BREATHE.

In ‘Breathe’, Dmytro Prudnikov documents his bikepacking trip through Portugal to Spain. Together with a friend, he cycles from north to south, covering a total of over 1300 kilometres. An impressive and professionally made short film about a journey through some of the most enchanting landscapes in Europe.

Stressed by everyday life, by constant extrinsic self-optimization, consumption for the sake of consumption, drowning in the constant flood of information, the protagonist of "Breathe" needs a break. A digital detox, away from everything – time to breathe. His friend Simon motivates him to embark on a bikepacking adventure through Portugal, from Porto in the north to Sagres in the far south, then east to Seville in Spain.

Fog, sun, sea, asphalt, gravel roads, and above all: endless stories. About despair, happiness, falling and getting back up again. An escape from the dark, cold, gray winter that, at this time, holds almost all of Europe in its icy clutches. About ferry rides, which for the protagonist are also synonymous with a metaphor for transition and change.

"Breathe" shows wild, rugged, and breathtaking landscapes, but also the beauty of cycling in its minimalist form. Far from tourist hot spots, the friends pedal past cliffs plunging into the sea, through breathtaking national parks, and along lonely gravel roads. Their goal isn't theirs, but rather the enjoyment of a journey that is so unique and life-affirming for them.

A particularly successful, romantic, and worthwhile short film, after which you'll want to pack your bags for your own trip right away.

Text: Max Marquardt / Photos: Screenshots „Breathe“