In Japanese, the word “Nisei” describes someone born in North America whose parent(s) were immigrants from Japan. It’s one of several terms Sierra Schlag hears people use to describe her heritage when she visits Japan. For a long time, the disconnect between her and her ancestral culture was hard to reconcile. But through skiing, Schlag found her full self.

In her film NISEI, Schlag takes us from the snow-laden slopes of Japan to the Rocky Mountains of her home. She slashes powder and raises questions about identity and heritage — conceptualizing how to balance the two.

Presented by Osprey, Forsake, and Revo Sunglasses, this short ski film is a beautiful reflection on selfhood. To see more of Schlag’s skiing, check out her Instagram profile.

Runtime: 7:39 minutes