A sandy seabed is often perceived as a barren and lifeless environment, yet just a few meters deep lie some of the most dynamic ecosystems in the coastal Mediterranean. Through close-up cinematography and scientific analysis, the film explores the biological dynamics of these habitats: the organic matter cycle managed by bivalves and echinoderms, the camouflage strategies of cuttlefish, flounders and crustaceans, and the biogenic reefs built by Sabellaria worms. What emerges is a complex ecosystem that serves a crucial function as a nursery area for the juveniles of numerous fish species.
The aim of the documentary is conservation, as protecting sandy seabeds is essential to maintain the ecological balance of our seas.

In Italy, the Mediterranean trout is one of the most threatened freshwater species. This documentary explores the ecosystem of the Fibreno River, home to a unique trout lineage: the macrostigma trout. Through underwater cinematography and the accounts of local fish wardens, the film illustrates the biology of this salmonid and the story of an environment long pressured by human activity—yet now supported by the awareness, protection, and care of those who have understood the river’s fragility.
“The Breath of the River” documents the delicate balance between ecosystem and human intervention, showcasing the practical monitoring and artificial reproduction efforts implemented to safeguard the Mediterranean trout.

A documentary about the French Academy in Rome