The world is vast, filled with breathtaking landscapes and diverse cultures, and for Édith Lemay and Sébastien Pelletier from Montreal, it has become a playground for their family of six. With a collection of stamps adorning their passports from places as varied as Namibia and Japan, their journey transcends mere travel; it embodies a heartfelt mission driven by profound circumstances. The family’s odyssey is uniquely motivated by the medical prognosis that three of their four children—Mia, Léo, Colin, and Laurent—will eventually face blindness due to retinitis pigmentosa. In response, Édith and Sébastien are curating a rich tapestry of visual memories for their children to cherish long after their sight has faded.
Determined to bestow upon their kids an unforgettable reservoir of vibrant experiences, the couple has embraced travel not simply as recreation, but as a means of crafting a legacy of memories. Their adventures are meticulously captured in “Blink,” a National Geographic documentary co-directed by Edmund Stenson and Oscar winner Daniel Roher. The film offers an intimate look at the family’s travels and the emotional journey surrounding their unique circumstances, showcasing their triumph over adversity through exploration.
In line with the film’s vision, the children were empowered to shape their travel itinerary, reflecting the exploration spirit of youth. Édith articulated this approach, stating they placed no constraints on the children’s desires, encouraging them to voice their wishes—even prompting unexpected detours like visits to Pokemon in Japan or enjoying juice atop camels in the Gobi Desert. This uninhibited approach to travel not only caters to their interests but also involves them deeply in the travel experience, allowing for moments that are uniquely personal and astonishingly vivid.
The decision to film the children’s narratives within the framework of their adventurous escapades adds layers of authenticity to “Blink.” By capturing spontaneous moments that children embody, director Stenson acknowledges that the unpredictable nature of childhood brings forth a layer of sincerity seldom seen in conventional storytelling. Embracing this unscripted essence allows the film to resonate emotionally, not just narratively, aligning closely with the documentary’s core objective of presenting an emotionally genuine portrayal of the Lemay-Pelletier family.
Behind the scenes, the filmmaking experience has been as enriching and collaborative as the journey that inspired it. Roher’s commitments to his own fledgling family led him to step back and allow his longtime friend Stenson to take the lead. Their collaboration showcases a partnership built on mutual respect, and the two creators have tapped into shared values regarding storytelling. Roher articulates a romantic notion of parenting that contrasts sharply with the increasingly pervasive helicopter parenting of the modern age. “Confidence in a child’s capabilities is key,” he notes, as he reflects on how Édith and Sébastien foster both independence and resilience in their children.
As the filmmakers navigated the complexities of filming in dynamic environments filled with unpredictability, they did so with a small crew, preserving the intimacy of family interactions. Through a concerted effort to remain unobtrusive, the crew managed to capture moments of authenticity, allowing the camera to flow seamlessly with the natural rhythm of the family’s experience.
The culmination of this inspirational journey unfolds in “Blink,” which is set to premiere on December 16. This project not only seeks to entertain but also aspires to enlighten, showcasing how families can adapt, thrive, and create profound memories despite daunting circumstances. For families facing similar challenges, the Lemay-Pelletier’s approach highlights an untapped potential for optimism and resilience, encouraging parents and children alike to revel in their unique narratives.
As the Lemay-Pelletier family embarks on their journey, they remind us of the power of memories in forming bonds, embracing cultural diversity, and ultimately fostering an understanding that transcends physical limitations. In a world where visions may fade, the experiences, the laughter, and the shared moments remain forever vivid—a wealth of treasure worth exploring for every child and family. As they share their story with the world, they not only contribute to the documentation of life’s wonders but also inspire others to appreciate the beauty of exploration, resilience, and unfettered family bonding.