For several years now, the « ‘Fishermen of the World’» film festival has been a guest at the ITECHMER trade show in Lorient, offering a unique cinematic perspective on the world of fishing. In 2025, this collaboration will continue with a programme of three screenings and discussions, which will take place from 15 to 17 October at the heart of the trade show.
Through short films, ITECHMER offers visitors a different approach to addressing the major issues facing the industry. The films presented aim to challenge and stimulate debate on the current challenges facing the fishing industry.
WEDNESDAY 15 OCTOBER: ‘FISHING, A FAMILY AFFAIR’
The association is offering a screening of the film ‘Fishing, a family affair’, followed by a discussion with the director Pierre Bouchilloux (to be confirmed).
Synopsis: Oyster farmers, fishermen, from father to son, from mother to daughter, or daughter-in-law… The history of the Argelas family is closely linked to the history of the Cap-Ferret peninsula and fishing around the Arcachon Basin. Arriving in Piraillan at the end of the 19th century, they were oyster farmers/fishermen at the time, working with the tides. With the modernisation of practices, they abandoned oyster farming and turned exclusively to fishing. Claiming to be artisanal fishermen, they favour direct sales. Even though some of them did not pursue a career in the maritime trades, they were unable to detach themselves from it… the bond was too strong. More than just a job, fishing is a way of life.
THURSDAY 16 OCTOBER: ‘trawling in PERIL’
Visitors are invited to attend the screening of the documentary ‘Chaluts en péril’ (Trolls in Peril), directed by Mathurin Peschet. It will be followed by a discussion with fisherman Sébastien Le Prince.
Synopsis: This film covers an eight-day period at sea, from departure to return and unloading of the catch. This unity of time and place forms the backbone of the narrative, which unfolds to the rhythm of the trawl nets, 24 hours a day. It is a face-to-face encounter with the sailors. From trawl to trawl, we get to know Sébastien and his crew. Between night shifts, meal preparation and fish sorting, they know every move, every manoeuvre they perform in a well-oiled ballet. Their only uncertainties are the search for fish and the moods of the sea. In this time of tide, as if out of this world, we are caught up in the rhythm of a working life far removed from the daily lives of landlubbers, whose echoes they now hear constantly thanks to the internet-connected bridge. As the days go by, they explain to us their fears and sadness at seeing their profession disappear.
FRIDAY 17 OCTOBER: ‘MERMAID’
The final screening is the Norwegian documentary ‘Mermaid’ by Elif Bremer Landsend.
Synopsis: Sisilie is about to become the new captain of the fishing boat she inherited from her father, whose eyes stare at her from a tattoo on her forearm. Will she manage to find her feet as a fisherwoman? Set in the rugged Lofoten Islands, this film is a subtle and poignant story of passing the torch.