Leslie Guimbault

Leslie is a professional in production and cultural mediation, with recognized expertise in the field of fiction and documentaries. Currently, she is an executive producer at Bluearth Production, a company based in La Ciotat specialized in the production of underwater content. His career also extends to the production of cinematographic documentaries with Papang/Endemika Films in Reunion and Madagascar, and to audiovisual production within Khora Film in Marseille.

Leslie also held the position of production director at Wopé, a Reunionese company dedicated to cinematographic and audiovisual fictions. Her commitment to culture goes beyond production: she is president of the association “Chantiers du Réel”, which organizes the “L'Appel des Chantiers” festival every year. As a moderator for the selection of the Renaud Victor Prize at FID Marseille, Leslie actively contributes to the promotion of documentary cinema. She is also involved in volunteering, in particular for the association “Lieux Fictives” at the Baumettes II penitentiary center, strengthening her commitment to an accessible and inclusive culture.

With a varied career and a deep dedication to the world of production, Leslie is a leading figure in cultural mediation and support for artistic initiatives.

Leslie will bring a wealth of experiences and a genuine passion for the marine world to this residency as an assistant director. Having had her first significant encounter with a whale on the coast of Réunion island, she is imbued with the power of cetacean songs and the importance of their preservation. Her in-depth understanding of cetaceans' social and cultural interactions will allow her to explore the unique form of their intelligence through a sensitive and informative story.

As a producer and director specialising in underwater documentaries, Leslie has the technical expertise to capture acoustic recordings using a hydrophone and create immersive underwater environments. Her collaboration with scientists and the use of innovative tools, such as the Earth Species Project's AI, will enrich the project with new perspectives and engaging content. Her collective approach will promote harmonious and inspired filming, and her sound recording skills will make it possible to make scientific testimonies more close and intimate, reinforcing the emotion and depth of the documentary.

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