Julien Hamelin Author Director Journalist
India, the magic of kites
Java, the magic of shadow theatre
The Venezuelan crocodile farm
Newfoundland, the icebergs hunters
Mandela - De Klerk, enemies for peace
Documentary film (52 min), written and directed by Julien Hamelin.
Produced by Sunset Presse.
Broadcast in 2014 on France 5 in the program "Duels".
Camera & son: Vincent May - Editing: Patrick Vincent & Alexandre de Crignis - Assistant: Liesl Louw.
Would Nelson Mandela have become a historical icon without Frederik de Klerk? And vice versa? These questions emerge when we observe to what extent the destinies of the first black President of South Africa and the last leader of the apartheid regime are interlinked. Following the release of Mandela in 1990, and until his election in 1994 and beyond, the two men fought a fierce battle against each other, in a context of unprecedented violence that left more than 14,000 people dead. This penetrating film covers these tough negotiations as well as the political and personal struggles of each leader. It takes us deep into the heart of the duel which led to the end of the most hated and racist regime in the world.
Vietnam: cobra on the menu
City of God, the redemption of a favela
The indian canteen
The unexpected downfall of the Californian empire
Documentary film (52 minutes) & TV report (23 minutes), written and directed by Julien Hamelin.
Produced by Sunset Presse.
52-minute version broadcast on Planète channel in 2010.
23-minute version broadcast on Arte (Arte Reportage program) in 2009.
Camera: Vincent May - Editing: Gwénaël Giard Barberin - Assistant: Linsey Jones.
« California's day of reckoning is here. Our wallet is empty, our bank is closed and our credit is dried up […] People are writing California off ». These alarming words were part of California Governor's address to his constituents in June 2009. Indeed, the Golden state is badly strapped for cash: for over a year, 38 million Californians have been helplessly looking on as their empire was falling apart. The avalanche of subprimes was followed by a fiscal deficit, rampant unemployment, and increasing homelessness. The Golden State might have to change its moniker. Even Hollywood stars have lost their shine. While State officials explore solutions to cover off the deficit, some argue that legalizing cannabis would provide much needed revenue. This is a real felt immersion into the heart of a fallen empire.
San Pedro, village or prison?
TV report (23 minutes), written and directed by Julien Hamelin.
Produced by Sunset Presse
Broadcast on Arte (Arte Reportage program) in 2009.
Camera and sound: Patrick Vanier - Editing: Gwénaël Giard Barberin.
A thousand and four hundred men are jailed in San Pedro's penitentiary, in La Paz (Bolivia). Since they cannot leave the compound, some of the prisoners live with their wife. Others have even brought their children in. In San Pedro, most inmates work for a living, because all basic goods and services have to be paid for, including accommodation. While some detainees own their cell, others rent it. The wardens seldom enter the grounds; they only monitor the entrance gate. Left alone, convicts have set up their own village. Along the narrow streets of San Pedro, there are restaurants, grocers, fruit vendors, and even a carpentry workshop. These small businesses sell their production to inmates, but also to customers outside of the compound. But in San Pedro, drug trafficking and inequalities also abound.
This film has received:
The « Jeune Reporter » Award at the Angers Festival du Scoop.
Nollywood: Nigeria goes to the movies
Documentary film (52 min), written, directed & co-produced by Julien Hamelin
Co-produced by Sunset Presse
Broadcast on Planète channel in 2009.
Camera: Franck Rabel - Editing: Ranwa Stephan - Assistant and sound: Mohammed Musulumi.
With over 1,500 films released each year, Nigeria has become the world's third most important film producer after the United States (Hollywood) and India (Bollywood). Nollywood's films are shot in no time, with a small budget, and although their quality may be questionable, Nigerians do love them. Rightly so! These are films that are shot by Africans, for Africans. They are sold in the streets, in CD or DVD formats... Their stories unfold in Southern Christian communities or in Northern Muslim regions. They mix action, romance, religion, and sometimes even magic. In short, these films are a sheer reflection of this country. Welcome to Nigeria! Welcome to Nollywood!
This film has received support from:
The « Auteur de Documentaire » Grant from the J.L Lagardère Foundation.
The « Déclics Jeunes » Grant from the Fondation de France.