The Harpoon Man

Feature Docs

Run Time

8 x 27'

Year of Production

2015

Producer

Novak Prod & RTBF

Pitch

This long-running documentary series (8 x 30') follows Alain, 45, during his penitentiary leave. He shot a harpoon arrow into the head of his mistress's husband, who survived. Alain hopes for parole, and we follow his reintegration efforts, including job and housing searches. The series examines the impact on his family, including his two teenagers, aged 19 and 21, and his 74-year-old father. The family ship continues to sink inexorably, but Alain's energy always prevails. Will he overcome all these obstacles? The series is full of surprises and twists.

Videos
Episode 1 - "The penitent's leave"

We discover Alain in a prison corridor, before an appearance before the Parole Board. Flashback to the events. Alain is then released on temporary leave for two days. We dive into his family life: he reunites with his father, his daughter Kim, and his son Jérémy. Kim announces that she is pregnant with her second child. Jérémy takes refuge in ...

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We discover Alain in a prison corridor, before an appearance before the Parole Board. Flashback to the events. Alain is then released on temporary leave for two days. We dive into his family life: he reunites with his father, his daughter Kim, and his son Jérémy. Kim announces that she is pregnant with her second child. Jérémy takes refuge in video games. Everyone copes as best they can...

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Episode 2 - "The family suffers"

"The family suffers" Another two-day temporary leave a few weeks later. His son, Jérémy, is in trouble. Two years ago, he stole from cars with his friends, and now he has to appear before the court. Faced with his son, Alain fully realizes the consequences of his actions. He must both handle family problems and make progress in his efforts to ...

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"The family suffers" Another two-day temporary leave a few weeks later. His son, Jérémy, is in trouble. Two years ago, he stole from cars with his friends, and now he has to appear before the court. Faced with his son, Alain fully realizes the consequences of his actions. He must both handle family problems and make progress in his efforts to prepare for his parole. The victim has imposed a ban on him returning to live in the family home. How to find accommodation when you have no money? Finding a job seems impossible. One must persevere...

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Episode 3 -"A friend who means well..."

Months go by, but they are not alike. Alain's accomplice was released with an electronic bracelet before him, even though she had been sentenced to one more year in court. It's a tough blow. Another blow: his son has a new girlfriend who is 18 years older than him. She's a former inmate, already has four children, and is pregnant again... Alain is ...

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Months go by, but they are not alike. Alain's accomplice was released with an electronic bracelet before him, even though she had been sentenced to one more year in court. It's a tough blow. Another blow: his son has a new girlfriend who is 18 years older than him. She's a former inmate, already has four children, and is pregnant again... Alain is shocked, but he doesn't really have any lessons to give.

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