At just 10 years old, Léandre collapsed during a football practice. A stroke left the entire right side of his body paralyzed.
His dream of becoming a professional player vanished, but the young boy rebuilt himself. Now 14, he thrives in the pool, delivering outstanding performances. Léandre trains one to two hours a day, driven by a single goal: the Los Angeles Paralympic Games in 2028.
A year ahead in school, he’s already planning his future and knows he’ll become a neurologist. You might say, “when he grows up,” but the remarkable Léandre is already wise beyond his years.
Featuring Léandre Boyer
A documentary short directed by Matthieu Perret
Photography: Robin Pogorzelski
Photography, editing, colour grading: Matthieu Perret
Sound: Mix & Mouse
Production: ROMA / Spotsyde
Thank you to Louise, Marlène, Jérôme, Baptiste, Trafalgar Maisons de portraits, Saint-Étienne Aquatic Métropole, Éveil de Lyon, Un truc de malade
Interview
Matthieu Perret Filmmaker
“Léandre sees his situation as a wealth of opportunities rather than a restriction of what he can achieve.”
- Like many documentary short filmmakers, you’re a jack-of-all-trades, Matthieu.
That’s true! I’m particularly fascinated by visuals: lighting, framing, colour grading… Editing too, because so much of a film’s essence takes shape in that phase. It’s truly where the story comes together, and I find that incredibly compelling.
That said, I’m not an expert in any of these areas!
If I had to describe my career path, it’s more like a tree than a straight line. I’m a technician, an FX artist, and I co-founded Le Bocal, a creative hub in Lyon, as well as an artists’ collective.
I’m also a photographer, and I’ve realized I’m naturally inclined to build photo series that tell a story. In a way, arranging a sequence of images is already a form of editing.
- How did you meet Léandre?
Through Maison Trafalgar (whom I deeply thank), with whom I’ve collaborated several times. They introduced me to Pascal Hostachy (also a big thank-you!), who wanted me to create a portrait of Léandre for the Spotsyde platform.
Since Léandre is only 14, I began by speaking extensively with his father, Jérôme. We had several conversations, sometimes long ones. He opened up a lot and gave me key insights—I’m very grateful for his trust. This family’s story moved me deeply, and Léandre himself touched me profoundly.
The project gradually evolved, and I decided to co-produce the film to take it further. Robin Pogorzelski (again, thank you!) agreed to join me as director of photography for this adventure.
I’m incredibly proud to have had the opportunity to share part of this story. But more than anything, it’s a story about synergy, trust… and gratitude!
“We hear a lot about resilience these days, and I think Léandre is a perfect example.”
- Léandre shares his story on camera with remarkable confidence. He seems so brave and determined. How would you describe him?
He’s absolutely determined! We hear a lot about resilience these days, and I think this is a perfect example. He’s also incredibly mature.
What’s striking is that before his accident, he was laser-focused on becoming a professional footballer. Now, he’s channelling that determination into discovering as much as he can about the world. He sees his situation as a wealth of opportunities rather than a restriction of what he can achieve.
- 99 features several films about disability, like Cristian and Hands Free, each with a unique angle. What was your approach?
Well I didn’t set out thinking, “I’m going to make a film about disability.” This story moved me, and I wanted to tell it. I wanted to highlight Léandre’s personality, his uniqueness, his strength, and everything he has to teach us.
Additionally, high-level para-athletes don’t have professional status, which, in a way, makes them feel a bit more “like everyone else.”
- Léandre talks about his parents, his sister, his coach, and their support. Yet none of them are interviewed in the film. Why did you choose to focus solely on his voice?
That decision required a lot of thought! First, I wanted to create a very “compact” film that stayed action-driven. I wanted Léandre to tell his story from his own perspective, in his own words.
On the other hand, if I included one outside voice, I felt I’d need to include two or three more—his father, his sister, his coach… That risked making the film too dense, too long, and straying from the original goal: giving the floor to Léandre.
Ultimately, this film is just a small window into Léandre’s life. It’s subjective, fragmented. A lot was left unsaid, and plenty of interesting material was cut during editing. But choices had to be made…
- Your film includes family videos, like Léandre during rehab sessions. Why was it important to include those moments?
I think they create a deeper connection with Léandre. Meeting him today, it’s hard to grasp just how far he’s come. These family archives help convey that journey because a single image can say so much more than an interview clip.
It reminds me of something I heard a film editor say on a podcast: “Show, don’t tell.” It’s a storytelling principle often attributed to Anton Chekhov, who once said: “Don’t tell me the moon is shining; show me the glint of light on broken glass.”
Humbly, I don’t think I’ve mastered this art of storytelling yet, but it’s a principle I always keep in mind during editing.
- Is there a film on 99 that you particularly love and would recommend?
It’s so hard to choose—there are so many gems! But Living Here is absolutely beautiful, and I also really love Tungrus—it’s both funny and metaphorical.
- A final word about your film now being available in multiple languages thanks to subtitles?
It’s amazing! Knowing these stories can travel so far and resonate with so many people is wonderful. I’m truly honored that I Don’t Like Losing is featured on 99 alongside such incredible films.