“On the Ridge”, a filmed adventure by Clément Herbert presented in Dun

“On the Ridge” retraces the daily work of a mule driver in Ariège. Clément Herbert, the director, and Cédric Laudren, the mule driver, will be there this November 1 at 8:30 p.m. in the entertainment room to answer questions from the public. “For more than a year, Clément Herbert accompanied me with my faithful mules through the Ariège Pyrenees. The result was a short film which, over the seasons, accompanies the daily work of our intrepid team across the mountains,” says Cédric. The film is therefore the result of a meeting between the mule driver and his mules and the director’s gaze. Clément accompanied the mule driver on the steep paths, “a beautiful human experience”. But he also discovered the true complicity between the mule driver and his mules. “They are work colleagues, they form an inseparable and dynamic unit. » He thus captures the very sensitive relationship between man and his animals. To not disturb this intimacy, he decides to film alone with a small camera and a microphone. Black and white is also essential to give the images the visual sensations of the earth, the mountains and the skies. It helps to attenuate the chronological breaks in the story. An “atmospheric story” explains Clément, who “wants to work on sensations” and show listening and looking, the journey with the mules in the mountain. Thanks to carrying by pack and animal traction, Soula mules ensure the transport of loads in difficult-to-access areas such as supplying supplies for shepherds in the summer, logging in winter or the construction of parks. The film illustrates this work, a sometimes dangerous work which endangers man and beasts. The rhythm of Camille Corbel’s music recalls the physical effort in the ascent and the beautiful communion between man and animal. The young director grew up in the Ariège Pyrenees. After studying cinema in Toulouse, he completed his master’s degree in documentary creation at the Lussas school in Ardèche. Cédric is exhibiting his photos “Where the light is damaged” at the La Bastide-de-Sérou media library until November 30.