Emotional Premiere of Film Recalling the Balandrau Mountain Tragedy

Actors and meteorologists discuss the extreme 2000 storm that claimed seven lives in the Ripollès region.

Generic image of a heavy snowstorm and intense wind on a mountain peak.
IA

Generic image of a heavy snowstorm and intense wind on a mountain peak.

The official release of the film Balandrau, vent salvatge has moved audiences by revisiting the tragic events of December 30, 2000, when seven hikers died in the Ripollès mountains.

During a presentation in Manresa, actors Jan Buxaderas and Carles Gilabert joined meteorologist Jordi Cruz i Serra to discuss the production. Cruz, author of the book 3 nits de torb i un Cap d'Any, confirmed that the film accurately portrays the brutal conditions faced by the victims.

"They could not flee because the wind pursued them."

Jordi Cruz i Serra · Meteorologist and author
The discussion highlighted that 25 years ago, weather models were less precise, making the storm unpredictable. Winds reached 140 km/h, lifting massive amounts of snow and creating a lethal environment that lasted for over 12 hours on the Balandrau slopes.
The cast emphasized the emotional weight of the project directed by Fernando Trullols. Carles Gilabert, playing a volunteer firefighter from Campdevànol, dedicated his performance to the victims, while the production team honored the rescuers from Olot and the surrounding areas.