They're just kids being kids – playing with action figures, riding bikes, spending time on the soccer field or badminton court. Despite their carefree joy, though, the headwind that is growing up is much stronger for these children.
Director Anne Dauphine Julliand lost two of her own children to a degenerative disease, which is why she found a few little heroes and captured their everyday lives in her new documentary “Ganar Al Viento,” or “Beat the Wind.” The filmmaker assures the kids are the ones teaching adults, not vice versa.
ANNE DAUPHINE JULLIAND
Director, “Beat the Wind”
“For 80 minutes, they've shared in a life that wasn't their own but might remind them of when they were a child, and I love that. Whoever you are, life ends one day, and things are going to happen to us in this life. Children know that well and they're not afraid, because it's something very natural for them.”
For the five French children who star in the film, the daily routine includes a fight against severe illness. Nevertheless, they face the challenge with courage and sometimes, humor.
“Mister Camille, how's it going?”
“Look at his shirt.”
“How's it going?”
“Not well.”
“What's not going well?”
“Anything.”
While they're doing the same things as their peers, these kids also recognize the value of the present. Their perspectives inspire viewers to reflect on their own, while also providing lessons in perseverance, vitality and happiness.
Part of the proceeds from the documentary will benefit two NGOs. The film's slogan is “nothing can stop happiness,” an attitude Julliand hopes will be adopted by the public when “Beat the Wind” premieres.
