New York City – (January 29, 2025) – Leap Year Editor Austen Deery lent his expertise to the short documentary, “Grand Master Meltdown,” presented by Shanghai skate brand AVENUE & SON and directed by Benjamin Mulinkosson. The film, which has already garnered a Vimeo Staff Pick, offers a raw, vibrant look at the lives of skaters during last summer’s Aranya Grand Masters Festival.
“It was humbling to dive into a world so unfamiliar—new to China, skateboarding, and the language,” shares Austen. “Embracing my outsider perspective made it approachable, focusing on honest storytelling. Ben’s exceptional talent and kindness made this project possible. Finishing in weeks with minimal budget and a 12-hour time difference shows his dedication. I can’t wait to see what’s next from him.”
Set against the backdrop of the six-day international skateboarding competition at Qinhuangdao’s Aranya Resort, the film explores skateboarding as an artform and a way of life. It goes beyond the tricks and contests, capturing skate culture as a soulful expression of individuality, camaraderie and the shared joy of the ride. The documentary was lensed by Chengdu-based skate filmer Yu Yue of Greenergy and captures not just the high-energy competitions, but also the unfiltered spirit of the skaters and their community.
“Working with Leap Year and Austen on ‘Grand Master Meltdown’ was a dream come true,” expresses Benjamin. “It’s rare to find an editor who not only excels in cutting nonfiction but can do so with the amount of materials and limited time we had. What Austen accomplished in weeks—something that often takes six months to a year—was remarkable. He truly understood the heart of skateboarding on a deep level and I would jump at the chance to work with Austen and the Leap Year team again.”
