Unveiling “Blink”: A Journey of a Family’s Unyielding Spirit

In 2020, director Daniel Roher came across an article that would change his next project. The story of Edith Lemay and Sébastien Pelletie, a French-Canadian couple, captured his heart. After discovering that three of their four children were diagnosed with the rare, incurable eye condition retinitis pigmentosa, they chose to travel the world, filling their children’s lives with unforgettable memories before their vision was gone.

Creating an uplifting narrative amid adversity

Roher, who won an Academy Award for the documentary “Navalny,” was struck by the hopeful nature of the Pelletie family’s story. Amidst a sea of often dispiriting news, this was a beacon of optimism and resilience. Recognizing its potential, Roher and his team decided to bring this inspiring journey to life through the lens of National Geographic.

The essence of “Blink”

The result is “Blink,” an 84-minute documentary that chronicles the family’s year-long adventure across 24 countries. Premiering at the Telluride Film Festival and set to hit 150 theaters across the U.S. and Canada on October 4th—this film captures the raw beauty of their experiences as they embraced the world with open hearts and eyes.

You can explore more about “Blink” here: [https://trailers.movieetv.com/search/blink].

A collaborative effort

The co-directorship dynamic

While Roher was pivotal in conceptualizing the film, he couldn’t fully commit to the extensive travel required due to personal commitments. Enter Edmund Stenson, a trusted collaborator and associate editor of “Navalny.” Roher knew that Stenson’s dedication and aptitude made him the perfect partner for this project. Their synergy, built over years of collaboration, allowed them to approach the narrative with a unique blend of trust and creativity.

Balancing the documentary’s tone

Creating a documentary that deals with such a poignant issue required a delicate touch. Despite the heavy premise—three children facing inevitable vision loss—the film maintains an uplifting tone. Roher and Stenson focused on the Pelletie family’s choice to embrace life positively, crafting a narrative that is both humorous and heartwarming. By highlighting their adventures and joys, they made a film that is as much about the family’s strengths as their struggles.

Grief as a central theme

Interestingly, grief plays a critical role in “Blink.” Through interactions with their editors and viewers, Roher and Stenson pinpointed the emotional core of the film: anticipatory grief. This concept, of living with the knowledge of impending loss, is a universal human experience. The documentary explores how the family navigates this emotional terrain, providing a profound perspective on living life fully in the face of uncertainty.

The influence of editing on direction

As a seasoned editor, Stenson’s skills significantly impacted his directorial approach. His ability to visualize and pre-edit scenes in his mind allowed for efficient and effective storytelling. This precision ensured that the footage captured was essential and impactful, avoiding an overwhelming surplus of material and focusing on moments that truly mattered.

Diverging from political realms

Unlike “Navalny,” which explored political themes, “Blink” steers clear of political narratives. This decision wasn’t influenced by market trends, but rather Roher’s desire to diversify his portfolio and avoid being typecast as a political documentarian. The shift to a more personal, emotionally-driven story like “Blink” showcases his versatility and broadens his scope as a filmmaker.

The visual journey and emotional resonance

Capturing breathtaking destinations

The film beautifully captures the kaleidoscope of experiences and landscapes the Pelletie family encountered. From bustling cities to serene nature spots, each location was chosen to leave a lasting impression on their children’s memories. The cinematography isn’t just about showing these places, but about how they will be remembered by the family in the years to come.

A universal message

While the Pelletie family’s story is unique, it strikes a chord with universal themes of love, resilience, and the human spirit’s boundless capacity to find joy amidst sorrow. “Blink” isn’t just a travel documentary; it’s a testament to the power of family and the lengths to which parents will go to enrich their children’s lives.

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