Film
Mandala
About
Director
valentin birant
Sponsor
Commencal, altai travel
Running time
65 minutes
Country / Nationality
France
Our Judges say:
Really nicely made film about adventure biking in Nepal. Lots of great local colour. It's a "making of" film as much as well as a narrative documentary, which adds to the drama. French language and all the better for it. The "mandala" motif is annoying at first but makes quite a lot of sense by the end. Recommended, definitely worth your time.Paul Hodgson Music Judge
Following the documentary" Dolomites https://youtu.be/0FSmJ9n4Gsc?si=LLxT2KILHRNvJbPf , "Mandala" is the latest film by Kilian and his team (Valentin Birant, Pierre Henni and Pierre Vieira). Driven by a passion for exploration, encounters, and breathtaking imagery, they set off for Nepal: first Kathmandu, then the remote Dolpo region, a little-visited area with a unique cultural identity. It is a raw and authentic adventure, filled with the unexpected, risks, and discoveries—the very essence of travel in a valley steeped in history. With Mandala, the goal goes beyond Dolomites: to combine local culture with cycling cinematography. The film draws a parallel between the ancient art of creating a mandala, embodied by Nepali artist Santa Lama Yonjan, and the filming of the cycling sequences. The storytelling is further enhanced by music, which evolves throughout the documentary, culminating in an original composition at the end. To bring genuine authenticity, Nepali musicians (the Sri Kali Band Khokana) recorded traditional instruments, which composer Alexandre Gardic then used as samples to craft a unique original score. In short, Mandala offers an even more immersive experience: a delicate balance between culture and sport, resulting in a visual and sensory work of art.