Young Stars of “Children of the Resistance” Reveal First-Time Filming Secrets: Expectations vs. Reality

Having sold 2.5 million copies in France, the comic book series by Vincent Dugomier and Benoît Ers “The Children of the Resistance” has made its way to the big screen. Christophe Barratier, director known for “The Chorus,” “Paris 36,” “War of the Buttons,” and “The Time of Secrets,” has adapted the first volume into a film.

The story unfolds during the German occupation in World War II. François, Eusèbe, and Lisa, three brave children, embark on a secret adventure: to resist the Nazis right in the heart of France. Through sabotage, hidden messages, and dangerous escapes, they conduct clandestine operations right under the enemy’s nose. Courage and friendship are their only weapons to fight against injustice, setting an example for the adults around them.

The film features young actors Lucas Hector, Nina Filbrandt, Octave Gerbi, alongside seasoned performers Artus, Gérard Jugnot, Pierre Deladonchamps, Leslie Medina, Julien Pestel, Julien Arruti, and Vanessa Guide.

In light of the movie’s release, we spoke with the film’s cast, including the young actors, about their very first film shoot and the theme of the work: War from a child’s perspective.

An Impressive First Shoot

AlloCiné: This is your very first film shoot. What was your biggest surprise upon discovering a movie set?

Octave Gerbi: It was the number of cameras and the entire organization behind them. I found it amazing to see all that goes on behind the scenes of a film that you don’t usually see. It’s like a “big wheel turning” to make everything work. It’s great to be a part of it. I would love to continue.

The very first day of shooting was overwhelming. After makeup and costume, we all gathered on the period set with all the cameras, and being in our character’s skin and clothes was impressive. It was a great experience.

AlloCiné: How did you prepare to play children living in a time so different from ours?

Octave Gerbi: We had a coach, Delphine, who helped us immerse ourselves in that era and get into our characters completely. We worked a lot with her to find the right emotions and moods.

AlloCiné: What was the greatest difficulty during the shooting?

Nina Filbrandt: Well, I was not prepared at all. I thought it would be nice and warm… But no, it was snowing, and we were in skirts and shorts, it was awful!

Lucas Hector: The hardest part was shooting in shorts or skirts between October and December. I remember one day when we arrived on set, they told us “Action!” and then we saw it was snowing.

Octave Gerbi: We spent a lot of time outside for a scene that, ultimately, wasn’t included in the film. But that’s part of the job, it’s another experience.

AlloCiné: Film shoots with children are highly regulated. How long could you film each day?

Octave Gerbi: It’s 4 hours a day for children, and during holidays it goes up to 6 hours. The DDASS makes sure everything is respected. It’s very well-regulated.

AlloCiné: How was working with director Christophe Barratier?

Lucas Hector: You can tell he understands children and knows how we operate. To make us comfortable, on the first day of shooting, he had us film the soccer game scene rather than a complicated scene. That put us at ease right away.

Octave Gerbi: Yes, it allowed us to get to know each other and break the ice. He really took the time to coach us before each scene to give us the right emotions. It was great to have his input.

AlloCiné: What was it like meeting Gérard Jugnot and Artus?

Lucas Hector: It was impressive because they are actors I’ve seen in iconic films like “The Chorus” or “French Fried Vacation.” I never thought I’d see them in real life, and there we were, filming with them.

Nina Filbrandt: It’s amazing to see such famous actors work with beginners like us. We’re used to seeing them on screen, but seeing them in real life is really special.

War Through the Eyes of Children

AlloCiné: What touched you most when you learned about the story?

Lucas Hector: What affected me the most is that the heroes are children. We’re more used to seeing adults in these films.

Octave Gerbi: And realizing that children could be part of the Resistance, even if they were not very many, is something powerful. Seeing children awaken a village in this context makes you want to step into their shoes.

AlloCiné: The film talks about the war and the Occupation. What did you understand about this period?

Lucas Hector: For me, it’s important to know History, because if we don’t know it, we risk making the same mistakes and ending up with another war.

Octave Gerbi: Remembering that men and women fought for our country is important to keep in mind. This tragic turning point didn’t just affect France, but many countries.

AlloCiné: It’s a film from a child’s perspective that also addresses children. As viewers, do you like seeing this kind of film?

Lucas Hector: Yes, personally. Not just about World War II, but also the Vietnam or Korean Wars. Sometimes I feel like people have forgotten and are repeating the same mistakes.

Octave Gerbi: It’s crazy that people can repeat past mistakes when it’s so impactful and many people have died.

AlloCiné: “The Children of the Resistance” is a series of comic books with several volumes. Are you ready for the next one?

Octave Gerbi: Christophe Barratier is already writing the script for the second film. This one adapts the first two volumes and a bit of the third. With nine comic books, he’d like to make three films in total, if the success continues.

Lucas Hector: We can’t say for sure yet. It really depends on the audience and how the public receives it.

“The Children of the Resistance” is a must-see in cinemas.

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