Walking to the Glacier Blanc
A 37-minute documentary directed by Charles Lavilanie and produced by Pictura Films.
PITCH:
Join seven students on their quest for their first summit in the heart of the Écrins mountain range. These young adventurers from Chalon, complete novices in high-altitude mountaineering, set out to conquer La Roche Faurio while listening closely to The Voice of the Glacier Blanc, a fragile witness to the retreat of the Alpine glaciers.
A documentary that blends human challenge with ecological awareness, carried by a youth committed to shaping the future.
THE STORY BEHIND THE ADVENTURE
For a long time, environmental issues were addressed through simple actions like recycling or reducing energy consumption. Today, they have taken on a critical dimension. The climate emergency demands immediate action to avoid reaching the point of no return.
In a landscape as majestic as it is fragile, mountains symbolize a natural heritage that must be preserved. These breathtaking landscapes inspire awe but are also at the heart of growing concerns. Yet, some adventurers travel thousands of kilometers by plane just to leave their mark on remote peaks. This raises essential questions: Why such an energy-consuming pursuit? Are local mountains not grand enough in their whiteness and height?
This film invites viewers to rethink their relationship with the mountains. More than just a playground, they are spaces to be respected and protected. The goal? To propose a new way of experiencing them—one that is mindful, sustainable, and in harmony with the environment.
WORDS FROM THE DIRECTOR
In this documentary, I take the audience along on our ascent to 3,700 meters.
We share our moments of effort, life, and exchanges with those who know Glacier Blanc best—witnessing its gradual disappearance year after year.
Through these testimonies and the emotions of our young adventurers, I aim to move the audience without being moralistic. Each character shares their experience in their own words, with raw emotions. These genuine voices offer a different way to raise awareness about glacier retreat and its crucial role in our daily lives.
I also made this film to highlight the concept of local “micro-adventures.” You don’t need to climb the world’s highest peak or travel across the planet to experience a powerful adventure. All it takes is stepping out your front door.
Starting lower to go further. These young adventurers, who chose to travel by bike and train, prove that a different approach to mountaineering is possible.
C.L.
Technical Information
Sound Mixing: Rémi Saïki
Format: 37 minutes
Distributor: Cinemas & Festivals
Production: Charles Lavilanie
Direction & Cinematography: Charles Lavilanie
Additional Footage: Benoit Darviot, Jérémy Sedoni & Damien Paillot
Graphic Design: Lola Romond
Motion Graphics: Laurine Paradis
