“Sur un fil,” directed by Reda Kateb, follows young circus performer Jo as she connects with the healing work of hospital clowns from ‘Nez pour rire.’ Inspired by the true story of the Rire médecin association, the film showcases the joy and comfort these clowns bring to children and families. Featuring Aloïse Sauvage in her debut lead role, the movie blends comedy and emotion, highlighting the experiences of both performers and the young patients they support.
Overview of the Film
Jo, a young street circus performer, joins the professional clown association ‘Nez pour rire’. Eager to contribute, she steps into the roles of delighting children and bringing comfort to patients and families in hospitals through her performance art.
This marks a directorial debut for Reda Kateb, known for his roles in films like Un Prophète and Hippocrate. His first feature film, Sur un fil, premieres on October 30, 2024.
The film also features Aloïse Sauvage in her first leading role. The multi-talented artist showcases a profound range of acting abilities in this heartfelt, sensitive portrayal, drawing inspiration from the true story of the Rire médecin organization.
The narrative is based on the book by Caroline Simonds, the founder of the association in France, who shares her journey in the form of a diary titled Le Rire Médecin: Journal du docteur Girafe, published by Albin Michel.
During the early stages of the film’s development, Reda Kateb shared his thoughts on the project four years ago, stating:
‘I attended training sessions with the Rire médecin team and immersed myself in their hospital visits. Observing the clowns during these experiences solidified my desire to create a film in this unique setting.’
Inspired by Real-Life Chronicles
Fast forward four years, and Reda Kateb, alongside his lead actress Aloïse Sauvage, reflects on their collaborative journey.
‘Aloïse and I have shared this project for many years now. Even before I had a script, I envisioned her as the star, fueled by the energy she brings and the story I aimed to tell.’
‘We’ve navigated this process together for nearly five years, and it’s finally time to unveil our film to the audience.’
For a deeper insight, listen to our full podcast interview.
With its blend of humor, heartfelt emotion, and compassion, Sur un fil echoes the filmmaking style of the Toledano-Nakache duo, who heavily influenced Kateb’s approach.
A Balance of Humor and Emotion
The film particularly shines in its scenes featuring children in hospitals, radiating warmth and authenticity.
‘I had extensive preparation for this project, starting a year before filming by accompanying clowns on their hospital visits,’ Aloïse Sauvage explains.
‘I experienced every phase of Jo’s journey in the film. From initial discovery to active participation, I could fully immerse myself in her character’s experience.’
Sauvage continues, ‘I ventured into a world I knew little about, with Caroline Simonds graciously opening doors for us, allowing me to accurately portray this journey on screen.’
Channeling Spielberg in Directing
Reda Kateb discusses his approach to directing the children, drawing inspiration from filmmaker Steven Spielberg.
‘It took considerable time; more than a year before filming began, we held initial casting sessions where Aloïse also participated to understand the dynamics,’ he reveals.
‘Initially, I imagined the characters to be younger, but as I saw these little stars coming in, I realized our task was going to be challenging.’
‘I aimed for a partnership with the children, rejecting the idea of turning them into mere puppets. Instead, our role was to adapt to their dynamics.’
‘Before shooting, I watched a documentary about Spielberg that left a significant impact on me — particularly on how he engaged with child actors during E.T. I learned that it was crucial to structure everything around them rather than forcing them into a mold.’
Reda Kateb ensured that the children’s reactions felt genuine, aiming for authentic performances rather than rehearsed lines.
Sur un fil by Reda Kateb arrives in theaters on October 30, 2024.