National Geographic Channel is set to air ‘BLINK’, a deeply moving documentary that captures the extraordinary journey of a family racing against time to create unforgettable memories before three of their four children lose their sight. Directed by Edmund Stenson and Oscar® and BAFTA-winning filmmaker Daniel Roher, the film premieres on January 5, 2025, at 10 pm.
The 84-minute documentary follows the French Canadian couple Edith Lemay and Sébastien Pelletier, whose lives took a heartbreaking turn when their daughter Mia was diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa, a rare genetic disorder leading to progressive blindness. The diagnosis was compounded when two of Mia’s younger siblings, Colin and Laurent, were found to have the same incurable condition.
Determined not to let the diagnosis define their lives, the couple embarked on a 12-month journey spanning 24 countries to expose their children to the wonders of the world. From the stunning deserts of Namibia to the bustling streets of New York City, the family sought to create a treasure trove of visual memories for their children to carry with them as their vision deteriorates.
The documentary beautifully captures moments of pure joy as the family checks off their bucket list. Scenes include riding horses in Mongolia, enjoying a desert sunset, surfing in Indonesia, and making friends in countries as diverse as Cambodia, Oman, and Tanzania. The film not only highlights their adventures but also underscores their unbreakable bond and indomitable spirit.
Premiering at the Telluride Film Festival, ‘BLINK’ has already won critical acclaim at prestigious events such as the London Film Festival and the Camden International Film Festival. Its Indian debut at the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Goa left audiences deeply moved.
The directors described the project as more than just a documentary. “It’s a celebration of resilience, love, and the human spirit. Families around the world will laugh, cry, and travel alongside the Lemay-Pelletier family,” said Stenson and Roher. Carolyn Bernstein, Executive Vice President of Documentary Films at National Geographic, called the film “a perfect embodiment of the brand’s spirit of adventure and exploration.”
Viewers can tune in to the National Geographic Channel on January 5 to witness this remarkable story. ‘BLINK’ serves as a reminder that life’s most meaningful moments often lie in embracing the present and cherishing what we have before it’s gone.