Kahuna: El Camino de Hielo is a 56-minute French documentary directed by Thomas Jarrey and Robin Villard. Shot in Ultra HD with a 16:9 aspect ratio, it recounts an extreme sporting endeavour set among the glaciers of Chilean Patagonia.
At the centre is an exploration undertaken by two young Frenchmen, Baptistin Coutance and Robin Villard, who after graduating decided to take on a new challenge: a 40-day sporting and scientific expedition, entirely self-sufficient, across water and ice. The undertaking covered more than 650 kilometres, including a descent of the Río Baker by packraft, navigation through Pacific fjords and a partial crossing of the Southern Patagonian Ice Field.
The film documents the physical and environmental difficulties faced during the undertaking: carrying over 350 kg of equipment, progressing over ice in extreme weather, and passages through crevasses and fog. Its goal was not merely sporting but also scientific: collecting samples for Chilean glaciologists and assessing the state of an abandoned research base.
Alongside the athletes are the Arctic Fools, two filmmakers experienced in polar environments, who followed and filmed the entire expedition. The documentary conveys a powerful message about human resilience and environmental urgency, highlighting clear signs of glacier melt and pollution in remote areas.
Completed in December 2024, Kahuna: El Camino de Hielo is neither a student project nor the directors’ debut. Its premiere is planned during 2025, while distribution is still being defined.
Film Information
Title: Kahuna: El Camino de Hielo
Original title: Kahuna: El Camino de Hielo
Director: Thomas Jarrey, Robin Villard
Production: Baptistin Coutance (Kahuna), Vincent Lavrov (Isöken)
Country: France
Language: French
Running time: 56 minutes
Genre: Documentary
Sport featured: Skiing, packrafting, outdoor expedition
Protagonist(s): Baptistin Coutance, Robin Villard
Completion date: 20 December 2024
Premiere: [Pending confirmation]
Distributor: [Not available]
Shooting format: Ultra HD, 16:9, colour
Director’s first film: No
Student project: No