The Hard Path
Richard Mille x Ilia Topuria
2026
Client : Richard Mille x Ilia Topuria
Role : Concept, Copywriting, Direction, Production, Post-production
Ilia Topuria pulls no punches entering the Richard Mille Family as the first ever fighter associated with the brand. In the film entitled The Hard Path, this generational talent is presented with absolute authenticity, speaking candidly about his journey, passion and drive. The visuals alternate between the unpolished streets of Madrid and a stripped-back gym, centring on the man himself – a formidable machine, free from embellishment or distraction.
Subtle precision and refined technical prowess underpin the narrative of this film. So, rather than focusing on his illustrious status as a world champion and international sporting icon, here we delve into the person behind the name.
We see Ilia away from the glare of the spotlight and the octagon, allowing his genuine character to shine through.
To amplify emotional resonance, we opted for the raw and honest feel of 16mm analogue film. For us, nothing quite compares to Kodak’s Ektachrome, a classic stock, which a lot of people will associate with National Geographic magazine.
There’s an undeniable sincerity in the colours and textures, with slight imperfections adding a layer of authenticity that brings this unique story to life.
The sound design also leads in this ‘warts and all’ direction. Here Ilia delivers his story, in his own voice, by using his own words, and we thought there was something incredibly powerful about that.
So much so we opted for a stripped back sound design that only incorporates genuine sounds recorded during our shoot. No artifacts nor tricks, just the noise of total commitment.
Credits
Director : Guillaume Mille
Director of Photography & Producer : Pierre Edelmann
Camera Operator : Clément Menu
Sound Engineer : Toby Thirling
First Assistant Director : Jon Espel
Technical Director : Alberto Arias
Head of Production : Vanesa Aparicio
Production Manager : Clara Muñoz
Production Coordinator : Noemí Ramal
Location Manager : Alejandro Camacho
Location Manager : Mario Martín
Stylist : Beatriz García
Make-up & Hair : Laura Milagritos
1st. AC / Focus Puller : Vivian Rodríguez
2nd. AC / Ass. Camera : Cecilia López
Loader 16mm Magazines : Joaquin Alonso
Videassist : Diego Iglesias
Digital Imaging Technician : Alberto Cayuela
Gaffer : Daniel Bermús
Best Boy : Alberto Morales
DMX Operator : Jaime Mangas
Spark : Javier Villarreal
Spark : Eva Arios
Spark : Adrian Maldonado
Key Grip : Angel López
Art Director : Aitxane Gurrea
Art Assistant : Fabiola Bicedo
Props : Javier Lamberti
Ultra Arm : CCCAR
Camera Truck : Ismael Campos
Interviewer : Jean Soiedard
Color Grading : Samir Farhi
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