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The Dolomites, a UNESCO World Heritage site in northern Italy, are a marvel of nature—an awe-inspiring landscape of jagged peaks, razor-sharp ridges, and sheer rock faces. Known for their ethereal beauty, these mountains have long been a paradise for hikers, climbers, and outdoor enthusiasts. Their dramatic terrain makes them an unparalleled destination for adventure sports, and few athletes embody this thrill-seeking spirit better than Kilian Bron.
Behind the Lens: The Making of Dolomites
Creating breathtaking films in such extreme environments is no small feat. Behind the stunning imagery of Dolomites the film lies the relentless effort of a dedicated team: filmmaker Pierre Henni, photographer Pierre Vieirer, FPV pilot Antoine Buffart, and director Valentin Birant. Together, they embarked on an arduous mission—mountain biking for hours each day to reach the most picturesque yet treacherous filming spots.
This journey was not merely about pedalling along scenic trails; it required scaling via ferrata routes, carrying bikes over precarious terrain, and enduring the unpredictable moods of high-altitude weather. Every shot in Dolomites is hard-earned, a testament to both human endurance and artistic vision.
Kilian Bron: A Master of the Edge
At the heart of the film is Kilian Bron, a French mountain biking sensation renowned for his fearless approach to freeride and enduro biking. Kilian has built a career on defying gravity, navigating dizzying ridges and achieving near-impossible descents. In Dolomites, he takes on some of the most harrowing trails in the world, seamlessly manoeuvring down sheer cliffs with impossibly sharp switchbacks. When we watched his helmet-mounted GoPro footage, it was almost impossible not to grip the edge of our seats, fearing for his next turn.
A professional rider for Commencal, Kilian has earned a reputation for pushing the limits of the sport while maintaining absolute control. His portfolio includes victories in races like Mégavalanche and Mountain of Hell, events that see hundreds of competitors launching themselves down glacial descents at speeds exceeding 125 km/h. Yet, for Kilian, racing is only part of the equation—his true passion lies in the art of exploration and storytelling.
Living on the Edge: The Philosophy of Kilian Bron
“I like to challenge myself and push my limits, all while staying in control,” Kilian says. “It’s a difficult thing to do because you are always driven by this adrenaline, but you have to control it.”
For Kilian, mountain biking is more than a sport; it’s a philosophy, a way of life that thrives on calculated risk and an intimate understanding of the environment. His meticulous approach ensures that no trail is ever left to chance—every rock, every turn, and every potential hazard is studied before he commits to high-speed descents.
“It’s human and normal to be scared of such sharp falls, but you have to find a way of dealing with it,” he explains. His ability to shut out the distractions and focus entirely on the trail ahead is what sets him apart. Whether racing alongside hundreds of riders or cycling alone on a knife-edge ridge, Kilian’s unwavering focus transforms extreme terrain into an art form.
The Visual Symphony of Dolomites
The Dolomites film is more than just a biking showcase—it’s a cinematic masterpiece. Each frame is evidence of the raw beauty of these mountains, perfectly capturing the contrast between Kilian’s fluid, effortless riding and the rugged, unforgiving landscape beneath his tyres.
“The most important aspect of travelling for me is the visual aspect of the destination,” Kilian shares. His films reflect this belief, blending his technical prowess with breathtaking cinematography. The result is a visceral experience—viewers don’t just watch his rides; they feel them, transported into the heart of the mountains with every turn of the wheel.
“For years now, it’s been my job to travel, to ride bikes, and to produce content,” he says. “These are the three things I am most passionate about and that shape my everyday life.”That passion is palpable in Dolomites. It’s more than just a film; it’s an invitation to step outside of comfort zones, to embrace the unknown, and to see the world from an entirely new perspective—one trail at a time.
Tickets for the Banff Mountain Film Festival are now on sale- Don’t miss your chance to see Dolomites on the big screen! https://banffaustralia.com.au/tickets/
