On September 26, the Private Sport Shop rider will be at the Max Linder cinema in Paris for the final screening of his documentary Dolomites.
Kilian Bron once again takes us on a unique journey through majestic landscapes in the heart of Italy's Dolomites. This film is much more than just a free solo mountain bike sport performance: it's a true tribute to these breathtaking landscapes, and an immersion in the history and natural heritage of this region.
A human adventure, then an extreme one
In this film, Kilian Bron takes us on a captivating exploration of the Dolomite mountain range, through a series of daring rides on ridges and steep trails. But this time, the emphasis is no longer solely on speed or performance. For Kilian, this new adventure is also about learning and sharing. Through his encounters, he is interested in the history of mountains, their formation, and local traditions. He invites us to reflect on our own relationship with nature, and reveals his way of cycling in an environment as hostile as it is fascinating.
An educational trip to the Dolomites
Curious to unravel the mysteries of these unique mountains, Kilian turns to a local guide friend, who tells him the incredible geological history of the Dolomites. Once underwater, these mountains were actually a coral massif. This educational dimension enriches the documentary, offering viewers a deeper understanding of the landscape. Kilian then meets Andréa, a passionate historian, who introduces him to another significant aspect of these mountains: the fierce fighting between Austrian and Italian troops during the First World War. Through his descents, Kilian pays tribute to this tragic history, combining sporting adventure with a reflection on the events that marked these places.
Meticulous preparation
Kilian's project took 15 years to mature. Before taming the steep peaks of the Dolomites, Kilian spends time observing and meticulously studying the terrain, where no mistakes are allowed. Each descent is prepared with extreme attention to detail, where safety comes first. The team that accompanies him plays an essential role in this adventure: photographers, cameramen, film-makers, everyone contributes to capturing the highlights while ensuring the athlete's safety.
A commitment to responsible tourism
One of the film's most moving encounters is with Bepi, janitor of the Carducci refuge in the Tre Cime. Founder of the "Dolomites sans frontières" association, Bepi fights for more environmentally-friendly tourism. He offers guided outings to discover local flora and fauna, far removed from mass tourism. This approach resonates strongly with Kilian's vision of a more responsible way to enjoy the mountains.
"Beyond this quest for beautiful images and sporting performances, my aim is to share more in-depth messages. To mark the transition to these much longer video formats, I was keen to offer a tour of film conferences before the online release, to create a real link with my community. After each screening, we set aside about forty minutes for discussion, guided by questions from the audience. I encourage the audience to ask me questions on a variety of subjects, giving me ideas for future productions," says Kilian Bron.
See you on Thursday September 26 at Cinéma Max Linder at 7.30pm. Ticketing available ICI For those who can't make it, the documentary will be available on YouTube on October 1, 2024 at 6:00 pm.
