Uploaded January 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
At dawn, in the coastal village of Iwik, the wind decides whether fishing is possible or not. Ropes are tightened, tides are read, and knowledge passed down through generations is put to the test. Ahmed, one of the village’s most respected captains despite his young age, leads his crew across shallow waters where a single mistake can leave a boat stranded for days.
Along the shores of Mauritania, the Banc d’Arguin forms a unique ecosystem of sandbanks, mudflats, and channels shaped by tides and wind. Here, fishermen read the sea through birds, currents, and silence. Fishing is not rushed. Nets are cast only at the right moment, following principles taught by elders rather than profit alone.
Beyond technique, this film reveals a way of life built on transmission and sharing. The catch feeds not only the market, but the entire community. Women, children, and those who do not fish all receive their share. In Iwik, the sea provides — but only if its rules are respected.
Shot on location with observational footage, the film documents a fragile balance between environment, tradition, and collective responsibility.
Documentary: People of the Sea – Ep15: Mauritania (2017)
Directed by: Nicolas Argillet
Production: Découpages & Arte France
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Any illegal reproduction of this content will result in immediate legal action.
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At dawn, in the coastal village of Iwik, the wind decides whether fishing is possible or not. Ropes are tightened, tides are read, and knowledge passed down through generations is put to the test. Ahmed, one of the village’s most respected captains despite his young age, leads his crew across shallow waters where a single mistake can leave a boat stranded for days.
Along the shores of Mauritania, the Banc d’Arguin forms a unique ecosystem of sandbanks, mudflats, and channels shaped by tides and wind. Here, fishermen read the sea through birds, currents, and silence. Fishing is not rushed. Nets are cast only at the right moment, following principles taught by elders rather than profit alone.
Beyond technique, this film reveals a way of life built on transmission and sharing. The catch feeds not only the market, but the entire community. Women, children, and those who do not fish all receive their share. In Iwik, the sea provides — but only if its rules are respected.
Shot on location with observational footage, the film documents a fragile balance between environment, tradition, and collective responsibility.
Documentary: People of the Sea – Ep15: Mauritania (2017)
Directed by: Nicolas Argillet
Production: Découpages & Arte France
We fully own the rights to the use of the published content.
Any illegal reproduction of this content will result in immediate legal action.
SLICE wants to fill up your curiosity!
Accessible to anyone from anywhere at any time, this channel is your weekly dose of short docs about curious facts, discoveries, astounding info, unusual stories, weird, fun and instructive. Be smart, have a slice!
Subscribe now ►►► youtube.com/channel/UCvziXdVCN7PMdFZEFZ6aEqQ?sub_confirmation=1
Become a fan ! youtube.com/channel/UCvziXdVCN7PMdFZEFZ6aEqQ/join
Follow us 👇
In French: youtube.com/c/SLICEFR
Facebook: facebook.com/slicedocs
Instagram: instagram.com/slicedocs
#documentary #slice #fulldocumentary #freedocumentary
