“
My name is Olivier Alain, I am 50 years old, I have four children and I cannot read or write… I would like to write a letter to my wife for her birthday…
”
It is with these few simple words from a voiceover that
Beyond the Words
begins , broadcast on March 4 at midday on France 2. Throughout the 26 minutes of this film programmed in the magazine 1:15 p.m., on Saturday , this joyful man takes up the ultimate bet in his eyes, decided three years ago: overcoming illiteracy.
A personal challenge to succeed in erasing a chaotic and unfinished school career.
“
Fortunately I live with Nathalie, otherwise I would have remained a good-for-nothing…
”
Blackboard
Accompanied by Nordine, his dedicated and admirable trainer, he is no longer alone in front of his blackboard.
From letter to letter, from word to word, Olivier applies himself, stumbles over a syllable before picking himself up... For this student like no other, the exercise is difficult, the challenge immense: "The m
is two or three legs?
".
Illiteracy affects 7% of French people.
Olivier works as a cook.
At the time of declining the card of the day, it hides its shortcomings.
“
He is the barometer of the team at the restaurant, slips his boss.
When Olivier is well, everyone is well!
“The father from Tourcoing, however, wants to live his dream: write a love note to his wife Nathalie for their birthday and then, one day, pass his driving license…
Read alsoIlliteracy, a scourge that affects 7% of working people
Imbued with tenderness, benevolence and hope, this film is a moment of happiness in a world where illiteracy appears to be an insurmountable handicap, accentuated by new technologies and the incessant progress that floods it.
There remains the daily life of Olivier and Nathalie, who overcome the problem together to the sound of Words, the song by FR David.
“
Nathalie, I love you, I'm happy to have children with you.
We will stay together for life
, ”says Olivier on his wife's birthday, sheet in hand in front of all the guests.
“
I made it
,” he laughs heartily.
Final point.