With their overcast skies which filter an ever-changing light, temperate countries such as England are a joy for photographers. "I've made a very polished film, and I had a few strokes of luck, for example permission to film Queen Elizabeth's birthday ; I was barely five yards away from her, says Luc. It's difficult to speak of England without mentioning Royalty.

Luc Giard's exploration of the Englishman captures his daily life: his work, his spare time, his education, his environment. There is no topical subject in "Les Charmes de l'Angleterre" (The Charms of England) but the foundations of the Empire which have had, of course, repercussions on the psychology and the way of life and of being of this people. "They are special", says Luc, "for example with regard to their symbiosis with nature. It's not unusual to see them, parked by the sea, watching the sunset, watching the clouds drifting in the sky". These very images are, of course, in the film, which also shows the worship the English have for their past. The customary visits: Cathedrals, Universities, the Tower of London, Westminster. Pleasure outings: regattas, horse-riding, public gardens, motor shows. Discovering the working environment : industrial or sea-shore.

A book accompanies Luc Giard's visual presentation, a book which is, in a way, the genesis of what the speaker shows in his film. As a seasoned traveller, he gives advice on making a visit to this welcoming island enjoyable: how to adapt smoothly to driving on the left, which magazines to buy for information on not-to-be-missed events, English food: choice of menu and restaurant, where to shop… many interesting tips for intelligent travel.

Nelly BROUSMICHE
Vers l'Avenir -Towards the Future) - Namur Edition - 3 February 1999

After having travelled to the four corners of the world, Luc Giard is back among us to present, with Connaissances du Monde, his new film about England which reveals the English soul through the country's history and the way in which the English preserve their country's charm.

Precious liberty

It was in 1973, after having sold his 2 CV (2 horse-power) Citroên, that he left for Peru to make his first report. He returned with two thousand photographs from which he made a slide show to be launched in the restricted world of independent journalism. "I have never considered myself as a journalist, though", he admits, "and even less as a tourist. My only concern has always been to share my experience and my emotions with others" His reputation has been built up by word of mouth, notably thanks to History, Geography and Spanish teachers, and his film travels from town to town. Luc then left for Ecuador to "produce", he explains, "a slightly less commercial film about an unknown country" This film did not have the same success as the first but, far from being discouraged, Luc headed for the stimulation of other horizons, this time Mexico.

When he remembers his wanderlust past, he cannot help thinking of the youth of today who do not have this opportunity: "How can one invest 500,000F (75000 Euros, 70000 $, 50000 £) in equipment unless it's for television, a newspaper or a big sponsored adventure?" he asks himself.

It was in 1985 that Luc was contacted by Connaissance du Monde and invited to join their big family. Fate thus dealt a fortunate blow, just when he was ready to give up after his film on Mexico had not had the success expected of it. "This gave me a new impetus", he admits, "and, above all, the advantage of not being encumbered by the organisation, while remaining free to choose my subjects"

In fact, while Luc's films are projected in the six hundred towns in France where Connaissance du Monde is distributed, neither he nor any of the other reporters are under contract. "The principle works on receipts minus expenses", Luc points out ,"it's not only abroad that we are paid fees"

The Strength of Traditions

Far from dreaming constantly of faraway countries, Luc Giard has recently fallen in love with our near neighbour, England. "It had been 35 years since a film on England had been made for the network", he says, "and yet it is a very rich subject" What was it about England that pleased him above all ? Apart from the colours and the changing skies of green Albion, the photographer fell for the strength of traditions. "It's alarming to see how the English preserve everything", he exclaims "In France we are ashamed of our past; even older people feel this. On the contrary, in England there are many associations which, since 1870, reconstruct and develop the country, the gardens, the buildings, the objects, even the events and the hats"

A demanding audience

In addition, Luc's photographs are never meaningless and, whether of a scene or simply a face, always communicate a feeling of celebration. A far cry from those glossy postcards!
It is his film, made at the same time, which will be presented from 18th January to 22nd February in projection halls in the region. "Here, the audiences are very demanding", Luc explains, without a hint of fear, " There's no fooling them, and I have to prove myself. But once I've won them over, the pleasure is intense"

That is the secret of the driving force behind this image-hunter: upon his return from a trip, when he meets the audience and tries to reveal to them the light they have deep inside themselves.

After concentrating his reporter's life on South America for nearly twenty years, suddenly in 1992 this Boulogne-sur-Mer native decided to cross the English Channel to rediscover England, spending four years there to produce a little masterpiece. He has succeeded in his transition from photographer to film-maker, notably in his choice of subject and composition, his judicious linking and colour quality accompanied by a flowing commentary, without overlong passages but with touches of mischievousness here and there. Luc Giard has a sense of observation and excels in both close-ups and long-shots. His film is therefore an account which appeals in many ways and which incites travel in a new and innovative way. The English countryside, under the captivating Northern skies, is opportunely shown to advantage. This is where the ever-present traditions persist, which is illustrated by many sequences of the film. The reporter evokes in his own way the history of England through pictures: the megalithic remains of the Celts, the 118 km of Hadrian's Wall, the Bath thermal baths and the various invasions which started here in 406. We also marvel at the majestic castles, churches, and cathedrals or abbeys born out of the religious turmoil of the Middle Ages.

We know that the Englishman is independent, different, and sometimes disconcerting, but his commitment to his country's roots is a model of the genre. The celebrations and evocations in the form of reconstruction are proof that he intends to "live the past in the present and the present in the past" Witness to this are: the faithful reconstruction of the Civil War, at weekends, by ten thousand volunteers, certain rowing or cutter Regattas, Royal Ascot horse-racing and the Changing of the Guard. In Luc Giard's opinion, if ever the splendour of these traditions were abandoned, signalling the end of dreams and illusions, the entire "land of souls" described by Shakespeare would be in jeopardy.

The second part of the report, which is more light-hearted, illustrates the English everyday way of life: their beautiful gardens, their love of horses, the greyhound racing and the 23 million annual tourists. Here again the film-maker demonstrates his intelligent touch which is echoed in the concluding images and message. Hats off to Luc Giard for the high quality of his film and for his characteristic originality.

English Gardens

It can be surprising to discover the meticulous attention the English give to their gardens. Even in town centres, where space is limited, there are always flowers on the "Green". This noble tradition, proof of an affection for nature, is also the symbol of a long-ago past.
In fact, this garden tradition goes back to the age when English explorers and adventurers sailed the seas in search of new lands and riches for the Empire. In the absence of gold, several of them filled their holds with unknown plants and exotic flowers. It was the arrival of these plants from the four corners of the world which started this agreeable and often spectacular pastime, a pastime which has survived to the present day. These gardens embellish and add a charming touch to the fantastic scenes captured for us by Luc Giard's camera.

Our film-maker

Luc Giard was first fascinated by Latin America where he spent 18 years. This rich experience provided him with material for two films which have been presented on the Grands Explorateurs screen: Mexico, from Rio Grande to Sierra Madre, and Brazil, land of contrasts.
As Luc is a discriminating gourmet, perhaps it was his taste for Christmas Pudding that led him to cross the English Channel in order to concoct this film about England!