Sylvaine Cussot in
TiPATIPA
A film by Richard Mardens
I've stood at this starting line four times.
This is my fifth attempt.
I learned that I have never been alone.
Île de la Rèunion
Where the Story Takes Shape
Réunion Island is not a backdrop. It is an active force within the story.
Volcanic ridges, deep forests, extreme humidity, and sudden weather shifts create an environment where endurance is tested constantly. The island’s geography mirrors the internal demands of long-distance trail running. Nothing is predictable. Everything must be respected.
Beyond the terrain, Réunion carries a strong cultural identity. A place shaped by isolation, resilience, and diversity. These elements add depth to the narrative, grounding performance within a broader human context.
By choosing Réunion Island, SISSI connects endurance sports to territory, culture, and lived experience. This is destination storytelling with meaning, not surface-level imagery.
The Grand Raid de la Réunion: Legend, Landscape & Limits
Le Grand Raid de la Réunion, also known as La Diagonale des Fous, is one of the world’s most iconic and demanding ultramarathons. Since 1989, each October, elite trail runners and daring amateurs alike converge on Réunion Island to test themselves over rugged terrain, extreme elevation changes, and unpredictable weather.
Meet the Team
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DirectorI blend science with storytelling, adventure with emotion. My work spans from high-energy outdoor expeditions to meaningful commercial projects, but at the heart of it all is a simple truth: nature connects us all. And I’m here to capture that connection, one frame at a time.
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Producer & Filmmaker
I am always looking for new stories to tell.
I want my work to make an impact and create unique content that will last for a very long time, inspiring and educating.
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PhotographerAudrey Cavan is a professional photographer based in Haute-Savoie, at the foot of Mont Blanc, with a vision that knows no borders. A self-taught adventurer, she specializes in outdoor and alpine photography, capturing raw emotions, fleeting light, and the essence of mountain life. Her work blends technical mastery with artistic sensitivity, transforming extreme environments into powerful, immersive stories that inspire and endure.
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FilmmakerJustin Peinado is a 20-year-old videographer from Réunion Island, passionate about nature and sports. The field of video allows him to express his creativity through content on his Instagram.