about the film

ABOUT THE FILM

THE POLAR FRAME, the feature documentary from Sam Nuttmann and Michael Lewington, is an epic cinematic portrait of Norwegian ski expeditioner and photographer Kristin Folsland Olsen, as she travels to the frozen places on earth to capture incredible photographs of nature, wildlife, and people.

Explore Kristin’s past life of extreme ski expeditions and how forming survival skills in these situations led to her unique style of photography in some of the world’s most challenging environments.

After a critical ski accident that left Kristin with a fractured pelvis, she has had to endure chronic pain, fatigue, and other health issues that cannot be solved with simple modern medicine. Discover the power of cold exposure therapy, yoga, and other non-traditional healing practices, as Kristin travels down an uncertain path to healing.

Take a journey to the Arctic and Antarctic frozen worlds as Kristin leaves behind the life of extreme expedition goals and pieces together a new life focused on the little, beautiful moments of everyday living.

LOGLINE

Norwegian ski expeditioner and photographer Kristin Folsland Olsen confronts chronic pain from a life-changing accident, embarking on a journey through the Arctic and Antarctic to rediscover life, healing, and beauty through her unique lens.

The

greatest

adventure

of all is

finding

yourself.

FILMMAKERS STATEMENT

The Polar Frame is a project that resonates deeply with both of us as filmmakers—combining our shared passion for storytelling about the natural world, human resilience, and transformation. Kristin Folsland Olsen’s journey captivated us from the start, not only for her epic ski expeditions in some of the planet’s most extreme environments but also for the intimate, personal story of healing and rediscovery that unfolds.

This film goes beyond adventure and exploration; it’s a meditation on the evolving relationship between people and nature. Kristin’s path takes her from pushing physical limits in frozen landscapes to embracing the subtle, powerful moments of recovery through alternative healing and connection with the environment.

For us, nature is never just a backdrop — it shapes, challenges, and ultimately offers a way forward. Through The Polar Frame, we aimed to create a cinematic experience that honors the breathtaking beauty of the Arctic and Antarctic while telling a deeply human story about endurance, adaptation, and hope. We hope this film inspires viewers to reflect on their own relationship with the natural world and the transformative power it holds.

— Michael Lewington & Sam Nuttmann

CREDITS

  • Sam Nuttmann: Director / Cinematographer / Producer / Editor / Composer

  • Michael Lewington: Director Of Photography / Cinematographer / Producer / Sound

  • Kristin Folsland Olsen: Producer / Photographer / Key Cast

  • Gabe Newell: Executive Producer

  • Stephanie Haden / Duthie Ligard: Associate Producers

  • Vera Simonsson: Key Cast

  • Emma Simonsson: Key Cast

  • Ingebjorg Tollefsen: Key Cast

TECHNICAL SPECS

  • Project Type: Documentary

  • Runtime: 1 hour 28 minutes

  • Completion Date: July 31, 2025

  • Country of Origin: United States

  • Country of Filming: Antarctica, Argentina, Norway, Svalbard

  • Language: English, Norwegian

  • Shooting Format: Digital, UHD

  • Aspect Ratio: 2.39: 1

  • Film Color: Color

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