Charlie Key

Sprock (David Myers) skis for nearly 500 km along the entire length of the Kungsleden – The King’s Trail – in northern Sweden. This Nordic backcountry ski expedition takes him deep into Lapland, crossing into the Arctic Circle, over high passes and frozen lakes, camping out on the snow under canvas lit by the aurora borealis. But for what reason? Sprock simply says, “It’s somethin’ to do.”

Director’s notes:

This film was made as an art installation piece – to be watched and listened to while wearing headphones – and was screened at the Cruel & Curious art exhibition in Cornwall. The film was shown in a small room that Sprock and I dressed to look like some of the small emergency shelters we occasionally slept in along the trail.

It’s a slow, meditative piece that, at times, feels too long – much like the journey itself. If you stick with it, you’ll witness the magic of the North.

Cast /Crew:

Director/Edit/Sound: Charlie Key
Starring: David 'Sprock' Myers

A huge thank you to Abisko.net for their warm generosity, saunas and beds on both of our trips up north. And thanks to Teemu Hartikainen, who we met on the trail and skied with for a while, and who makes an appearance in the film. Your experience and dried salmon were very much appreciated – and your continued advice still is.

News:

In April 2025, Sprock and I completed our second long Nordic ski trip together – continuing north from where we finished the previous trip – to ski a further 650 km to Nordkapp, the most northerly point in Europe (connected to the mainland by a tunnel). I also filmed this journey and will be releasing a more... viewer-friendly film soon.