A little Monster in the making

Supported by Greenpoint Pictures, Finding Monsters recreates the true childhood stories of three X-Games Medalists. 

We meet Lizzie Armanto, whose parents worried what people would think of their daughter skateboarding; we listen in on Taka Higashino’s parents as they discuss the dangers of motocross; last, we see the rural neighborhood where freeskier (and Finding Monsters’ director) Clayton Vila grew up...far away from the snow. As each small child is shown breaking barriers and getting by with sheer determination, archival footage comes in, showing how each one of them went on to succeed in groundbreaking ways in their respective sports. 

With big dreams and a cinematic feel to the recreation, director Vila shows how determination and tenacity can lead children to achieve incredible things. It’s a touching piece, made more poignant by Vila’s personal connection to Monster Energy and the sports drama he portrays. “I hope the film inspires anyone who is in the difficult situation of raising a talented little daredevil to let them give it a shot,” says Vila.