- Saturday, March 21, will be World Down Syndrome Day.
- And this Wednesday, some cinemas are showing J'irai décrochcher la lune , a documentary that, for once, gives voice to adults with Down's syndrome.
- On screen, six thirties fight to work, live in their apartment and be independent.
They work, drink on the terrace and share their dreams. Eléonore Laloux, Robin Sevette, Stéphanie Gabé, Mario Huchette, Gilles-Emmanuel Mouveaux and Elise Wickart are the protagonists of the documentary J'irai décrochcher la lune , which is released in theaters on Wednesday. A film that gives voice to these 30-year-olds with Down's syndrome and reveals their daily lives. And who hopes to change the eyes of the general public on this handicap.
I will take down the moon
I will take down the moon Trailer VF
Direction Arras and the association Down Up, founded by parents of people with Down's syndrome about forty years ago, who fights for their inclusion in nursery, school, business, training, and for their access to housing… And offers workshops to help adults with Down's syndrome to count and express their joys and sorrows. The opportunity also for them to meet and build friendships. So, Robinteaches Eliseto use the washing machine, and Eléonore helps Stéphanie to read. We follow these thirty-somethings who try to live alone in their apartment, to work, to learn to cook or their accounts. And speak - not without emotion - of their adoption for some, their passion for music for others, of their work which blossoms them ...
"We don't do it for them, but with them"
“In this film, our child was recognized, his humor, his sensitivity, rejoices Martine, mother of Robin and member of this association. We were blown away by the veracity of the documentary. Which gives a positive image of these adults, without hiding the difficulties of the situations. This is not the world of Noddy! The philosophy of Down Up is to integrate people with disabilities into what is called ordinary surroundings. And above all, "we don't do it for them, but with them", sums up Martine. The association also received a visit this month from Senator Denis Piveteau, who is working on a mission on inclusive housing. "We cross our fingers so that it gives an ambitious specification," she breathes.
Documentary filmmaker Laurent Boileau espoused this respectful and encouraging attitude of the association, giving these adults time and place to express their wishes, their doubts, their sorrows. Elise enjoys painting with the children of the school in which she flourishes as an assistant. Gilles-Emmanuel, himself, agrees to join, as a paid employee, the association Down Up. And Robin works at the Departmental House for the Disabled (MDPH), in Arras, but hesitates to sign a new contract. Because his dream would be to sing. "Finally, you do both, it is not necessarily one or the other," consoles the director during our joint interview.
The right to difference
At the end of the documentary, Robin confides in front of the camera to Laurent Boileau, whom he hosted during the shooting: "You see the real Robin, not the person with Down's syndrome." A tribute that fits perfectly with the director's desire. "It is the greatest gift you can give me to say that," insists the documentary filmmaker to Robin, when we met. I learned more about these people than about Down's syndrome, he says. Because disability is different in each person. However, we tend to globalize. We see for example some of the protagonists who speak very well, others who go through writing or music to express themselves. I had to adapt to find the right device. Because it was often when we turned off the camera that something happened… ”
If the director gets out of the clichés, highlights fairly autonomous adults, he does not erase difficulties and does not seek to make a militant film. “Today, activism on this issue is crystallized around the issue of abortion, pro-life. This is not the debate here, he decides. This film changed me. I think that if I learned today that I am expecting a child with Down's syndrome, I will keep it, whereas when I had my children, I do not know what I would have done. "
"This rewarding adventure is good"
"During the screenings, some parents of very young children with Down's syndrome tell us that it gives them energy, hope, the desire to continue fighting," says Martine, Robin's mother. For the latter, the first screening was intense. "I was shocked and moved," he admits. It was the first time I saw myself in full screen. And the director reminded him that he was also upset when the audience laughed. "It hurt my heart, I felt like people were laughing at me," says Robin. However, the young man knows how to handle humor and act in certain scenes.
“For some protagonists, there is a before and after this documentary. Because after thirty years during which we generally take a negative view of you, this rewarding adventure is good, ”says Laurent Boileau. "I hope the film will go on TV, that I could tell my story everywhere," insists Robin. Even if he is pessimistic at the idea that society is changing its perception. "Maybe you too should change your gaze compared to others." When we were walking in the streets of Arras, I did not notice malicious looks, ”nuances the documentary maker. "I'm going to try," promises Robin.
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