Portrait of Alain Emery: The Child Who Did Not Know How to Smile 2008
Portrait of Alain Emery: The Child Who Did Not Know How to Smile (2008) is a poetic documentary that revisits the timeless landscapes of the Camargue through the lens of filmmaker Arnaud Dommerc.
Director: Arnaud Dommerc
Cast
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Portrait of Alain Emery: The Child Who Did Not Know How to Smile (2008) about?
This documentary revisits the Camargue region through the life of Alain Emery, the child who starred in Albert Lamorisse's famed 1953 film 'White Mane'. Director Arnaud Dommerc explores how the landscape's raw beauty shaped the original movie and reflects on the enduring magic of Lamorisse's storytelling.
Who directed Portrait of Alain Emery: The Child Who Did Not Know How to Smile?
The film was directed by Arnaud Dommerc, who crafts a visually rich homage to the Camargue and its cultural heritage.
Who stars in Portrait of Alain Emery: The Child Who Did Not Know How to Smile?
The documentary features Alain Emery as the central figure, alongside archival appearances and contributions from the Camargue community, including guardians and bull-breeders.
Is Portrait of Alain Emery: The Child Who Did Not Know How to Smile (2008) worth watching?
As a documentary, it offers a gentle but profound look at a slice of French cinema history and the landscapes that inspired it. While not widely rated, its poetic tone and connection to Lamorisse's classic make it a rewarding watch for fans of vintage film and regional culture.
How long is Portrait of Alain Emery: The Child Who Did Not Know How to Smile?
The film runs for 44 minutes.
About Portrait of Alain Emery: The Child Who Did Not Know How to Smile (2008) — Discover the story behind the iconic 'White Mane' child star
Portrait of Alain Emery: The Child Who Did Not Know How to Smile (2008) is a poetic documentary that revisits the timeless landscapes of the Camargue through the lens of filmmaker Arnaud Dommerc. Focusing on Alain Emery, the child star of Albert Lamorisse's iconic 1953 film 'White Mane', this tribute captures the rugged beauty and slow-paced rhythm of a region where bull-breeders, fishermen, and guardians live in harmony with nature. The 44-minute film blends archival reflections with new footage, exploring how Lamorisse's original work distilled the wild essence of this southern French marshland into cinematic magic.
As Dommerc retraces the steps of the filming, he uncovers the enduring poetic power of 'White Mane', evoking the golden winter light and raw authenticity that made it a classic. This documentary isn't just a reunion with a forgotten child actor—it's a love letter to a way of life and a landscape that continues to inspire awe, where the past lingers in every ripple of water and every galloping horse.