National Geographic Documentary Films, in partnership with The Walt Disney Studios, announced today that its forthcoming film BLINK, which will have its world premiere at Telluride Film Festival this weekend, will debut in a selection of domestic theaters throughout the U.S. and Canada on Oct. 4.
The documentary follows the Pelletier family, who set out on an epic journey to see the beauty of the world when three of their four children are diagnosed with an incurable eye condition. The documentary feature, from directors Edmund Stenson and Academy AwardⓇ and BAFTA winner Daniel Roher, is produced by Academy Award- and BAFTA-winning Melanie Miller and Diane Becker for Fishbowl Films, alongside MRC and EyeSteelFilm.
“We all have to live with news that reshapes the life and future we thought we had, but it is how we deal with the unexpected and how we move forward that can define who we are. The Pelletier family’s story offers such an inspiring testament to this idea. Faced with uncertainty and fear, they choose to embrace life and the opportunities it has given them. Our film, set against the wondrous backdrop of their world travels, gently integrates with and observes the family, telling not only a story of childlike wonder and discovery but also of grief and letting go. Indeed, as they come to realize, by embracing the unknown together, a different but beautiful life awaits them. We are so excited to share this story of family resilience and strength, and hope that Blink will resonate with everyone — no matter how big or small, how young or old,” said directors Stenson and Roher.
BLINK will have its world premiere at the 51st edition of the Telluride Film Festival on Friday, Aug. 30. The film will open in over 150 theaters in the U.S. and Canada beginning Oct. 4. Cities include (but are not limited to) Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco, Washington D.C., Toronto, Houston, Austin, Chicago and the Pelletier family’s hometown of Montreal. BLINK will debut on National Geographic Channel and stream on Disney+ and Hulu later this year. Visit natgeo.film/blink for more details.
“Edmund and Daniel have crafted a true celebration of the natural wonders and beauty of our planet, showcasing how family travel — the highs and the lows — can strengthen and deepen human connection,” said Carolyn Bernstein, executive vice president of Documentary Films for National Geographic. “It’s a privilege to witness the Pelletiers face their family’s unique challenges with ingenuity, fearlessness and joy.”
BLINK features French Canadian couple Edith Lemay and Sébastien Pelletier and their children Mia, Léo, Colin and Laurent. Mia developed eye problems at the age of 3 and was diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa at age 7, a rare, incurable disease that leads to severe visual impairment. When her younger brothers Colin and Laurent received the same diagnosis, the family’s world changed forever. In the face of this life-altering news, they set out on a journey around the world to experience all its beauty while they still can.
Initially delayed by the global pandemic, the family revised their plans countless times before setting out in March 2022 without an itinerary. They worked together to compile a bucket list of destinations and activities that guided their travels, with no idea too out there: swimming with dolphins, hot air ballooning, surfing, seeing the sunrise on a mountain, and Laurent’s suggestion to drink juice on a camel. “We never found out where this crazy idea came from, but it was very dear to him and made us all laugh,” Lemay said.
The film follows the family over the course of a year as they traverse 24 countries, filling their visual memories with breathtaking locations and once-in-a-lifetime encounters. Their destinations included Botswana, Cambodia, Canada (Montreal and Kuujjuaq), China, Colombia, Ecuador, Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Laos, Namibia, Malawi, Malaysia, Mongolia, Nepal, Oman, South Korea, Tanzania, Thailand, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, United States (New York City), Zambia and Zimbabwe.
Maximizing their ground transportation, the family avoided flying as much as possible. One of their goals was also to meet people by staying in guest houses and homestays rather than hotels wherever possible. Throughout their journey, the family’s love, resilience and unshakeable sense of wonder ensure that their uncertain future does not define their present.
BLINK features Edith Lemay, Sébastien Pelletier, Mia Pelletier, Léo Pelletier, Colin Pelletier, Laurent Pelletier, François Lemay and Pauline Sirois. The film is directed by Edmund Stenson and Academy Award and BAFTA winner Daniel Roher. It is produced by Academy Award and BAFTA winners Melanie Miller (p.g.a) and Diane Becker (p.g.a) for Fishbowl Films, in association with MRC and EyeSteelFilm. Co-producers include Ann Rogers and Christina Radburn, with Madison Horton and Kelsey van den Bergh serving as Associate Producers. Music is by Tamar-Kali. It is edited by Ryan Mullins and Miranda Yousef (ACE). Jean-Sébastien Francoeur serves as director of photography. Executive producers include Amit Dey and Eyesteel’s Bob Moore. Carolyn Bernstein serves as executive producer for National Geographic Documentary Films.
Since its inception in 2017, National Geographic Documentary Films has been lauded around the world for telling timely, gripping and globally relevant stories. It released the Academy, BAFTA and seven-time Emmy® Award-winning film “Free Solo,” the Academy Award-nominated and Peabody Award-winning “Bobi Wine: The People’s President,” the Academy and BAFTA Award-nominated and Peabody and DGA Award-winning “Fire of Love,” and the Academy Award-nominated and Emmy-winning film “The Cave.” In recent years, the film banner’s slate has also included the duPont-Columbia Award and two-time Sundance Award winner “The Territory,” BAFTA nominees “The Rescue” and “Becoming Cousteau,” Emmy Award winners “The First Wave,” “LA 92” and “Jane” and many other critically acclaimed features and shorts.
