Julie Gautier

Julie Gautier: an underwater storyteller

Julie Gautier is a French freediver, filmmaker, model, and dancer, born on November 19, 1979, in Saint-Louis, La Réunion. Influenced by her mother’s passion for dance and her father’s underwater adventures from a young age, she developed a profound love for water and the ocean.

Sporting career:

Julie discovered freediving around the age of 18, initiated by her father, an avid spearfisherman. She gradually transitioned to competition and competed in her first world championships in Nice in 2000. Her sporting career peaked with the establishment of two French records in constant weight freediving, reaching impressive depths of -65 meters in 2006 and -68 meters in 2007. She met freediving world champion Guillaume Néry in 2000, marking the beginning of a fruitful professional collaboration.

Audiovisual career:

After retiring from competition in 2009, Julie dedicated herself to an artistic and audiovisual career. She creates captivating underwater films that convey poignant messages about the beauty and fragility of the oceans. Her collaborations with renowned artists such as Beyoncé, Raphaël, and Zazie showcase her exceptional talent as a choreographer, dancer, and underwater filmmaker. Among her most notable works are “Free Fall,” “Narcose,” “Ocean Gravity,” and “Ama,” each illustrating her ability to blend art, nature, and ecology.

Recent / Flagship Projects:

In 2018, Julie directed “Ama,” a poetic short film featuring her own underwater dance performance.  Considered her most personal work, the film celebrates women, their grace, sensitivity, and fragility.

The “One Breathe” project is an artistic and environmental initiative led by Guillaume Néry and Julie Gautier, embodying the fusion of art, freediving, and marine conservation. Through this project, Julie explores the depths of the ocean with a single breath, capturing the beauty and fragility of this unique ecosystem. “One Breathe” is more than just an underwater performance; it is a call to action to raise awareness about the importance of preserving our oceans and respecting their delicate balance.

More recently, she created “Bakélite” a dreamlike film addressing the issue of plastic pollution in the oceans. This project underscores her commitment to the environment and her use of art as a means of raising
awareness.

Environmental Commitment:

Julie is committed to environmental preservation and uses her influence to educate the public about the challenges facing the oceans. Her artistic work and educational films highlight the urgency of protecting
marine ecosystems and promoting sustainability.

Julie Gautier is a versatile artist who continues to inspire and captivate with her unique underwater creations and her dedication to preserving the marine environment.