The Unfiltered series has been going against the grain of today’s relentless BMX media consumption. By stripping away the superficial trappings of a large commercial production and putting emphasis on the riders and location, Vans has created a recipe to appease BMX purists.
Photos by Eisa Bakos
Video by Rich Forne
Following the success of UNFILTERED, VANS launches the third episode of this unique video series, each one featuring two VANS BMX riders traveling the globe visiting different destinations. Simplicity at its best – riders in unique environments, embracing new cultures and landing tricks whilst being captured in a non-traditional and unpolished way. This series aims to focus on the true essence of BMX filming, blend that with today’s standard of riding in BMX and it allows for the ‘riding to do the talking’!
UNFILTERED UAE features Matthias Dandois and Alex Valentino exploring a region full of contrasts and breathtaking in all facets. From remote desert villages and landscapes to the modern civilizations of Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Follow the guys on their first full Arabic excursion – the UAE: UNFILTERED.
“I never thought I would go to the UAE to ride BMX. It’s not known for being the most friendly place for this, but Street riding – by definition – is to ride where you‘re not necessarily allowed to do so and I’m glad that we came back with something we can be proud of“. – Alex Valentino
“UAE is a street paradise but also a street nightmare. Paradise as the region is only 47 years old, therefore the architecture is great to ride as its untouched with little damage, and you have spots on every corner. However, it can be a nightmare because there is more security than anywhere I have been in the world. We only had a few goes before we got kicked out or on some occasions were unable to do any tries at all. It was still great though and it was so fun to play cat and mouse with the police. We had a rad time! Thank you to all those involved in creating this project.” – Matthias Dandois
Ben Towle getting down and dirty in the trenches at Backyard Jam Asylum
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