New documentary film gives a voice to children with special learning needs

As children and young adults head into exam season, a new short documentary film highlights the additional pressures experienced by learners with special needs.

Ma Place Dans Ce Monde (My Place in This World) is screening at Full Circle House in Ixelles on 7 June. This powerful insight into children’s lived experiences will be followed by a panel discussion with experts and a Q&A with the audience.

For Brussels-based director Anny Tubbs this was a deeply personal film. “When we sought support for one of our children with special learning needs, we joined a community of families trying to figure out what kind of help is available, and how to get it.” 

It is frequently in their teenage years that a point is reached when coping strategies prove inadequate in the face of spiralling academic demands. Tragically, her child’s school friend Ulysse died by suicide the day before a mock exam in 2023.

“Nothing will ever bring Ulysse back,” says his mother Sophie Gagey, “But we can give a voice to the living. We can listen to their pain and do everything we can to stop others from going through this. All children should be able to enjoy their childhood and the process of learning - whether they be neurotypical or neurodiverse.”

Ulysse’s parents supported a proposal by FUSO France to make the documentary. The parent-led association equips children with customised laptops; a valuable learning tool for youngsters with learning difficulties. 

Tubbs was the natural choice to lead the project. As well as her personal connection to the family, she heads the local film company First Move Productions. Championing ethical, sustainable and positive change, its previous titles include Here We Are about British expats’ experience of Brexit and Trapped by Plastic, which highlights the ravages of marine plastic pollution.

Getting the right support

The film gives a voice to young learners from France and Belgium with conditions like dyslexia, ADHD or autism, who recount with searing honesty the many challenges they need to overcome. The chances of receiving the right support - starting with a timely diagnosis - can vary greatly.

Low self-esteem is all too common as a result of recurring challenges and even bullying. For many youngsters, the loneliness and frustration can become overwhelming. Even those who succeed on the surface often do so at the cost of their time, energy and emotional wellbeing.

The screening will be attended by representatives of FUSO France, Eurochild, Child Rights in Action and one of the film’s young participants. Ally Dunhill from Eurochild knows how challenging it can be to make children’s rights a reality, even in countries that are not facing crises.

“There’s a tendency to assume that children’s rights are fully respected here in Europe,” she says. “But this film shows us how easy it is to miss what’s happening right in front of us. A large number of learners are living with real, unmet needs.”

Two days, one conversation

Ma Place Dans Ce Monde was filmed over two days during a gathering to mark the 10th anniversary of FUSO France. Children were invited to speak freely about the theme suggested by the title. Over 20 youngsters stepped forward and the film is a moving and insightful reflection of their spontaneous, heartfelt testimony.

“Their words are powerful and sometimes difficult to hear,” says Gagey. “In what they say, we hear so many echoes of Ulysse. We will never know exactly what happened in his mind. But today, preventing others from suffering is critical. What’s certain is that we need to listen. That’s why we will continue to be involved and push for real change,” she adds.

“Realising children's rights within education demands continuous commitment,” says Dunhill. “Films like this illuminate the necessary changes and their significance. We should not act on their behalf but listen to children’s voices and support their direct involvement in decisions that impact them.”

Because the film gave children and young adults a platform to speak for themselves, “we now have a moral responsibility to listen - and to act,” underlines Tubbs.

The film is intended to be shared as a pedagogical tool with educators, specialists, and those directly affected. Due to the potentially triggering nature of the topic, every screening is carefully framed and supported, with time for discussion afterwards, she points out.

Ma Place Dans Ce Monde
7 June, 18.00-20.00
Full Circle House
Chaussée de Vleurgat 89
Ixelles

Helplines in Belgium for suicide
Papyrus prevention of suicide
ADHD – ASC – Dyslexia Family Resources Belgium

Photos: ©First Move Productions