster occurred when Uruguayan Air Force Flight 571, carrying a rugby team from Montevideo, Uruguay, to Santiago, Chile, crashed into the Andes mountains. Out of 45 passengers, 29 died, and the survivors were left to endure freezing temperatures, injuries, and an avalanche for 72 days before being rescued.
Pablo Vierci’s book “Society of the Snow” provided first-person accounts from each of the 16 survivors of the crash, inspiring the movie. One passenger, Dr. Roberto Canessa, shared his memories of the crash in an interview, recalling the harrowing events and the grim details of survival. He explained how difficult it was to watch the film, as it accurately portrayed their ordeal, even filming at the actual site of the crash.
The survivors’ resilience and courage are evident in their post-crash lives. Many went on to become motivational speakers and authors, sharing their experiences with the world. Some, like Canessa, became renowned in their respective fields, using the lessons learned from the tragedy to navigate life’s difficulties and have faith in themselves.
The survivors still gather annually on Dec. 22, the day of their rescue, to commemorate their experience and celebrate the lives they have built since then. They have found strength in each other, with Canessa even creating a salon in his house as a place for the group to meet. The movie “Society of the Snow” provided a poignant moment for the survivors, as they watched an early screening arranged by Netflix. Their applause and tears reflected the deep emotional impact of reliving their remarkable story of survival.
In conclusion, the 1972 Andes plane crash, which inspired the new Netflix film “Society of the Snow,” remains a testament to the human spirit’s ability to endure and overcome the most harrowing circumstances. It is a story of resilience, faith, and the enduring bond formed among the survivors as they faced unimaginable challenges and built new lives in the aftermath.