Commentary: Les ailes du papillon
A political fable about despotism, tyranny and the exploitation of men.
Selfishness, intolerance and conflicts are still present in our world and the short film allows us to discuss humanist values such as equality, solidarity and respect for human dignity with students from CM1.
Star Wars
A king claims to want to overthrow the oppressor to save the children and hides his secret dream: to steal the stars.
A particularly original idea to remind us that the absurd and excessive ambitions of adults are synonymous with suffering and that the victims are often children.
The poetry and the magnificent music of the film composed by the director exacerbate the children's pain.
Questions about the film: Les ailes du papillon
Understand the story and themes, express your feelings and develop critical thinking.
1What do the posters represent at the beginning of the film (20 s)?
Children in adoration before a king.
2Why are children chained?
They are the king's slaves.
3What does the butterfly represent (56 s)? Why is the child looking at him
It represents freedom, the dream of another world.
4Why does the king ask the violinist to play?
To put the children to sleep and wake the stars.
5What is the other king dreaming of?
He dreams of having more stars on his flag.
6What does the other king explain to the journalists?
He explains that he must wage war against the neighboring king to save the children.
7Is that why in reality?
No, the neighboring king who oppresses the children is an excuse to wage war and steal the stars.
8What is the end of the film?
It's a symbolic ending. A child survives the war and starts playing the violin. Music allows the stars to free themselves but also to free all the other children. Music as a message of hope and peace.
Download the film's educational activities in PDF
Created with the support of the Ministry of National Education and the CNC.
Watching the film with the family, educational activities with parents at home and with teachers in class.
