Michelle Smith

While attempting to climb the Enclosure Couloir on the Grand Teton in August 2010, Michelle Smith suffered a harrowing fall resulting in a broken back and shattered right leg. As her partner stabilized her and called for helicopter rescue, she pulled out a camera to document a story that was not certain to end well. Thankfully it did. As she recovered from surgery, she worked through emotional trauma by creating her first short film, and in the process, a new career was born. Though she still thrives on outdoor adventures, Smith gets an even bigger rush from telling stories through filmmaking and editing. As studio manager and editor for Pete McBride Productions, she works on award-winning films that raise awareness for critical environmental issues. She also runs her own studio to pursue her passion for creating women’s adventure films. Smith is the director of The Frenchy (Mountainfilm 2018).