Tethys, the epic of a return to our roots
The documentary film
What if an incredible journey through the Alps could mirror the climate challenge?
Short summary
What if an incredible journey through the Alps could mirror the climate challenge?
This is the metaphor of a daring adventure by a young climatologist from Ljubljana to Nice, from the great peri-alpine lakes to their sources.
A 112-day journey covering nearly 3500 km, hiking and swimming, in semi-autonomy, punctuated by over 100 water measurements and samplings, aimed at addressing the disruptions of mountain water cycles due to climate change and the impact of human activities. But beyond this physical and scientific quest, Tethys embodies the poetic and radical commitment of this young climatologist. Immersed in the researcher's intimacy, we explore his deepest emotions and reflections, fueled by the power of endurance that defies the impossible. A vibrant initiatory journey of resilience and hope.
An artistic and participatory approach
The documentary aspires to be a grounded tool that resonates with our imaginations to mobilize support for transforming our society. It stands out with an innovative approach that deftly combines the epic journey through the Alps with dance sequences, lending it a unique creative dimension. By integrating poetry, dance, and music into the adventure, the message carries a particular resonance.
Through these dance sequences - recorded in studio and presented in black and white - the aim is to animate the intangible by embodying the emotions experienced during the journey, thereby conveying the documentary's message about climate challenge and the disruptions in the mountain water cycle through the energy of the body.
Furthermore, Tethys provides a valuable platform by giving voice to climatologists and protagonists of the Alpine environment, enabling them to express their emotions freely and sensitively in response to the disruptions in the mountain water cycle. This participatory approach helps us gain an informed understanding of the consequences of climate change in the mountains. It represents a return to the sources of climate change information, where firsthand accounts resonate with scientific messages.
The documentary film team
Cloé Denis
DIRECTOR - CAMERA OPERATOR - EDITOR
An adventurer at heart, Cloé enjoys traveling on foot and by bike. She inspires those around her by living a simple and joyful life close to nature. In 2024, she founded MerSea Production with the goal of offering environmentally and socially responsible content, both in production resources and creative choices.
Alex Chambet
CAMERA OPERATOR
Camera operator and director, what Alex is passionate about is not just capturing sports performances but telling their story with the utmost authenticity and the many unique elements that captivate the viewer. A lover of mountains and capturing images, like all athletes, he trains tirelessly, and when he is not behind a screen, he is often found on a mountain, often accompanied by his drones.
Martin Loper
EDITOR
An experienced French-American documentary editor, Martin is passionate about environmental films. His documentary "Contaminated & forgotten" won the Best Film Award at the Earth Day Film Festival in 2020. In France, he works for Brut and the program Tracks on Arte. When he Is not in the editing room, he enjoys surfing, yoga, and rock climbing, activities that continually enrich his perspective and creativity.
Léa Durand
CHOREOGRAPHER - DANCER
In her role as an agronomist engineer, Léa is fortunate to manifest her commitment through art and dance, where she explores the facet of collective involvement. As a choreographer for the past decade, her various projects contribute to crafting new narratives for a desirable future.
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"I gently stroke the wheat along the path, feeling my hand brush against the drops of water beading on the foliage. My gaze then climbs the slopes almost touching the sky; my eyes narrow as the glaciers illuminate them, water is everywhere. But for how long? Water has shaped the valley through which I run, the shores of this lake, the sides of these mountains, and down to the depths of our valleys. Making the connection, yes, joining water to mountains is not a whim; it is the natural course of things. The Tethys project aims to return to the source, to what keeps us alive."
Paul Bonhomme,
Committed mountain guide,
One of the project's sponsors