Ella Maillart: Double Journey

Set in the summer of 1939, the documentary follows Ella Maillart and Annemarie Schwarzenbach as they leave Europe for Asia. Ella aims to create an ethnographic film while supporting Annemarie in overcoming her struggles with addiction. The journey takes them through Kabul, where Ella confronts her own uncertainties amid the backdrop of impending war in Europe.

After parting ways with Annemarie, Ella continues her travels alone in the British Indies. The film captures her keen observations of the colonial system while she navigates her own search for identity. Using a rich tapestry of letters, diaries, film footage, and photographs, the documentary paints a detailed portrait of Maillart's life and work as one of the last century's most significant travelers and photographers. Irène Jacob lends her voice to narrate this compelling story, adding depth to Ella's experiences.