Denis Belliveau
Denis’ photographic career has taken him to over 60 countries where he has amassed a wealth of mesmerizing images. His work has been published in numerous magazines, periodicals and books, including “Photographic Magazine,” “Smithsonian Magazine” and most recently the BBC documentary series “Planet Earth” which aired on the Discovery Channel. He is the receiver of the Gallery Award, Eastman Kodak’s highest honor for a professional photographer.
Denis is employed as Director of Photography and senior cameraman for the award-winning public television series “Real Moms, Real Stories, Real Savvy.”
He lives in NYC with his wife Lisa and sons Jake and Cary James and is currently working on his next documentary.
Francis O’Donnell
After a tour of duty in the Marines, Fran attended college at the School of Visual Arts in Manhattan majoring in advertising and media arts but later switching to sculpture. Following his passion for fine arts he trained under world renowned sculptor Joel Perlman. Part of a team of architects, artists and engineers that restored and expanded a rare masterpiece by legendary Bauhaus architect Mies Van Der Rohe, his work has been exhibited in various shows around the city.
Over the past 20 years his love of art and history has taken him to the four corners of the world, participating in numerous expeditions and archeological digs. Today, when not found mentoring to high school students or lecturing on his travels,’ Fran could be found in his studio working on his next project.
Buddies since their college days at the School of Visual Arts, Denis and Francis’ friendship survived the journey. Both members of the Explorers Club, they still travel together sometimes.
I saw the documentary last night and I have two words – AWESOME & AMAZING. I salut Francis & Denis.
WOW …. way to go gents … I’ve recorded your documentry and will be watching it again with my teenage sons … Denis, Francis … Is any of your artwork or photography available for purchase?
One world / One people
My daughter has the temperment needed for your type of adventure. (It is a shame she is a female.) She is in New York now doing an internship in photography. In three months she has lived with a woman from India (she was mugged in the first 10 days), slept on a couch in Harlam, stayed with a woman from Israel, moved to Weehauken and now has started another internship with a Chinese photographer. In all the troubles she has endured in her travels in Europe and Eqypt, she still has a tender heart, an open mind and an adventurous spirit. I know God will watch out for her as she travels through life accepting and loving all of God’s creation.
I’m doing whatever I can to get the word out about your extraordinary film. When talent meets determination wonderful things can happen. Thank you so much for sharing your dream.
The most wonderful documentary I have ever seen! The photography was spectacular.
Thank you for such wonderful documentory. It is one of the most inspirational films I have seen.
I watched your documentary last night and was really inspired by your tenacity, courage and receptiveness on your journey. I’ve already told countless friends to see your show. I know you probably have already read this, but in case you haven’t, the book Invisible Cities by Italo Calvino is a fictional account of Marco Polo telling his story to Kublai Khan. Great book.
I look forward to any more adventures you two share!
I saw the documentary about Denis and Francis.
What an inspiring story. I am a New York City educator. Would love to invite you yo my school to inspire our students. Please contact.Thank you for so much.
This was truly an amazing journey. I sat there transfixed by this awesome adventures of wanderlust. This documentry was so well made, everything about it seemed flawless.
Bravo! What an achievement.
I saw you film last night…one of the best documentaries I’ve ever seen. Ditto all the above comments! Found it ironic that you two found yourselves in Beijing at the same time that I’d just arrived in 1994, when I began my own journey in China which turned into a 2-year period of self-discovery as I worked, studied the language, and just basically absorbed myself in its people & culture. I’m now in my late 30’s and hope yr travels as well as my own serve as an inspiration to my two young sons to do what few westerners have braved to do!
We just got your book yesterday, and we wrapped it and put it under the tree for my dad to open on Christmas. Congrats and we’re so proud!
-Pam and the rest of the Floridian Belliveaus
ps: that’s my cousin ;p
Den, My favorite part was when you and Frances were holding “The Will” at the end. It was the “Icing on the Cake” I’m so proud of you, and can’t wait for you to sign my book. Take Care, and God Bless. Love, Aunt Louise
I just saw your documentary just about 30 minutes ago. Words cannot describe. You guys ARE Marco Polo. the visa story in Iran was crazy. My condolences to you and your family Mr. O’Donnell. May he rest in peace.
I’m watching a rerun on PBS… cool stuff. 20 years ago (beckk when mujahideen liked Americans) I travelled in some of these places, met these people. Breaking the ice with local people is so important.
Francis, saw your art and wish to see more. How would I do that?
I’ve been to only a few countries
but your journey only made me want to go more. Thank you for your travels.
I’m also going to the library to check out that Marco Polo book. Thank you so very much.
You two are my heroes…
Just watched the Documentary and was inspired beyond words. I’m a 25 year old actor also living in Queens and would love to get involved in Documentary projects. If you are ever looking for a helping hand I would love to work with you guys! Thanks for doing what you do!
Denis and Francis gave a superb presentation to two 3rd grade classes in the school at which I teach. The students were mesmerized, and the explorers gave a phenomenal account. They pitched their talk perfectly for the audience, and were so patient with the many questions from the children. There story and images speak to so many issues: geography, cultural diversity, history, ethnography, trade, language, the nature of long-distance exploration, among many others. It was especially interesting to see how much their reception by local cultural groups depended on what they ate and wore. Bravo and thank you to Denis and Francis. We all look forward to seeing you annually for third-grade visits; and are working on extending this incredible opportunity to other grades and divisions.
Dear Francis and Denis,
Thank you so much for presenting your adventures to my third grade class. My students (as well as all the teachers present) were mesmerized by your travels. Your presentation was wonderful executed and very child-centered. I really appreciated your visit and hope that you can come visit our class again next year!
Best,
Elizabeth Anderson
The Dalton School
I have two words for you both THANK YOU!! You guys are awesome and truly an inspiration. All of your determination, persistence and dedication throughout your trip seems so surreal to the life in comparison to what is out there waiting to be explored and discovered. My spouse nor I could step away from the television until a commercial came on. We love everything about history. For years we talked about going on an expedition and travel around the world, but we ended up starting our family. Since we are not able to go out and have one of our own, we would like to say thank you again for bringing it to us. Keep up your good work, efforts and achievements. We look forward to seeing your next adventures.
I dropped out of art school my senior semester in 1971 and traveled overland for a year from London to Ceylon and back . Upon my return to the “real” world I finished school and returned on a solo journey overland again through Turkey to Afghanistan where I lived for 6 months and visited Balkh and Bamian. I am an artist for a living and still love to travel. I think they would’ve killed me if I was a woman traveling like you did in those Muslim countries. There were many times I felt that my being a woman precluded me from doing more adventurous things like you have. I remain eternally optimistic and enthusiastic about life and its possibilites. I feel we are kindred spirits….
Just Stunning!!!! Amazing what you two have done. I just saw the show and Iam writting as we speak. I wish everyone has an open mind to travel and learn what is so much out there!!! You two are hero’s for the American people. I hope you win as many awards as possible because this is it!!! This is the documentary that should be hailed over and over again. I def want to meet you guys some day! But it was so sad that the show came to an end!! Very inspiring!! I hope someone else takes over!! I thank you both for sharing this for me and the world!!
You guys are my heroes, delivering the message of “global connection” in the best way possible! Having been in community based tourism work for years (and working around some of the leaders in “Adventure Travel” – like Sobek), I can only say you put the whole lot in the Travel biz. to shame. The purity in intention of your whole expedition – just took my breath away. WOW.
Francis & Denis, Fantastic amazing concept and adventure. Thank for your dreaming spirits, bravery and tenacity – WHAT an adventure and accomplishment Bravo! Marco Polo would be proud! …Thanks for sharing it all too. I so admire your friendship and comraderie…Youve won the Oscar in my book!
Bellisimo!
I just wanted to drop you guys a note to tell you that I was literally “blown away” by your movie. I was riveted; to the point that when you finally got to see the will.. I just lost it. Thank god my wife was asleep!
It was almost healing to see two men just set their minds on something worthy -and adventurous- and then see it through. Rare these days. Very rare. You had the cameras with you, but I am not sure if you understood how many people you would be taking along with you!
Thank you.