Vincent Verzat has been filming environmental protests in Europe for 10 years, assembling a community of 310,000 people on YouTube.
After a period of activism fatigue, he immersed himself in wildlife observation and tracking, seeking to repopulate his day-to-day life with its non-human inhabitants. He bound himself to their fate and their vulnerability, in the hope of breathing new life into the environmental struggle.
From the running forest battles of the Millevaches plateau to the den of a badger family, via the much protested mega-water basins of Poitou, the stags of the Vercors and the controversial A69 motorway project, this film is as much a journey as it is a hand extended between worlds that rarely, if ever, meet.
Based on a personal and sensitive story, the film is the link between wild animals and the struggles being waged throughout France against the destruction of their habitats.
‘The Wild Defending Itself’ sets out a path for living with dignity and preparing for what lies ahead.
‘The Wild Defending Itself’ is a feature documentary film (90 min) directed by Vincent Verzat, produced by Partager c'est Sympa, that toured cinemas and festivals around the world, gathering 45000 spectators.
Subtitles : English, Spanish, Italian, German, Portuguese
Le film existe en VERSION FRANÇAISE : https://youtu.be/xti9JGq5tlY
0:00:00-0:22:52 Acte I - Affection
0:22:52-0:37:11 Acte II - Confronting
0:37:11-0:56:48 Acte III - Vulnerability
0:56:48-1:16:53 Acte IV - Alliances
1:16:53-1:29:42 Acte V - Resistances
Awards and Selections in prestigious festival :
⭐ Official Selection at FIPADOC Biarritz 2026
⭐ Official Selection at Festival International du Film Ornithologique (Ménigoute - FR)
⭐ Official Selection at Salamandre Festival (Morges - CH)
⭐ Jury's Choice Award, 2026 Joint Film at the Green Film Festival (FR/CH - 2026)
⭐ Official Selection at the Amnesty International France "At the Cinema for Human Rights" Film Festival (FR - 2026)
⭐ Best Film - International at Films for Future Festival (Zurich - CH)
⭐ Best Documentary at Sustain Film Festival (Guildford - UK)
⭐ Official Selection at Festival de La Biolle (FR)
⭐ Audience Award and Special Jury Mention at the International Ecological and Social Film Festival (Cannes - FR)
⭐ Prix Albert Schweitzer 2026 (CH)
► Official trailer : https://youtu.be/XHwTo7T9KwU
► Download the Press Kit : https://tr.ee/9PAHOy
► To organize a screening in your cinema and festival, simply send us an email : [email protected]
► Support the film, make a donation : https://fr.tipeee.com/le-vivant-qui-se-defend
A documentary by Vincent Verzat, produced by Partager c’est Sympa.
Written, shot and edited by Vincent Verzat.
Made possible with the support of 1300 tippers and the CNC Talent fund.
Co-writer : Gaspard d'Allens
Production manager : Juliette Eynard
Distribution manager France : Esther Le Cordier
Distribution manager Switzerland, Belgium, Canada : Robert Stitelmann
Cinema coordinator : Nicolas Landais
Grading : Victor Dagand - Mist postproduction
Sound mix : Théo Boin - mist postproduction
Graphic design : Lucile Joly - Ubu studio
Motion design : Flo Brun - Ubu Studio
English translation and voice-over coach : Benjamin Hollis
Voice-over recording : Studio Kord (Lyon)
Music : ARTLIST
Support operator and editor : Olivier Escalon
Support operator and drone operator : Bertrand Sinssaine
Further images by @joanielemercier @rudyybueno @antoine_lavorel @valentin.lfr @zenzelreal @jean.luc.pillard @telemillevaches @remimasson_photographer Courroux (GNSA) konbini/antonin blanc
