Jörg P. A. Thomsen – Founder and Curator of the “Museum of The Andes”
As the world awaits the announcement of the winners of the Academy Awards, the Asheville Wisdom Exchange is proud to present Jörg Thomsen, the founder and curator of the Museum of the Andes in Montevideo, Uruguay. He will enlighten us about the story behind the story of “Society of The Snow”, the recent internationally acclaimed feature film on Netflix, and clear frontrunner for the “Best Foreign Feature Film” Award. It is the most accurate accounting to date of the tragic plane crash which occurred in the Andes Mountains in 1972, in which 16 of the 45 passengers and crew [most of whom were on the Uruguayan Rugby team], survived. He will describe how they miraculously overcame the harrowing ordeal after 72 days of sustained freezing conditions. Without having sustainable provisions, far from civilization, high on the remote snow and ice covered slopes of the Andes they persevered.
His book, “Touched - The Story Behind The Museum Of The Andes 1972 Ordeal” celebrates the spirit of the survivors. It provides details on how and why it was important for him to create a museum to commemorate this incredible story. It is a testament to the passion and serious commitment of the founder, the survivors, and the families of those who died in preserving the memory of this tragedy.
Jörg will address how humans grow beyond themselves when faced with a harrowing and unexpected calamity. The universal values of hope, goal setting, courage, resourcefulness, teamwork, and love are wonderfully portrayed by Jörg. The museum provides a sanctuary to recall the event in a personal and intense manner. It is seldom that visitors leave without being touched. It has evoked various moving testimonials which makes us realize how fragile life really is. It serves to remind us of the importance of a “Never Give Up” attitude”. Ultimately, the heart of the story attempts to answer the questions, when everything is taken from you, why do you want to live, and for whom do you want to die.
Jörg P.A. Thomsen, born in Montevideo, Uruguay, is an internationally renowned Uruguayan businessman and expert in the manufacturing, marketing, and application of thermal insulation. He has been working in the acoustical insulation sector since 1975. Traveling the world as an ambassador of his company, he takes the flag of his native country all over the globe.
Please join us for a rare opportunity to open up the possibility of discovering a special healing space inside that strengthens us even further as resilient human beings in our own battles.
Password for Zoom session: 2021