Flight of the Red Balloon 2008

In the heart of Paris, Suzanne, a talented puppeteer, resides with her young son Simon, surrounded by the whimsical world of Chinese puppets. As she delves into the creation of her latest production, a captivating adaptation of an ancient Chinese text (求妻煮海人), she brings in Song, a bright and ambitious Chinese film student, to care for Simon while she’s busy. This serendipitous encounter sparks a warm connection between Suzanne, Song, and Simon, as they grow closer through shared experiences and cultural exchanges. In fact, Song becomes an integral part of their lives, even capturing the essence of Simon’s daily routine for her college project - a loving tribute to Albert Lamorisse’s timeless 1956 masterpiece, The Red Balloon.

As life unfolds, Suzanne begins to contemplate her daughter Louise’s impending graduation from high school in Brussels. With college applications on the horizon, she sets her sights on securing a spot at a prestigious institution in Paris for Louise. In pursuit of this goal, Suzanne finds herself entangled in a battle with Marc, her recalcitrant downstairs tenant, who has repeatedly failed to pay his rent. Her frustration is palpable as she navigates this challenge while simultaneously juggling phone calls with Pierre, Simon’s father, who has been away for two years, pouring his heart and soul into writing a novel. Their sporadic conversations serve as a poignant reminder of the distance between them.

Meanwhile, Simon embarks on a school trip to the esteemed Musée d’Orsay, where he becomes captivated by The Ball, a stunning painting by Félix Vallotton featuring a child’s relentless pursuit of a crimson orb. This encounter leaves an indelible mark on his young mind, as if the vibrant colors and joyful energy of the artwork have awakened a sense of wonder within him. As the story unfolds, it becomes clear that this chance encounter will have far-reaching consequences for Simon, Suzanne, and their relationships with one another.