Fading Tracks
Fading Tracks follows Director Jérôme Mergen and wildlife photographer David Wagener on their journey across Europe to document its three great predators: the wolf, the bear, and the lynx. Often feared and misunderstood, these animals play a crucial role in maintaining the balance of our ecosystems.
However, as governments roll back protections and their future becomes increasingly uncertain, David and Jérôme decide to endeavour on an adventure across Europe to track down and tell the story of these 3 mysterious creatures. Their journey tells the touching story of two friends, taking on the challenge of giving to Europe’s elusive predators a voice, to highlight the fragility of their existence and the urgency to protect them,
Live Stats
373,5
Km made on foot
35
Shooting Days
4
Countries
3
Predators
1
Documentary
Meet the Director
Being a curious and creative mind from an early age, Jérôme Mergen was always drawn to storytelling and visual expression. At twelve years old, he received his first camcorder and began making short home movies to capture the world around him. What started as a hobby quickly became a passion for cinema and visual storytelling, and he never missed an opportunity to take his camera with him on his next adventure.
After completing his diploma, Jérôme pursued film studies to further refine his craft and establish himself as a director. His work is often driven by a desire to explore complex subjects and challenge perspectives. In March 2023, he directed a documentary short film on the retirement strikes in Paris, that gave a bold look into the clashes between protesters and police forces during the 9th National Strike day, showing both the violent riots and the excessive police brutality, reinforcing his commitment to telling impactful, thought-provoking stories.
With Fading Tracks, he takes on his most ambitious project yet—his debut feature film. Venturing into Europe’s wilderness, he sets out to tell the story of the three great predators of Europe: the wolf, bear, and lynx. Through the the impactful story of Fading tracks, he he aims to challenge misconceptions, inspire conservation, and bring audiences closer to better understand these myterious guardians of the wild.
Meet the Photographer
Growing up in the Luxembourgish countryside, David Wagener has always been passionate about wildlife and nature. At just twelve years old, he began spending all his free time in the forest, captivated by the rich biodiversity of Luxembourg. This deep connection with nature and his knowledge of the wild led him to develop exceptional skills in wildlife photography.
Initially focused on the fauna of his home country, his determination and talent quickly pushed him to broaden his horizon. Today, he travels all over Europe in search of predators and other fascinating species, offering a unique and respectful perspective on these majestic animals. Whether he’s following the faint trace of a wolf in Switzerland, or tracking bears through the Carpathian mountains of Romania, he never hesitates to take on exciting new projects.
By sharing his discoveries and adventures through his photography, David hopes to inspire others to appreciate and protect the wildlife around us, with the goal of raising awareness and encouraging conservation and respect for nature.