IMMERSION, a documentary made in La Manche

“These people, including a lifeguard, a horse breeder and a shellfish farmer, all have a profound connection with the sea. The surfer Léa Brassy went to meet them and tells us all about the people of La Manche in a documentary film. She reveals a territory with a special character and an unparalleled sense of freedom. Through these different stories, la Manche shows its many facets: sometimes inspiring, sometimes daunting, and always fascinating to those who love it.”

IMMERSION, a hymn to the sea filmed in La Manche

With the waves lapping all around it, La Manche is resolutely focused on the sea, and most of its inhabitants are closely connected to it. La Manche is characterised by its 674 km of unspoilt coastline, its fantastic sailing conditions and its rich maritime heritage. The coast here is dotted with rugged cliffs, beautiful sand dunes, headlands, tidal inlets, islands, harbours and seaside resorts, as well as long tranquil beaches.

For a year, Jérémy Janin and Grégory Mignard, the directors of the film, travelled around La Manche to show its beauty and to spotlight its unique coastal environment. The film reveals some little-known places, incredible atmospheres and light that changes with the seasons. The images are beautiful, the stories are moving and after watching the film, you’re left with one wish: to visit La Manche!

Léa Brassy, a surfer and free diver looking for authenticity and inspiring stories

Léa Brassy is an international surfer and free diver. Her family is from La Manche, and it was in Siouville-Hague that she first discovered surfing. Her grandfather was a groom at the National Stud farm in Saint-Lô and her grandmother ran a grocery shop. Léa began learning to surf on the Cotentin Peninsula when she was 11 years old, a passion that’s stayed with her ever since.

Her fascination with the sea and the ocean, her thirst for adventure and her love of unspoilt nature all took shape here in La Manche. A Patagonia Ambassador, she enjoys free surfing as a way to become one with nature and the ocean. She strives to live a simple life, focusing on what really matters, and promotes public awareness of environmental issues. Since her love of nature stems from her roots in La Manche, she naturally chose to come back here to meet its inhabitants and to immerse herself in their lives.

Seven lives inspired by the sea: when the people of La Manche tell its story

A surfer, a shellfish farmer, a lifeguard, as well as a horse breeder, a choreographer and a surfboard shaper: each of them has a unique story to tell. Faced with unspoilt nature that can be harsh and unforgiving, but also generous and inspiring, they all feel the gratitude of those to whom the sea gives without taking.

Some sincere and moving stories emerge from their exchanges with Léa: insights into this very special relationship that the “people of the sea” build here with care and respect. They thus reveal their “Attitude Manche”, a lifestyle connected to the sea, guided by the heart and resolutely focused on what really matters.

Where to see the film IMMERSION?

Released in June 2021, the film IMMERSION was first screened in theatres and on the VIMEO platform for 3 euros. Since the beginning of 2022, the film, whose trailer is here, is available for free.

Full version film available on Youtube

 Watch Immersion