description Finis Terrae Overview
"Finis Terrae" is a 1929 French silent docufiction film directed by Jean Epstein, shot on location on the remote Breton island of Sein. The narrative follows a group of fishermen who must transport a young crew member with an infected finger to the mainland for medical treatment. Epstein blends documentary-style observation with fictional drama, utilizing non-professional actors to authentically depict the harsh realities of sea labor and maritime isolation. It is a landmark work of French avant-garde and poetic cinema.
help Finis Terrae FAQ
What is the story of Finis Terrae?
A group of fishermen on the remote Breton island of Sein must get a young crew member with an infected finger to the mainland for medical treatment. The medical emergency drives the film's quiet story of distance, work, and survival.
Where was Finis Terrae filmed?
Jean Epstein shot the 1929 film on location on the Breton island of Sein. The remote setting is part of the film's subject rather than a studio backdrop.
Is Finis Terrae a documentary or a fiction film?
It is generally described as a silent docufiction, combining a staged narrative with real coastal locations and working-life details. The 1929 film therefore sits between documentary observation and traditional drama.
What does the title Finis Terrae mean?
Finis Terrae means end of the earth, an apt title for a story set on a remote island at the edge of Brittany. Jean Epstein's 1929 film connects that isolated location to the crew's urgent journey for medical help.
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