Genre: Documentary film
Running time: 55 minutes 21 secondes
Production: La Belle Vie média
Directors: Gilles Blaize / Henry Marquis / Léa Jamelot / Erwan Bizeul
Technical resources: La Belle Vie média / Mook Productions
More info on the adventure’s website.
Summary: Paddling along in her kayak, an Olympic athlete sets out to rediscover the canal of her childhood. Amidst the scenery, memories and encounters, an intimate yet collective journey takes shape.
At the age of 9, whilst on a summer camp, Léa discovered kayaking on the Nantes–Brest Canal – an experience that sparked her love of adventure and nature and would go on to make her an Olympic athlete. After paddling all over the world, the young woman felt the need to return to her roots and set herself a challenge: to kayak the 400 km from Nantes to Brest in 15 days.
Through a dual portrait of Léa and the canal, as she meets people and discovers the area’s natural riches and local initiatives, this film bears witness to the revival currently being experienced by ‘Brittany’s greatest monument’, which is placing it back at the heart of environmental, economic and social dynamics.
Will Léa manage to overcome the physical and emotional challenges of this journey to achieve her goal? And what future lies ahead for the canal and Central Brittany, balancing biodiversity conservation, tourism and community life?