‘À Bicyclette!’ Explores Grief and Friendship Through a Cross-Continental Bike Journey

Mathias Mlekuz retraces his late son's cycling route in a heartfelt film blending humor and tragedy.

Mathias Mlekuz directs and stars in ‘À Bicyclette!’, a road movie inspired by his late son’s cycling journey from La Rochelle to Istanbul.
The film follows Mlekuz and his friend Philippe Rebbot as they travel with a dog, Lucky, to honor and understand the life of Mlekuz’s son, who died by suicide in 2022.
Blending improvised comedic moments with deep emotional resonance, the film has been praised for its sincerity and balance of humor and grief.
Premiering at the Angoulême Festival, the film earned three Valois awards and deeply moved audiences, many of whom shared personal stories with the filmmaker afterward.
Set for release on February 26, the film has been recognized for its unique approach to storytelling and its portrayal of vulnerability and friendship.