An emotion worthy of the challenge and the efforts made.
The documentary "Petits pas", recently screened at the Utopia cinema in Saint-Ouen-l'Aumône, follows the footsteps of five young people who are the subject of court decisions and followed by the Educational Unit of Jour (UEAJ) of Courdimanche, establishment of the judicial protection of young people (PJJ).
The film is directed by Nadir Dendoune, known in particular for having reached Everest.
These young people made a trek around Mont-Blanc in June 2019, accompanied by a professional guide and two educators.
For five days, these neophytes covered no less than 90 km, with a drop of 800 m.
An experience they will remember for a long time, recounted in “Petits pas”.
Nadir Dendoune, the director of the documentary, and two educators will accompany five new young people around Mont-Blanc from next week.
DR DR
The project was born in the mind of Nadir Dendoune and educators Mehdi Benbraham and Zouaoui Adame, childhood friend of the director, at the end of discussions around “Ascension”, a film taken from the book “Un Tocard sur le toit of the world ”, and interpreted by Ahmed Sylla.
“When we saw the film, we said to
ourselves
:
Why not do something together?
explains Mehdi Benbraham.
With Zouaoui, we wanted to take a walk in the mountains.
And who better than Nadir to accompany us?
»A new challenge for this charismatic educator, regional coordinator of the Sesame program, which supports young people in training in sports professions and who had already guided young people in Rio, in 2016, after the Olympic Games.
Daniel Balavoine's refrains accompany the journey
For 46 minutes, in breathtaking landscapes, "Petits pas" follows in the footsteps of these endearing young people, like Mickaël *, "traveling jukebox", which sets the pace for the journey on refrains by Daniel Guichard or Daniel Balavoine, or even Nelson, who tells about his childhood in Cameroon.
All interspersed with interviews with the guide and educators, passionate about it, who take an informed look at the experience.
The young people, who are the subject of court decisions, traveled 90 km in five days.
DR Arnaud
A road movie far from stereotypes and clichés.
"I found that the young people had a lot more courage than you might think," says Zouaoui Adame.
We have the impression that we adults can do beautiful things, but so can they.
"" The result is beautiful, adds Mehdi Benbraham.
It was not easy every day, but this stay allowed us to create an atmosphere of confidence, of serenity.
Our job is to create links.
When we create these conditions, it allows us to move forward.
In the construction of their projects, we have saved at least six months.
It also brings pride to these young people who have experienced a lot of setbacks and who are often stigmatized.
We all come out of it as men.
"
"They have a better image of themselves"
This “unforgettable and magical experience”, according to the professional, had the effect of a revelation for the group. Of the five young people, four work or follow training. And in particular Youssef, sports leader for a town in Val-d'Oise. "It's a discovery," breathes the young man. We were a good group. "It was a little hard, but surprising", slips on his side Mickaël, currently in training in the green spaces, while Nelson praises the solidarity: "We were always united. The young people will now show the film in several cities in France. “What's great is what we do with it afterwards,” says Nadir Dendoune. They have gained self-confidence. They have a better image of themselves. "
The filmmaker and his two friends will leave on June 12 with five new young people on the French part of Mont-Blanc.
And the trio has no shortage of ideas.
"Why not go up Everest?"
smiles Mehdi Benbraham.
You have to look far.
"
* The first name has been changed.