LOS ANGELES – The remarkable survival story of Roberto Canessa, who lived through a plane crash, avalanches, and resorted to eating human flesh in order to survive before embarking on a treacherous trek through freezing mountains, is the focus of a new Netflix movie set to be released on January 4. The movie has been highly anticipated and is expected to be a contender for the Oscars.
Canessa, now 70 years old, is eager to see the story retold, believing it holds important messages for future generations. He emphasizes the idea that everyone faces their own personal challenges, or “mountains,” and that it’s crucial to encourage and support those who are currently facing difficulties.
The film, “Society Of The Snow,” directed by J.A. Bayona, centers on the harrowing journey of the young, amateur rugby team following the crash of their plane in the frozen Andes in 1972. The title and story of the film are drawn from a book by Uruguayan writer Pablo Vierci, chronicling the experiences of the survivors.
Canessa reflects on the poignant pact formed among the survivors when they realized that they had been left behind by “civilized society.” He vividly recalls the desperation and anguish of being stranded in the Andes, forced to consume the flesh of the deceased in order to survive. The survivors endured unimaginable hardships as they awaited rescue, trapped in the Valley of Tears for 72 days.
On October 13, 1972, a plane carrying 45 people, including members of the Old Christians rugby team and their families, crashed on the Argentine side of the Andes. The immediate aftermath of the crash resulted in the loss of several lives, and survivors sought shelter in the fuselage of the plane. Despite their efforts, the treacherous conditions in the mountains prevented any attempts to seek safety. The ordeal led to further casualties from avalanches, infected wounds, and severe conditions, culminating in a 72-day struggle for survival in the Valley of Tears.