Following the documentaries Dolomites and Mandala, Mirage follows French mountain biker Kilian Bron on a new expedition across Argentina and Bolivia.
After an unsuccessful attempt in 2022 to conquer the summit of Huayna Potosí, the idea of climbing and then descending the entire mountain by mountain bike continues to haunt him.
The film is as much about the sporting challenge as it is about the human journey: the long Andean roads, the altitude, the fatigue, the doubts, and the unexpected events that gradually transform the original objective. More than a simple quest for performance, Mirage explores perseverance in the face of failure and how a dream can become a kind of elusive horizon — a “mirage.”
Valentin Birant is a French filmmaker renowned for his work in the fields of travel, mountain culture, and outdoor sports. His approach combines breathtaking cinematography, immersive storytelling, and a strong focus on the human dimension of the expeditions he documents.
Over the years, he has developed a close creative partnership with adventure mountain biker Kilian Bron, accompanying him on expeditions around the world. Together, they have produced several documentaries that go beyond the traditional sports film, exploring human encounters, local cultures, and the personal reflections that emerge through adventure.
Among his notable works is *Dolomites*, filmed in the Italian Alps, where he captures the dramatic landscapes of the Dolomites and Kilian Bron’s unique vision of the mountains.
He continued this approach with *Mandala*, a film shot in Nepal that places human connections, the spirituality of place, and the search for meaning through travel at the heart of its narrative.
In 2026, he directed *Mirage*, the third chapter in this documentary series. The film follows an expedition across Argentina and Bolivia centered on the challenge of Huayna Potosí, while exploring themes of failure, perseverance, and personal transformation.
Valentin Birant’s filmmaking is distinguished by its refined visual style, strong sense of place.
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