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Berlin/Paris, May 20, 2025 – The atmospheric documentary The Borgey Odyssey, produced by French GPS tracker manufacturer Weenect, has been awarded Silver at this year’s World Media Festival in Berlin in the category Public Relations / Brand Building & Image.
Shot by a three-person crew in Arvidsjaur, northern Sweden, The Borgey Odyssey tells the story of French sled dog racing vice world champion Elsa Borgey and her partner Fred. The film deliberately avoids promotional staging or loud messages – and it is precisely this restraint that moves the viewer. With clear visuals, powerful landscapes, and quiet presence, it unfolds a story of perseverance, clarity, and authenticity – values brands need today for lasting impact.
The nomination itself is a statement: Effective brand building doesn't have to be loud, big, or expensive. It requires attitude, courage – and a willingness to go against the grain. The Borgey Odyssey demonstrates how a strong brand identity can emerge with minimal means and real focus.
Filming in the remote wilderness of Swedish Lapland came with extraordinary challenges. A sudden heatwave at the start of filming melted the snow overnight – forcing the team to rapidly rethink their plan. The shoot also coincided with the dogs’ peak training period, which severely limited Elsa and Fred’s availability.
Without a fixed power supply, the entire production was run off a generator – from charging cameras and microphones to previewing and editing footage on-site. Even early cuts had to be rendered under these conditions – a logistically and technically demanding process that added depth to the film’s minimalist, unhurried approach.
“During filming, it was minus 20 degrees. Our phones literally froze – we couldn’t even shoot behind-the-scenes footage at times. That such a calm and visually powerful film could emerge from these conditions was only possible because we let go of traditional branding logic and trusted the power of the moment,”says Déborah Petraitis, Brand Manager at Weenect.
“From the very beginning, I wanted to approach this film freely – no templates, no usual brand directives. Just an openness to immerse myself in the breathtaking landscape and the intense training of the dogs. No script, no staging. A film that lets you feel. Honestly, I was positively surprised by how much the client supported this direction. Especially the long, silent opening – completely atypical for a brand video – was a real risk. But one that paid off.”
Leaving everything behind for Lapland – The Borgeys’ Odyssey | Documentary
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