To The Sea

"On this trip, the rain never stops" - but neither do the two Londoners Ben and Hugo. In 2013 the pair set out to Sorsele in Northern Sweden to build a raft out of euro pallets and plastic containers. With their DIY construction christened "Melissa" they put in on the Vindelälven, bound for rapids, thunder storms and a bumpy ride to the sea.

Optimists at heart, the pair initially plans a two-week-trip — it would become a 6 year long expedition in stages. Year after year Ben and Hugo return to Sweden with their ukuleles "Red" and "Blue" to finish what they started, against all odds, midge invasions and cold fronts.

Two men are playfully posing with improvised paddles on the shore of a lake. The man on the left is wearing a Viking helmet, while the man on the right has a wide-brimmed hat. They stand next to a makeshift raft made of wooden pallets, loaded with gear. In the background, a forested shoreline is visible.
A man with shoulder-length hair and a large backpack examines a hiking map labeled “Vandringsled längs Vindelälven” in a forest. He is touching the map with his hand and appears focused. Trees and dense woodland surround him.
Two people wearing helmets and bright orange life vests navigate with paddles on a makeshift raft through turbulent, foaming rapids.
A man with shoulder-length hair stands on a makeshift raft made of wooden pallets on a lake. The raft is loaded with various items, including bags, paddles, and gear. In the background, a shore with dense forest is visible.

Film Facts

Length: 30 min (EOFT edit)
Direction: Paula Flach, Simone Miller
Production: Schweden, UK, 2024

"A rare find - a story capturing the beauty of friendship and perfectly imperfect adventure."

(Simone, EOFT programming)