LOS ANGELES — The story of survival and resilience depicted in the film “Society of the Snow” resonated deeply with Gustavo Zerbino, a survivor of the 1972 Uruguayan Air Force plane crash in the Andes mountains. Zerbino found himself transported back to the harrowing experience as he watched the raw and unfiltered portrayal of the nearly 70 days he and his teammates spent stranded in the snow-covered mountains.
The film, directed by J.A. Bayona, is based on Pablo Vierci’s book and follows the story of the Old Christians rugby team and their relatives and friends as they faced extreme conditions including snow storms, avalanches, and starvation after their plane crashed. The tragedy, which resulted in the survivors having to resort to cannibalism to stay alive, has been the subject of multiple retellings in various forms of media.
Bayona’s approach to the film aimed to honor the event’s survivors and victims and their Uruguayan culture, with a focus on reflection rather than dramatic action. The narrative is narrated by Numa Turcatti, who passed away shortly before the rescue, and is portrayed by Enzo Vogrincic in the film. This choice was driven by a desire to provide a perspective from the point of view of the deceased in the story of endurance and compassion.
The film, which is now shortlisted for best international feature film at the 2024 Academy Awards, delves deep into the complex emotions and experiences of those involved in the tragedy. It seeks to convey the message of hope and the indomitable human spirit, while also shining a light on the sacrifices made by the deceased to ensure the survival of their friends.
For Zerbino and the other crash survivors, “Society of the Snow” has become a means of fulfilling their commitment to preserving the legacy of their late team members and sharing their remarkable story of resilience with the world.