A CINEMATIC & SYMPHONIC CREATION
Embarked on a peaceful voyage of discovery embodying the spirit of the Enlightenment. The Odyssey of Enlightenment brings this epic back to life through an unprecedented artistic approach: cinematic-quality images created by generative AI, combined with a powerful original symphony score.
Departing from Brest in August 1785 under the orders of Louis XVI, Jean-François de Galaup, Count of Lapérouse, led one of the greatest scientific expeditions of the 18th century. More than 200 crew members — astronomers, naturalists, cartographers, artists —
SYNOPSIS:
THE ODYSSEY OF ENLIGHTENMENT
On the island of Vanikoro, astronomer Joseph Lepaute Dagelet — fictional survivor of the shipwreck — pores over the documents he saved. As he writes his journal, images rise from his memory, revealing in flashback the expedition's main stopovers:
Tenerife · Brazil · Cape Horn · Patagonia · Chile · Easter Island · Maui Hawaii · Alaska · Monterey · Macao · Manila · Korea & Japan · Kamchatka · Samoa · Botany Bay Australia · Vanikoro — The Shipwreck
About us
The Association Lapérouse Albi France (ALAF) is supporting and carrying the fundraising for a 70-minute cinematic film on the Lapérouse expedition, combining AI-generated imagery with an original 40-minute symphony score composed by Olivier Gavignaud and conducted by Laurent Petitgirard, Perpetual Secretary of the Académie des Beaux-Arts (Institut de France).
The Association Lapérouse Albi France is a French nonprofit organization dedicated to raising awareness and promoting the life, work, and universal values of Jean-François de Galaup, Count of Lapérouse — the 18th-century French explorer and navigator born in Albi, France in 1741. https://www.laperouse-france.org/en/home/
This work, officially recognized by the French Navy for its 400th anniversary, combines high-tech AI for historical heritage reconstruction with symphonic music to convey the spirit of the 1785 Lapérouse expedition through an immersive and evocative approach.
Support through Friends of Fondation de France
The Odyssey of Enlightenment is proud to partner with Friends of Fondation de France, public charity established in the United States. This partnership allows American individuals, foundations, and corporations to support our mission of preserving and sharing the global heritage of the Lapérouse expedition.
How Your Support Makes a Difference
Your contributions are essential to the finalization of this ambitious project and specifically support:
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Symphonic Production: Funding the recording of the original 40-minute score by a full orchestra under the musical direction of Mr. Laurent Petitgirard, Perpetual Secretary of the Académie des Beaux-Arts.
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Technological Innovation: Finalizing the cutting-edge AI visual post-production to create a high-definition, immersive cinematic experience.
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Educational Mission: Developing a comprehensive suite of educational resources for teachers to transmit the values of science, curiosity, and humanism to students worldwide.
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Global Distribution: Enabling the work to be presented internationally in both film and cine-concert formats.
Tax Benefits for U.S. Donors
Contributions to Friends of Fondation de France are tax-deductible for U.S. taxpayers to the full extent of the law. By donating through this platform, you ensure that your gift directly impacts the preservation of shared historical memory through modern artistic forms.
News
🇺🇸 American Premiere — Seattle French Fest 2026
A Bridge Across the Pacific
On Sunday, March 22, 2026, L’Odyssée des Lumières had its American premiere at the Seattle French Fest, held at the Seattle Center Armory. As one of the largest Francophone festivals on the U.S. West Coast, it provided a prestigious stage for this first screening during the celebration of International Francophonie Day.
Ten minutes of the film were showcased on the central screen above the main stage. The audience discovered never-before-seen footage of Lapérouse’s North American stopovers: Lituya Bay in Alaska — which he named Port des Français in July 1786 — and Monterey Bay in California, where his ships were among the first non-Spanish European visitors in September 1786.
This screening created a natural bridge between the Francophone cultures of the Americas and France — true to the spirit of the Lapérouse expedition, 240 years ago.
Escale à Sète 2026: Journey with Lapérouse on the Mediterranean Coast
From March 31st to April 6th, "L’Odyssée des Lumières" will be part of the prestigious maritime festival Escale à Sète. We are thrilled to announce that exclusive extracts from the film will be projected daily at the Association Lapérouse Albi France (ALAF) stand.
Amidst the world's most beautiful tall ships, come and experience a visual immersion into the heart of the 18th century.
GALLERY
Instructions of Louis XVI and Departure from Brest: In August 1785, the frigates Boussole and Astrolabe set sail from the bustling military port of Brest, embarking on one of the greatest scientific expeditions of the 18th century. Guided by the enlightened and peaceful instructions of King Louis XVI, Jean-François de Galaup, Count of Lapérouse, leads his elite crew on a voyage of discovery, aiming to complete the map of the world and expand human knowledge
Tenerife and Santa Catarina:Following their departure, the expedition's first transatlantic landfalls bring them to the striking volcanic landscapes of Tenerife, where scientists scale the towering Peak to expand their observations. Continuing their descent into the southern hemisphere, the frigates find a lush, verdant haven at the Brazilian island of Santa Catarina. Amidst exotic flora, vibrant wildlife, and the remarkable hospitality of the local population, the crew replenishes their vital supplies, gathering strength before braving the formidable and tempestuous waters of Cape Horn
The Passage of Cape Horn : In January 1786, taking advantage of exceptionally favorable weather, the expedition bypassed a resupply stop and sailed directly through the Strait of Le Maire alongside multitudes of undisturbed whales. Consequently, the frigates navigated the dreaded Cape Horn with surprising ease, successfully dispelling the terrifying myths perpetuated by previous explorers
Easter Island In April 1786, the French frigates anchored at Easter Island, where the crew marvelled at the island's colossal stone statues and striking volcanic landscape. The expedition's scientists meticulously measured these enigmatic monuments, discovering they were carved from a light volcanic stone called lapillo. True to their enlightened mission, the explorers peacefully engaged with the indigenous people, gifting them European seeds and livestock before continuing their epic voyage
Concepción, Chile : Anchoring in the tranquil bay of Talcahuano, the French explorers were met with profound warmth, culminating in the genuine and affectionate greetings of Governor O'Higgins. Charmed by the striking beauty and elegant, pleated dresses of the local women, Lapérouse hosted a magnificent beachside reception in gratitude, celebrating their camaraderie with a joyous ball, a feast, and a spectacular fireworks display
The Port des Français (Lituya Bay): In July 1786, navigating through treacherous currents, the expedition discovered a magnificent, glacier-ringed fjord in Alaska—known today as Lituya Bay—which Lapérouse named the Port des Français. Amidst this pristine wilderness, the French explorers engaged with the resourceful Tlingit people, peacefully trading iron tools and red cloth for precious sea otter pelts. However, the sublime beauty of this haven was forever overshadowed by profound tragedy when twenty-one brave sailors perished in the bay's violent surf, leaving a somber memorial on Cenotaph Island
THE CREATIVE TEAM
Artists & partners
The score
