In addition, ahead of its official launch at MIPTV in Cannes, AMR has pre-sold the 1 x 86’ feature about legendary French volcanologists Maurice and Katia Krafft to BBC Storyville for the UK, DR Denmark, SVT Sweden and NRK Norway to date.
Mt. Unzen, Kyushu, Japan at 3.18pm on 3 June 1991, a pyroclastic flow – a cloud of superheated gases and particles – descended at more than 100 mph from the peak of the volcano, consuming everything in its path. It instantly killed Katia and Maurice Krafft, volcanologists and filmmakers from the Alsace region in France. They were too close. They were almost always too close. On the day before they died, Maurice said in an interview, “I am never afraid, because I’ve seen so many eruptions in 25 years that, even if I die tomorrow, I don’t care.”
Written, directed and narrated by legendary German filmmaker, Werner Herzog, in this his 80th year, The Fire Within pays homage to the Kraffts, who left an archive of more than 200 hours of footage of their final journal, which is unprecedented in its spectacular and hypnotic beauty.
Werner Herzog has produced, written and directed more than sixty feature and documentary films, including Grizzly Man, Invincible, Encounters At The End Of The World and Cave Of Forgotten Dreams. He was named one of the world's 100 most influential people by Time magazine in 2009.
The film is produced by Brian Leith Productions, Bonne Pioche and Titan Films. The producers are Mandy Leith, Alexandre Soullier and Julien Dumont. Archive producer is Jess Winteringham, and the film is based on an original idea from Peter Lown who has followed the process with the three producers.
Jonathan Ford, Managing Director, Abacus Media Rights, comments, “We feel honoured to have the opportunity to distribute The Fire Within. It is an exceptional piece of storytelling by one of the world’s greatest filmmakers. As well as being a glorious feast for the eyes, it reveals the intensity and determination of a couple who died fearlessly pursuing their absolute passion of volcano exploration.”
Alexandre Soullier, Producer & Partner at Bonne Pioche adds, “Katia and Maurice Krafft. Jacques-Yves Cousteau. Paul-Emile Victor. Theodore Monod. These French explorers and adventurers who have become mythical rocked my childhood. I immersed myself in their stories, in their films, and in their books as a child. Their images have permeated my imagination. The Kraffts are myths of French exploration, through their work they have reached a wide audience by making science extraordinary. Discovering their archives three years ago with my friends at Brian Leith Productions was a shock; a revelation. The Kraffts were born storytellers, as is Werner Herzog. Uniting his vision, his talent, his sensitivity to the fabulous material collected by the Kraffts can only result in a bubbling, mesmeric and powerful film. Watching Werner Herzog’s Grizzly Man was a unique experience for me. Sometimes disturbing. Powerful. Captivating. No doubt The Fire Within will be the new Grizzly Man. But of volcanoes.”
Mandy Leith, Executive Producer for Brian Leith Productions declares, “Producer Pete Lown told me of the Krafft’s story several years ago. As he did so, I experienced goosebumps along my arms. When I viewed the Krafft’s awesome footage, and heard their voices recorded over thirty years ago, I experienced shivers down my spine. My immediate reaction convinced me that this was a film that we had to make. We immediately went into a thorough development period, with numerous research trips to France, to the Krafft’s archive, to our contributors, to the Krafft’s hometown, and to see their graves. Being directed, written and narrated by Werner Herzog with his vision and creativity, will produce a moving a truly authentic requiem to their memory. And to have joined forces with our talented friends at Bonne Pioche, along with the enthusiasm and commitment of Titan Films, is the best outcome for our film that we could possibly have wished for.”
Julien Dumont, Executive Producer for Titan Films Production says “I grew up with Krafft, I remember the book that Maurice signed for my parents, if I wanted to be a volcanologist as a child, it was clearly Maurice and Katia’s fault. Now, as a producer and curator, I have this incredible opportunity to protect and restore a lifetime of work. To dive into these rare accounts of the most powerful and dangerous events on earth is something unique. Maurice and Katia were also unique: scientists, filmmakers, photographers, writers, adventurers... They were among the first to study and document the most deadly volcanoes: the grey volcanoes - they perished as a couple on Mount Unzen in a pyroclastic flow. Their legacy is enormous and sometimes unknown to the general public. We owe them this film. A film that inspires passion and abnegation.”
Pete Lown, producer for Brian Leith Productions comments, “The Krafft’s story is almost fable-like: two people who fell in love through their shared passion for volcanoes until it became an all-consuming obsession that would eventually claim their lives. But through accepting their fate - their inevitable death - they discovered a hidden realm that exists right here on earth, they witnessed the powers of creation and destruction and they filmed it all. For years I have dreamt of discovering what lay hidden in their archive. And now with Werner as our guide we are embarking on that journey. Their raw material will be brought to life, not only allowing us to meet this inspirational couple but the chance to see the world as they saw it - the beauty, the majesty and the overwhelming elemental power.”
