Riding Giants
Exhale
The spot Exhale, edited by Bruno Toré and directed by Nina Meredith, is a contemplative and psychological portrait of big wave surfer Hugo Vau. The film delves into the mental and physical preparation required to ride one of the world’s largest waves. He shares the life-or-death reality of big wave surfing, where the waves’ sheer force can feel like hitting cement, and a surfer must rely on instinct to survive.
Bruno’s editing amplifies the intensity and meditative quality of the story, using close-ups in the water, heavy breathing, and the interplay of light and darkness to convey Hugo's mental training. The result is a piece that captures the deep connection between mind and body, highlighting Hugo’s ability to stay calm under immense pressure, while immersing the viewer in the rhythmic power of the ocean.