West Empire

Running time: 26'4"

Production: FR 2015

Memories from remote times, the ghost towns of the American West are full of stories and legends. “West Empire” is a short documentary film which takes the viewer deep inside the hearts of these cities bonded with the mining era, where few people still live. The inhabitants of these areas located throughout American deserts exist beyond time. Their only priority is the search of freedom. In the film we will listen to the stories of these people, their frank confessions provoking reflection upon the mechanisms that govern modern society. What characterises the film are the beautiful shots of American outskirts, and Western-like stylistics.

Authors:

  • Mathieu Le Lay

    Mathieu’s passion for cinema and nature guided him to perform a year of study at IFFCAM, the French wildlife film school, after he graduated in wildlife conservation at Salford University (UK). Images are for him a way to share his passion for nature and wildlife, and above all to show the strong bond between humans and nature. Since 2008 he has been directing films (21 international awards) to tell stories about his fascination for strong interactions between man and the wild environment. The documentary film genre allows him to stage his characters playing at their own role, adopting a more intimate approach when filming in the field. He also looks for personal aesthetics and evocative atmosphere in his visual style and cinematography.

    West Empire (2015)
    Walk the Ridge (2015)
    KUMANO (2015)
    Soare în Inimă (2014)
    American Loneliness (2014)
    Keep Exploring (2014)
    Ecrins de Vie (2013)
    La Quête d’Inspiration (2012)
    Des Gypaètes et des Hommes (2011)
    Demain, c’est loin... (2009)
    Les Ailes du Marais (2008)
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Screenings: