The Companions Of The Void

Les Compagnons Du Vide (The Companions of the Void) is a 1989 documentary by Claude Andrieux and Gilles Chappaz, broadcast in two parts on FR3's Montagne program. The film traces the history of the mountain guide profession through intimate portraits of mountain guides, highlighting the diversity and peril inherent in this high-risk vocation. It also probes the intimate relationship between the climbing team and the client, illustrated by the example of prestigious guides. The documentary follows these teams on major climbs around Chamonix, Mont Blanc, and La Meije in the Écrins massif.