Blink: A Journey of Resilience and Adventure
The world of documentary filmmaking often brings to light stories that are both heartwarming and heart-wrenching. One such film, Blink, directed by Edmund Stenson and Oscar winner Daniel Roher, is set to make its world premiere at the prestigious Telluride Film Festival. This National Geographic documentary chronicles the extraordinary journey of the Lemay-Pelletier family from Québec, who embark on an adventure around the globe, all while grappling with the impending loss of sight faced by three of their four children.
A Family’s Perilous Adventure
About 50 minutes into Blink, viewers are taken on a breathtaking ride as the Lemay-Pelletier family boards a gondola in Ecuador, descending a steep mountainside. However, their exhilarating adventure takes a dark turn when the gondola suddenly jerks to a stop, leaving them suspended in darkness for hours. As the light fades, the family’s anxiety escalates, with one of the children questioning, “Why did it have to be us? This can’t be real. It’s a nightmare.” This moment serves as a powerful metaphor for the family’s journey, reflecting the uncertainty and fear they face as they navigate the challenges of visual impairment.
The Motivation Behind the Journey
The Lemay-Pelletier family’s travels are not merely for adventure; they are a heartfelt mission to create lasting visual memories for their children. Mia (11), Colin (6), and Laurent (4) are all affected by retinitis pigmentosa, a genetic condition that leads to progressive vision loss. Only Léo (9) remains unaffected. Parents Sébastien Pelletier and Edith Lemay conceived this global journey as a way to fill their children’s lives with extraordinary experiences before they lose their sight completely. The film captures the essence of this mission, showcasing the family’s determination to make the most of their time together.
A Testament to Resilience
Stenson describes Blink as “a testament to familial strength and resilience in the face of adversity.” While the film focuses on the specific challenges of visual impairment, it also delves into broader themes of how families respond to life’s unexpected challenges. The Lemay-Pelletier family’s journey is a poignant reminder of the lengths parents will go to for their children, and the film captures these moments with sensitivity and grace.
A Journey of Discovery
The family’s travels take them to stunning locations around the world, from hiking in the Himalayas to hot-air ballooning in Egypt and surfing in Indonesia. They prioritize cultural immersion over luxury, opting for hostels and stays with local families. Roher emphasizes that the family is “solidly middle class,” and their journey is a reflection of their commitment to making meaningful memories without the backing of intergenerational wealth. This choice allows their children to connect with different cultures and meet peers from various backgrounds, enriching their experiences.
The Kids Lead the Way
Interestingly, the children played a significant role in shaping the family’s itinerary. They created a bucket list of experiences they wanted to have, including watching a desert sunset and riding camels. Stenson notes that it was often the children who led the way, offering their parents a unique perspective on adventure and exploration. This dynamic adds a beautiful layer to the narrative, showcasing the innocence and curiosity of childhood.
Behind the Scenes of Blink
As Blink was being filmed, Roher was simultaneously preparing to welcome his own child into the world. This personal experience deepened his connection to the film’s themes of parenthood and sacrifice. He entrusted the bulk of the filming to Stenson, allowing him to capture the family’s journey while he navigated his own new role as a father. This intertwining of personal and professional experiences adds depth to the storytelling.
National Geographic’s Involvement
National Geographic became involved with Blink approximately 18 months into production, drawn to the film’s character-driven narrative and emotional resonance. Carolyn Bernstein, EVP of global scripted content and documentary films for NatGeo, expressed her excitement about the project, stating, “I can’t think of a better example than Blink.” The film aligns perfectly with National Geographic’s mission to tell gripping stories that inspire a deeper connection to the world.
The Telluride Film Festival Premiere
The Telluride Film Festival is renowned for showcasing some of the most acclaimed documentaries, and Blink is no exception. The Lemay-Pelletier family will be present for the premiere, alongside the filmmaking team. Roher and Stenson both express their excitement about unveiling the film in such a beautiful and celebratory environment, emphasizing the significance of the festival for filmmakers and audiences alike.
Conclusion
Blink is more than just a documentary; it is a heartfelt exploration of family, adventure, and resilience in the face of adversity. As the Lemay-Pelletier family navigates their journey around the world, they remind us of the importance of creating lasting memories and embracing life’s challenges with courage and love. With its world premiere at the Telluride Film Festival, Blink promises to be a poignant and inspiring film that resonates with audiences on multiple levels. As viewers prepare to experience this incredible story, they are invited to reflect on their own journeys and the memories they cherish.
