LOS ANGELES – Roberto Canessa, a survivor of a harrowing plane crash in the Andes, has seen his incredible tale brought to the forefront once more in a new Netflix movie. The film, titled “Society Of The Snow” and directed by J.A. Bayona, follows the journey of Canessa and his fellow Uruguayan rugby team members after their plane crashed in the frozen Andes in 1972.
At just 19 years old at the time of the crash, Canessa managed to survive not only the initial impact but also two avalanches and the harsh conditions of the mountains. The group spent 72 days trapped in the Valley of Tears, resorting to extreme measures such as consuming the flesh of their deceased fellow passengers to stay alive. Now, at the age of 70, Canessa continues to share their remarkable story, emphasizing the importance of perseverance and resilience in the face of adversity.
The upcoming release of the Netflix movie has shed new light on the remarkable true story, sparking renewed interest in the experiences of the survivors. The film is based on the book “Society Of The Snow” by Uruguayan writer Pablo Vierci, who gathered the testimonies of the team members to recount their extraordinary ordeal.
For Canessa, the making of the film and the retelling of their story serves as a poignant reminder of the strength and resilience that human beings are capable of, even in the most dire circumstances. The upcoming release of the film, poised to contend for the Oscars, is expected to bring further attention to what is often considered one of the most extraordinary survival stories of all time.
The disaster occurred on Oct 13, 1972, when the plane carrying 45 passengers, including the Old Christians rugby team, crashed on the Argentine side of the Andes. The survivors were faced with unimaginable challenges as they awaited rescue in the harsh, frozen landscape, and their incredible journey continues to serve as a source of inspiration for generations to come.