THE FANTASTIC WORLD OF ALAIN
The audio documentary ‘THE FANTASTIC WORLD OF ALAIN’ takes listeners into the unique life of Alain, an autistic man living in the coastal city of Brest, France. Alain's quiet existence is marked by his deep bond with two unusual companions: a 23-year-old dog named Amber and a wild seagull, whom he affectionately calls Arech. The documentary explores the profound sense of connection Alain shares with his aging dog and the seagull, who have become his closest friends in a world that often feels overwhelming. Through intimate interviews and ambient sounds of Alain’s everyday life, listeners will experience a touching narrative about friendship, solitude, and the remarkable harmony Alain has found with his animal companions in the heart of Brest.
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Sushant kumar PandeyDirector
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Changwhan SongDirector
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Sushant kumar PandeyWriter
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Changwhan SongWriter
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ENS LOUIS LUMIEREProducer
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ALAIN TELLIERKey Cast
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Project Title (Original Language):LE MONDE FANTASTIQUE D'ALAIN
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Project Type:Documentary, Short, Student
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Runtime:15 minutes
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Completion Date:September 1, 2024
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Production Budget:400 EUR
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Country of Origin:France
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Country of Filming:France
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Language:French
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Shooting Format:DIGITAL AUDIO WAV
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Film Color:Black & White
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First-time Filmmaker:No
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Student Project:Yes - ENS LOUIS LUMIERE, PARIS
Changwhan Song (South Korea, 25) is a religious studies researcher, musician, and filmmaker who focuses on social phenomena related to religion, observing the points where faith and technology collide. By confronting, juxtaposing, and intersecting elements such as gods and idols, religion and ritual, signs and symbols, he blurs existing boundaries and invents new relationships. From 3D modeling to AI-generated images, from samplings of faint traces of original music to everyday sounds, he weaves together a variety of images and sounds.
Sushant Kumar Pandey (India, 29) is a filmmaker and sound designer, currently based in Mumbai, where he primarily works as a freelancer in films and advertising. He is in his final year at the Satyajit Ray Film and TV Institute, majoring in Sound Recording and Design. Sushant has a diverse background with experience as a radio presenter and producer. He holds a diploma in Advertising and Public Relations from the Indian Institute of Mass Communication, New Delhi, and an undergraduate degree in English Literature from Delhi University. In addition to his work in sound design and location sound recording, Sushant is a multifaceted artist: a music composer, singer-songwriter, and video editor. His creative portfolio includes independent short films, music videos, and documentaries. Sushant is dedicated to uncovering and telling stories from India, focusing on capturing the profound moments within everyday life.
*The Fantastic World of Alain* is an intimate exploration of an extraordinary, yet often overlooked, life. Alain, a 64-year-old autistic man living in Brest, has crafted a unique existence alongside two unlikely companions: a 23-year-old dog and a wild seagull. His connection with these animals reveals a profound understanding of love, companionship, and communication that transcends conventional human relationships.
In making this documentary, we were moved by Alain’s ability to live authentically, finding comfort and joy in the presence of his non-human companions. It challenged our preconceived notions about isolation, autism, and how we define companionship. Through his relationship with his dog and the wild seagull, we glimpse a world where connection is possible in the most unexpected ways—one that is built on trust, patience, and an unspoken bond.
This project allowed us to highlight the beautiful complexity of Alain’s world, a space where silence speaks louder than words, and love takes on many forms. We hope this film encourages us to rethink the ways we engage with others, human and animal alike, and to appreciate the unseen yet vibrant relationships that shape our lives.
Through *The Fantastic World of Alain*, we invite the audience to step into a world that is both fantastic and deeply real—a world where companionship knows no boundaries, and where Alain’s story teaches us that we all share a deep, intrinsic need for connection.