Benjamin Gapany: La force des traditions
Between the sawdust ring and the family farm, Benjamin Gapany pursues sporting excellence without turning his back on his roots.
Synopsis
Benjamin Gapany is one of Switzerland’s leading wrestlers. Away from the sawdust ring, he is also a farmer from Gruyère and the heir to his family’s estate. As the 2022 Federal Wrestling Festival approaches, he must reconcile two all-consuming commitments: competing at the highest level and preparing to take over the farm.
The edge
Told through the eyes of his parents, the film reveals the man behind the athlete. His Quebec-born mother offers an intimate outsider’s view of a deeply Swiss tradition, while his father embodies heritage, pride and the unresolved question of succession. The result is a film about wrestling, but also about work, family and choosing one’s own path.
Diffusion
Premiered in Fribourg in November 2022, the film continued through regional cinema screenings, partner events, the Fribourg International Film Festival and a dedicated broadcast on La Télé. Its digital release extended the story beyond the region and made the film freely accessible online.