Lizzie - image via Vans

Vans Skateboarding Presents ‘Onward’: An All-New Skate Film from Lizzie Armanto

Lizzie’s first full-length edit in nearly five years highlights her one-of-a-kind style and solidifies her position among skateboarding’s best!

Those who know Vans pro skateboarder Lizzie Armanto, know that her barrier-breaking approach to skateboarding has shifted the landscape. Her accolades, like appearing on the world stage to represent the sport, speak for themselves and make her a role model for skateboarders everywhere. Expanding on her list of accomplishments, Vans, the global leader in skateboarding for more than 50 years, is proud to unveil a fresh angle on Lizzie’s world-class skateboarding in a new film, Onward, directed by celebrated filmmaker Greg Hunt and filmed by master lensmen Chris Gregson and TJ Gaskill.

Lizzie and Chris - Image via Vans

 The first full-length edit from Lizzie in nearly five years, Onward showcases what Lizzie has become known for—her humble, hard-working approach, one-of-a-kind style, and tenacity to make any trick a reality.

“It’s been incredible to see Lizzie overcome her injuries and get to where she’s at now,” Hunt said. “And it’s so much fun to work with Chris Gregson’s and TJ Gaskill’s footage. I’m really excited to see this come together.”

Lizzie and Axel - Image via Vans

 The goal was to create a film as visually exciting as Lizzie’s skating, adds Gregson, noting that they drew inspiration from her love for traveling, which is represented in the various locations Onward was filmed, as well as spending time with a close-knit group of her friends and fellow skateboarders. Featuring appearances from Mami Tezuka and Axel Cruysberghs, the film drives home Lizzie’s gratitude to the skate community and her ultimate support system of friends and family.  

Lizzie - Image via Vans

In anticipation of the film’s premiere, Lizzie shared the following about what the project has meant to her: “In the past, filming felt like I was trying to prove I was ‘good enough’. I feel like this part has been about proving that to myself, and that I am stronger than my injuries. Everyone involved in the project has been a huge motivator. We kept the crew small. My favorite thing is that everyone’s passionate about what they’re doing, and it’s been contagious.”

Earlier this season, Vans and Lizzie dropped a new, head-to-toe collection that leads with her first signature skateboarding silhouette, The Lizzie. The offering opens the aperture on what inclusive, all-gender footwear and apparel looks like, and reinforces that skateboarding should be open to everyone.

Tune in at 5 PM today at vans.com/lizzie for the global premiere of Vans Skateboarding’s Onward, featuring Lizzie Armanto.

Spotlight on the new generation! Featuring 20-year-old pro skateboarder Mami Tezuka from Shiga, Japan, showcasing the talented female professional known for her style and ability to ride backyard pools.

Tezuka started skateboarding at the age of three encouraged by her father, a passionate skater. Her powerful riding style blends high airs with extended grinds and technical lip tricks that make Tezuka a podium threat at major international competitions. Last year, Tezuka shook up the established order by claiming silver in Women’s Skateboard Park at X Games 2021. She then followed suit by earned her second X Games podium with bronze at X Games Chiba in 2022.

Tezuka began cultivating her unique riding style at a young age, inspired by watching her father and his peers. “There were always skateboards and skateboarders in front of her. It was Mami’s fate,” said Manabu Tezuka. Speaking on her beginnings, Mami Tezuka said: “I got into transition skating because my local skatepark has a lot of transitions. I don’t think transition skating is big in Japan, but there’s so much DIY stuff.”