ÉVEIL is a docu-series I directed for GQ France.
With the initial challenge to bring wellness in the spotlight for an audience mainly focussed on rap and combat sports, I imagined this 20 minute format. Presented by trainer Staiv Gentis, it offers an accessible, holistic approach to wellness, inviting our audience to take care of themselves. Staiv, who has practised martial arts and meditation since childhood, is now a trainer, not just of the body but also of the mind.
Taking it in turns to be a student and a teacher, Staiv encounters different talents, with a focus on one theme per episode. As a student, Staiv enriches his practice with the knowledge of specific experts, while as a teacher, he guides personalities by proposing accessible exercises.
The aim of ÉVEIL, is to explore wellness while challenging the notions of masculinity and spirituality, providing GQ’s audience with information and practical tools to help them feel good in body and mind, with curiosity and an open mind.
Meeting Shaolin Master Shi Heng Yi
For the second episode, we travelled to Germany to visit the centre of Shaolin Master Shi Heng Yi. An immersion into the world of martial arts guided by the Master, who belongs to the 35th generation of Shaolin Masters. In this episode, Staiv takes on the role of student, sharing training and reflections with the Master. Explore the benefits of martial arts for the body and mind, revealing how they cultivate discipline, strength and inner peace. An inspiring invitation to harmonise body and mind to release and develop one's potential.
Meeting Wim Hof
In this episode, Staiv and Wim Hof discuss Wim's personal journey, and the discoveries that underpin his method before demonstrating his practice and how it helps manage stress, improve physical performance and establish a deep connection with your inner self. The episode takes us on an immersive journey, where Staiv goes into practice with Wim Hof, from breathing exercises to cold baths, sharing her own sensations and offering an authentic look at the powerful effects of this method.