Echos de Lifou à Brest

This documentary project is deeply rooted in my own life journey. Having lived and worked for seven years on the East Coast of New Caledonia, in a tribal area, I had the privilege of immersing myself in Kanak culture, sharing intimate moments with the communities, learning traditions, and gaining a better understanding of the challenges they face. This experience transformed my perspective on identity, respect for customs, and the importance of preserving cultures that are often made invisible.

The film, anchored at the foot of the Kanak hut in Brest—a vibrant symbol of respect and dialogue—highlights human connections that transcend geographic and cultural boundaries. Through legends, songs, and shared experiences, Échos de Lifou à Brest serves primarily as a tribute to preserving cultural identity, human unity, and peace. This project was conceived as a response to current divisions, a reminder that culture and art are powerful tools for fostering mutual understanding and combatting hatred.

Indeed, this documentary was filmed during a particularly difficult time: the current unrest shaking New Caledonia. In a context where expression often manifests through violence, it felt essential to convey a message of peace and unity. We aimed to show that, despite the complexity and pain many are experiencing, there are stories of sharing, transmission, and connection that can inspire and encourage bridge-building rather than division. We felt a deep commitment to deliver a message of peace and human unity, especially at a time when many narratives are divisive, and expression often turns violent. To us, it is essential to emphasize that culture, art, and human exchange are forms of expression, bridges between peoples, and alternatives to hatred and destruction. This film, grounded in values of mutual recognition and coexistence, was envisioned as a gentle yet powerful response in a period overshadowed by tension.

The role of culture in promoting peace, mutual understanding, and human unity is a universal message that I strive to convey through every image, exchange, and piece of music in this documentary. As a filmmaker, I feel a profound mission to pass on this message, with gratitude to the Kanak community for offering me a unique perspective on their world—one marked by respect and humility; a perspective I now share with you.

This documentary is thus a tribute to sharing and listening at a time when the world is in such need of both. I hope this film shows that, despite divisions, there are voices that aspire to reconciliation and the peaceful coexistence of cultures.