Jérôme Delafosse (b. 1971)
Alias:
Éric Millot
Birthplace:
Saint-Malo, France
Born:
May 2, 1971
Jérôme Delafosse, born May 2, 1971, in Saint-Malo, is a French environmental explorer, director, actor, and writer. He grew up in Saint-Malo and earned his professional diving diploma in Marseille at the age of twenty. He then trained in underwater photography with American photographer Jeff Rotman, which led him to begin his career as an underwater photographer aboard the Archéonaute, the underwater archaeological research vessel of the Ministry of Culture. In 1992, he participated in the excavation of the Cosquer Cave, nicknamed the "sunken Lascaux," in the Calanque de la Triperie in Marseille. Passionate about the sea from a young age, he has transformed this fascination into an extraordinary career path, combining underwater exploration, environmental awareness, and sharing adventures around the world. After studying science, he turned to the world of film and television, where he quickly distinguished himself with his storytelling talent and his ability to convey powerful emotions. He began his career in French television as a cameraman, then quickly became a director and producer of wildlife and adventure documentaries. His pseudonym, Éric Millot, allowed him to explore different media universes early in his career, but he later established himself under his real name. Jérôme Delafosse is particularly famous for his underwater expeditions, during which he films and observes large marine predators such as sharks, dolphins, and killer whales. He has collaborated with international teams to study and protect these species, while raising public awareness about ocean conservation. Among his notable achievements are the documentary series "In Pursuit of the Orcas" and "Planète Océan," broadcast on major French and international channels. He has also participated in scientific missions, notably with the Longitude 181 association, and has produced reports on the impact of pollution and global warming on marine biodiversity. In addition to his work as a filmmaker, Jérôme Delafosse is a renowned speaker, invited to share his experience and knowledge at numerous environmental events, festivals, and gatherings. He has also written several books, including "In the Heart of the Oceans" and "Sharks: Lords of the Sea," in which he recounts his adventures and encounters with the giants of the sea. His commitment to ocean protection has led him to support various associations and participate in large-scale awareness campaigns. In 2023, he was made a Knight of the Legion of Honor for his commitment to ocean and environmental protection. In 2024, Canal+ broadcast his documentary #Hvaldimir, the true story of the spy beluga, a feature film selected and awarded at numerous international festivals, including the prestigious Wildscreen in Bristol, where it won the Audience Award. Among his many accolades, he received the Audience Award at Wildscreen 2024, first prize at the 2017 Environment Festival for Ocean Mafias, and the Environment Award at FIFMEE 2015 for Sharks of Wrath.