The Breath of The Depth - A Freediving Short Film

This is "The Breath of The Depth", a Freediving Short Film by Poul Bracker.

The documentary short film tells the story of Mehdi Allam, who discovered his new passion for free-diving after a serious climbing accident. Through hard training and a high level of self-discipline, he fights his way back. Mehdi, formerly a climbing photographer, has evolved into a free-diving instructor and underwater photographer.

The film shows how a tragic twist of fate can lead to a new opportunity. Immerse yourself in the fascinating world of the sea and be captivated by Mehdi's unwavering determination. Experience the transformative power of free-diving and the philosophy that arises from it. A story about acceptance and gratitude in overcoming personal limits.

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CREDITS

Directed by Poul Bracker

Direction of Photography Poul Bracker & Daniel Manukjan


Underwater camera Poul Bracker & Dorian Le Bihan
Additional UW footage: Mehdi Allam & Sten Wendling

Drone operator Poul Bracker & Daniel Manukjan

Editor Poul Bracker

Sound effects Daniel Manukjan
Sound Mixer Arne Sommerburg

Voice Over Writer Poul Bracker & Eddie Contento

Voice Actor Eddie Contento



Animation Paul Kersig
Color Grading Tobias Hölter

CAST
Main character Mehdi Allam Niard
Supporting actor (beach training) Jeremie Niard
Supporting actor (Pool training) Michelle Calvo
Supporting actor (Pool training) Lewis Leadbetter
Underwater Model Delia Colantuono

Freediving student 1 Sten Wendling
Freediving student 2 Thaina Auguin

Physiotherapist Gara Acosta

Safety diver Thaina Auguin

MUSIC

Child nostalgia - QUIZ
Courtesy of Christian Wirthgen

Running into - Ooyy

The Air You Breathe - Aerian

The Gordian Knot - Jakob Ahlbom

Lakes - Harbours & Oceans - (Trailer music)

LOCATION
Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain

EQUIPMENT
Shot on Sony FX6 and A7SIII

#freediving #shortfilm #cinematic #sports #outdoors #diving #documentary #sony #motivation #viral #newvideo #youtubechannel #youtube #share #youtubers

[poul_bracker]

If you would like your story to be turned into a film, message me through my website or Instagram: 

[victorkochkarev]

Thank you for the inspiering story and showing the beauty of Tenerife especially Anaga region - its mountains and its ocean depth. It's truly remarkable place.

[kathevidal]

Practica, paciencia, relajación, conciencia, gratitud, resiliencia.

[CapitánArgo]

The Captain recognises these waters
and praises the quality of this footage.

[TingnoyMo]

Your film resonated with me on such a deep and personal level. I’ll never forget the day I woke up in the intensive care unit, disoriented and overwhelmed. That moment triggered a panic attack, something I had never experienced before. It was terrifying. Afterward, the doctor told me that, along with medication, I needed to find an activity that could help me cope, something that would ground me and bring me peace.

That’s when I discovered freediving, and it completely transformed my life. The feeling of being underwater, weightless and free, gave me a sense of calm I hadn’t felt in so long. Little by little, dive after dive, I felt my panic disorder slipping away. In just eight months, I was able to recover, and since then, freediving has been my sanctuary.

Watching your film made me realize I’m not alone in this journey. There are so many freedivers out there, all dealing with their own struggles, whether physical or emotional. Freediving has become more than just a sport for people like us—it’s a form of therapy, a way to heal. I’m grateful for your film because it sheds light on the powerful impact this activity can have. Thank you for creating something that reminds me, and others, that we’re not alone in our battles.

[Fabialvesdesouza]

Wow! Breath taking! So strong and delicate at the same time. Congratulations! Cheers from Brazil!

[morizwohlleben]

Wow man merkt wieviel Leidenschaft in jede einzelne Szene gesteckt wurde. Das Storytelling einfach nur crazy. Danke für dieses Meisterwerk!

[TheHorizonHunters]

Wow! Sehr professionell und berührend! Man kann sehen, dass dort viel Arbeit hinter steckt.
Ein Masterpiece 🤍 Wir hoffen, dass diese Message viele Menschen erreicht & genauso inspiriert wie uns!

[dawnriddler]

Not me watching this with a sprained ankle from climbing 😂

[holg]

I feel this inner peace come over when i see free divers in their element!

[kathevidal]

Si no somos concientes perdemos el equilibrio, es la fuerza de la naturaleza que te mantiene humilde.❤

[sillah_dj]

beautiful - you describe exactly what Freediving does for me ❤❤❤

[LaLtheGaL]

Such a touching story shared in a beautiful way. Many aspects of your story resonated with me and I’m sure many Freediver’s.

Thank you for making this. I hope it inspires others as much as it did for me.

[RomanWagner]

Der Film ist toll geworden und Du hast mit Deinen Cuts und der Musik-Auswahl wirklich sehr gut das Gefühlsleben der Haupt-Person wiedergegeben. Der Abschnitt zwischen Minute 3:00 und Minute 3:16, wo nach einem kurzen Motivationsschub wieder die Depression folgt und danach plötzlich die Erlösung durch Freediving ist toll geworden. Das Ausblenden der Musik, die Soundeffekte.. toll. Ich liebe auch die Closeup-Shots. Dieser Film ist meisterklasse. Da ich selbst in meiner Freizeit als Hobby gerne Filme drehe, weiß ich wieviel Arbeit hinter den einzelnen Shots stecken. Hier stimmt alles. Das Bildmaterial, der Schnitt, der Ton und es gibt noch eine Story, die einen emotional mitnimmt. Klasse!

[PaulinaKühne]

Der Film zieht einen voll in seinen Bann 🥹🙌🏽✨ kannst richtig stolz auf dich sein!

[RobMentors]

Finally! A non-competition freediving, non-spearfishing short story done well that empathizes love for the ocean and beauty within. The narration and cinematography is on point! In most stories about freediving, the heavy non-American accents distracts me that I end up watching them on mute with subtitles but you were able to pull me in with Eddie's voiceover. Thank you for this emotional journey and I hope to see more. 😍

[JohnBennettNo]

Wow, what a great short film, loved it, stunning visuals and inspiring heartfelt narration about finding a passion for life through free diving after having had a serious injury. Absolutely brilliant, I hope you make more short films of this quality.

[clairekemp]

❤ beautiful film and v inspirational, congratulations Poul

[bigbangboo]

Sehr beieindruckend, Traufhafte Bilder, gutes Storytelling. Danke fürs Teilen :)

[NikHem]

Incredible film with astounding cinematography! Definitely shows what the FX6 is capable of