To hurtle down the snow-covered slopes of the highest peaks, to descend the stormy rivers of Nepal, to climb the cliffs with bare hands, this is the exceptional program that promises the Explos film festival, dedicated to the mountains and to adventure. For its 14th edition, in Ax-les-Thermes in Ariège, the festival is once again taking its audience on a journey, from September 9 to 12.
For this edition, around ten screenings are offered, some of which have never been seen before, such as 4 degrees, a dizzying film by Alexis Righetti, passionate about mountain biking in the high mountains. The opportunity to discover inspiring journeys such as that of Julia and her eponymous film. This young climbing enthusiast is one of the few women to reach the maximum level in climbing, the 9b.
A feat that led her to a qualification for the Tokyo Olympics while feminizing very high level climbing. Under the wind of the glaciers, of Chris Tong Viet, offers the spectacular images of the kitesurfer Armelle Courtois and the canoeist Thomas Martin, sliding on the lakes of the glaciers. A grandiose yet funereal landscape, these recently appeared lakes signify the inexorable retreat of glaciers, accelerated by global warming.
The two athletes will be present to meet and share their experiences with the public, accompanied by many other guests. Antoine Le Menestrel, climber since the 80s, will discuss the screening of his film Climbing freed, directed by Benoît Regord. He will discuss his artistic approach to climbing, far from competition. But also Anthony Newton, Pablo Signoret, two base jumpers and highliners, not to mention Guillaume Broust, paraglider director and many others.
A necessary festival to relearn how to dream and for “show that we can (…) be an actor in our life and that that makes us fully happy, quite simply“, explains Phillippe Bence, organizer of Explos. For those who cannot attend, a selection of films is available for free access on the festival site.
“Explos film festival”, from September 9 to 12 at the Cinema – Casino of Ax-les-Thermes, (Ariège). Screening from 5 euros, full festival pass: 30 euros (compulsory health passport).
