FIVE MINUTES WITH SYLAIN LIARD
ATFF:
Hello, not long now till this summer’s Adventure Travel Film Festival. We are so excited to be sharing so many fantastic films this year. Lets start with a quick summary of yours, what’s it about?
Sylvain:
We are two modern-day French explorers, musicians and filmmakers who set out to follow the ancient silk route from India all the way back to France, riding the whole way on old classic motorcycles with recording gear in tow.
We already rode all around India for a year. There was no remedy for the “travel virus” which infected us and the road trip fever kept its ascent. Both full of ambition and addicted to adrenaline, we also shared together our childhood and the love for music which is one of the main guidelines of this journey.
A Musical Journey on the Silk Route is the first project of the Association India On Bullet, founded by both of us.
All along our journey, we have been highlighting musical and social projects happening across 17 countries. Institute after institute, microphones and cameras in our hands, we have been recording and filming disadvantaged children singing traditional songs from their native countries.
ATFF:
How did the film come about? Was it something that you’ve always been interested in?
Sylvain:
Basically we have never expected to do a film. After a year traveling around India we have decided to ride back to France and to record this album. The album was the aim of that project. Two month before to start the trip toward the West, we have met this lady, TV Broadcast distributor who loved our project and gave us a kick to film as much as we can on the journey.
Once back to France she called us back and gave us a second kick to edit the film. We didn’t really have experience in film making, but let’s say that with the adrenaline, we did it !
ATFF:
This years films have spanned oceans mountains, glaciers… a huge range of environments. What challenges did you face in making yours?
Sylvain:
Regarding making a film while traveling, the biggest challenge is to take the camera at the right moment (which can be often), even when you don’t feel like because you’re tired, of because it’s snowing. Usually the worst moment to shoot are the best moment to have on a film.
I remember that day in Kyrgyzstan, we were riding a 3500 meter high pass, under the snow. It was f**** cold ! With altitude there was less oxygen and our bikes were struggling. We had to arrive before the night to the place we’ve planned to sleep, we had our finger cold like an ice-cream, but we knew that we had to take the camera and film what we were doing at that moment.
ATFF:
We have lots of people come to the festival who aspire to future film makers. Do you have any advice?
Sylvain:
Let you go, and follow your intuition.
In that kind of « cinema » there is no need of experience. What’s important is the content. With time and after some hours shooting, you’ll get the way to use the camera, different plans, and make something more artistic if you feel like. For us, the most important in to share our experience the closest possible to what we experienced, and to not think to much about the artistic point, sometime it gives less honesty in the story…
ATFF:
Are you coming to this years festival? How can audiences find out more and connect with you?
Sylvain:
I’ll be on the festival yes. Unfortunately, Mathieu won’t be available on this week-end.
You can read and see more about the project on :
http://www.amusicaljourneyonthesilkroute.com
http://www.indiaonbullet.fr (blog)
Facebook : India On Bullet
ATFF:
Thanks, we can’t wait to share the films this year!
