Red Bull Studios and London-based Featuristic Films have partnered on “Art of the Jump,” a feature documentary about the life and career of Sébastien Foucan, a well-known French athlete.
Directed by James Kermack (“Knuckledust,” “Hi-Lo Joe”), the documentary follows Foucan’s humble upbringing in the French suburb of Lisses to sports stardom. Foucan is known for participating in extreme sports such as freerunning and parkour, where he crosses obstacles through the useof running, jumping, climbing and rolling.
The film is produced by Julien Loeffler and James Kermack for Featuristic Films and Philipp Manderla and Dominique Cutts for Red Bull Studios. Production on the film recently wrapped after shooting across the U.K. and France.
“Sébastien Foucan’s story is a testament to the power of determination, innovation and the relentless pursuit of one’s dreams, dreams that ultimately come at a cost,” said Kermack, who described Foucan as “a man who refuses to have his mind or body caged” and a “pioneer who sees every jump … as an opportunity to move forward from one experience to the next.”
Manderla says the film “intertwines art and motion, body and mind, weaving breath-taking parkour sequences and stunt appearances into living artistry.”
“Foucan’s story unfolds as an intricate tapestry, highlighting the founding of his academy for children in London, coping with a life-changing medical emergency and confronting adversity during his rise to prominence,” said Manderla.
Loeffler said the film “uses innovative visual techniques and powerful cinematic storytelling to share Sebastien Foucan’s unique discipline and values.” Executive producers on the film are Meredith Coral, Agam Jain, Emilie Robert and Georg Aschauer.
Featuristic Films’ credits include the IFTA-nominated “Knuckledust” starring Moe Dunford, Kate Dickie and Phil Davis, which was acquired by Hulu, HBO Europe and Sky Cinema; “Laurent Garnier: Off the Record,” which was sold by Anton and had its world premiere at CPH:DOX followed by selections at Edinburgh, IDFA and Karlovy Vary; “Say Your Prayers,” the sophomore feature of BIFA nominee Harry Michell with Harry Melling, Derek Jacobi and Roger Allam, which was acquired by Sky Cinema.
The company is currently in post-production on “Bardot,” a feature documentary directed by Alain Berliner (“Ma vie en rose”) about Brigitte Bardot, the iconic French actor, singer and animal rights activist.
