In La Traversée, a young man sets sail from France in 1911 aboard the S.S. Pretorian, driven by dreams of a better life in Canada. Inspired by a letter he wrote during his voyage, the film traces his emotional and physical journey across the Atlantic. At first enchanted by the ship's bustling decks and vast seascapes, he soon faces the harsh reality of third-class travel—cramped quarters, relentless seasickness, and the toll of rough waters. Yet, moments of beauty, like glimpses of whales and icebergs, rekindle his sense of wonder and remind him of the promise that lies ahead.

As the ship approaches the Canadian coast, the sight of Newfoundland’s fishing boats and Québec's riverside villages stirs anticipation for the new chapter awaiting him in the prairies of Manitoba. Aboard the train to his final destination, he is drawn to a young woman, his thoughts turning from survival to possibility. Blending animation, archival photos, and French folk music, La Traversée—created by Noel Fenez and Joanna Simoens—breathes life into a century-old letter. The film serves as both a personal homage and a universal reflection on the immigrant experience, preserving a family legacy for generations to come.