La Rivière + Q&A with ecology and film experts Duncan Pepper and Manuel Pennoto

Winner of the prestigious 2023 Jean-Vigo Prize, Dominique Marchais’ documentary La Rivière explores the ecosystem of the Pyrenean mountain streams. Powerful rivers flow between the Pyrenees and the Atlantic, known as gaves. Human activity is altering the water cycle and its biodiversity. Men and women look curiously and lovingly at this fascinating world of beauty and disaster.

The 6pm screening will be followed by a discussion organized by the Edinburgh International University Film Festival featuring Duncan Pepper, co-owner/operator of River Revivers, and Manuel Pennoto, Filmmaker and Producer at Strength in Motion. Speakers will discuss the topics tackled by the film La Rivière : deterioration of biodiversity through the negative impacts of human behavior. Over the last decades human activity has contributed to lower water levels, pollution and a lessened biodiversity in the area. The discussion aims to examine these topics further and with the help of the guest speakers suggest how we can adopt positive changes to promote water preservation and lead a more sustainable lifestyle.