I journey across Mauritania aboard the legendary iron ore train, often referred to as the “Snake of the Sahara.” Stretching up to 3 kilometres in length and running approximately 700 kilometres between the mining town of Zouérat and the port city of Nouadhibou, it is one of the longest and most extreme train journeys in the world.
Riding in the open wagons used to transport iron ore, the journey is physically demanding and exposes passengers to the full force of the desert environment. But beyond the challenge, the film seeks to understand the reality behind the train’s reputation. Who actually relies on it? How do local communities view its use - especially by foreign travellers? And what role does it play in everyday life across this vast and remote landscape?
Through conversations and firsthand experience, the story moves beyond spectacle to explore the social and cultural context surrounding the train. What emerges is a more nuanced portrait of Mauritania itself - complex and shaped by both tradition and harsh geography.
