All In: Skate for fun

The second entry in the Relentless Energy Short Stories 2011 short film competition comes straight from the creative heart of Germany, where film-maker Mark Nickels captures the unwavering passion and obsession of two skateboarding legends: Lennie Burmeister and Christoph “Willow“ Wildgrub. Set against the often haunting backdrop of the concrete jungle that is Berlin, Nickels finds beauty in this urban decay and boldly displays these two huge talents in their natural environment. The unbridled, cathartic sense of freedom and enjoyment that skateboarding can engender takes centre stage in this short film, and the bond between the two award-winning stars is clear for all to see. Their dedication to their craft is absolute, as is their immense skill and bravery as skateboarders. Nickels is based in the arts-oriented district of Kreuzberg, but it’s his homeland that inspired the film’s title. “My dad was a profession poker player later in his life, after his 31 year career i