Édith Lemay and Sébastien Pelletier, a couple from Montreal, are not your ordinary family. With their four children—Mia, Léo, Colin, and Laurent—they have amassed an impressive collection of passport stamps from countries spanning the globe, including Namibia, Thailand, and Nepal. Their travels, however, extend beyond the lure of adventure; they are rooted in a profound purpose. When Édith and Sébastien discovered that their three out of four children would eventually face blindness due to retinitis pigmentosa, they embarked on an extraordinary mission: to create lasting visual memories for their kids. This journey is captured in the documentary *Blink*, directed by Edmund Stenson and Daniel Roher, highlighting not just the thrill of travel, but the emotional undercurrents of a family’s unique experience.
The documentary, which has garnered Oscar buzz, aims to immerse viewers in the children’s world, presenting an emotionally resonant narrative that feels authentic and impactful. Stenson shares insights on this creative endeavor during a Q&A, emphasizing the importance of conveying a genuine experience from the kids’ perspective. He notes that the small film crew allowed for a more intimate setup, crucial for capturing the nuanced moments of their travels, particularly in challenging environments like the Himalayas.
In allowing their children to dictate the travel itinerary, Édith and Sébastien adopt a philosophy of freedom, encouraging their kids to explore their dreams. The couple emphasizes that there were no limitations—whether Léo’s desire to witness Pokémon in Japan or the kids riding camels in the Gobi Desert. Such an approach not only makes the journey exciting but also fosters a sense of autonomy and confidence in the children as they engage with the world.
The film benefits from the collaborative spirit between Stenson and Roher, both seasoned in their respective cinematic careers. While Roher was busy promoting his previous work, *Navalny*, their friendship proved solid enough to allow Stenson to helm *Blink*. Roher praises Stenson’s involvement, likening him to family—a sentiment reinforced by their long-standing partnership.
However, raising a child in contemporary society poses challenges, with trends towards over-involvement often leading to “helicopter parenting.” Roher recognizes Édith and Sébastien as the antithesis of this approach. He admires their trust in their children’s capabilities and independence, stating that this is crucial for nurturing resilience and critical thinking. In an age where parental oversight can sometimes stifle exploration, the Pelletier’s parenting model serves as a refreshing perspective—granting their children the liberty to navigate their environment.
One of the most compelling aspects of *Blink* is how it harnesses the spontaneity and disarming honesty of childhood. According to Stenson, this documentary isn’t just about following a structured narrative; it’s about embracing the unpredictable moments that children create through their unique logic. This disruptive quality of childhood serves as a narrative engine, providing viewers with a lens into the world of imagination and authentic experiences.
In the myriad of activities captured—from adventurous outings to quiet moments of reflection—the film distills the essence of childhood into a visual treat. Stenson’s observation that children do not adhere to “narrative logic” allows for an exploration of what exists outside the confines of adult direction. Thus, the film leaves space for unforeseen discoveries, moments of joy, and lessons learned in spontaneous settings.
*Blink* is scheduled to premiere on National Geographic on December 16, with subsequent releases on Disney+ and Hulu. This timeline ensures that a broader audience can access this unique documentary, potentially inspiring families and individuals alike. As viewers engage with the Pelletier family’s journey, they may reflect on their own relationships, parenthood, and the impact of visual memories crafted through empathy, resilience, and love.
More than just a travelogue, *Blink* is a profound exploration of what it means to cherish experiences through the eyes of children, even in the face of adversity. Édith and Sébastien’s commitment to creating unforgettable memories for their children transcends the walls of their family unit, offering an inspiring blueprint for parenting, adventure, and emotional connection that resonates with audiences far and wide.