Breton Filmmakers Revive History of the Red Caps Revolt

A latest short film, “Le Balp,” is set to bring the 17th-century revolt of the Red Caps (Bonnets Rouges) in Brittany to life, spearheaded by local filmmakers Corentin Cojan-Le Toux and Emma Lohé. The project aims to educate Bretons about their regional history and identity, focusing on the uprising led by Sébastien Le Balp.

From “Kingdom of Heaven” to Breton History

Corentin Cojan-Le Toux, originally from Pontivy, Morbihan, first developed a passion for history and cinema while working on Ridley Scott’s 2005 film “Kingdom of Heaven” during his college years. He further honed his skills at CinéCréatis school in Nantes and through a production assistant internship in Paris. After returning to Brittany and facing challenges finding work in the film industry, he joined the Puy-du-Fou historical theme park as an actor in 2020.

CinéHisto Production: A Passion Project

While at Puy-du-Fou, Cojan-Le Toux founded CinéHisto Production in 2020, with the initial goal of highlighting history through film. His first medium-length film, “The Templar” (2023), a 47-minute production tracing the story of a knight and his grandfather’s memories, achieved regional success with screenings in various cinemas. “Le Balp” represents the association’s next step in bringing Breton history to the screen.

Emma Lohé: Rekindling a Childhood Dream

Emma Lohé, a childhood friend of Cojan-Le Toux, reconnected with filmmaking after a brief foray into communication studies. A pivotal experience as a backup director on a film shoot reignited her passion. She subsequently completed civic service at the Pôle Régional Documentaire de Mellionnec, gaining experience in filming and communication. Lohé now serves as the vice-president of CinéHisto Production.

The Revolt of the Red Caps: A Forgotten History

“Le Balp” focuses on the revolt of the Red Caps, a historical uprising in Brittany in 1675. Cojan-Le Toux explained that the film aims to shed light on a lesser-known part of Breton history, as many are unaware of the revolt’s origins despite the presence of monuments dedicated to Sébastien Le Balp throughout the region. The filmmakers aim to present a historically accurate portrayal, even while incorporating some romanticization for cinematic effect, including documented phrases from the period.

Authenticity and Location Shooting

The production prioritizes historical accuracy in costumes, sets, and props. Filming is scheduled to begin in October for ten days, with key locations including the Poul Fétan reconstruction village in Quistinic, South Finistère (Pont-l’Abbé, Locronan), and the Château de Trévarez. Unlike their first film, participants in “Le Balp” will be compensated, increasing production costs.

Crowdfunding Efforts

CinéHisto Production has already secured approximately €30,000 through grants and sponsorships. To cover the remaining €50,000 in production costs, they have launched a crowdfunding campaign on HelloAsso. Donations are tax-deductible for individuals (66% deductible), and rewards are offered to contributors.