Pascal Plisson

Pascal Plisson (born 1959) is a French screenwriter, documentary filmmaker, and director, known for his films exploring education, opportunity, and the human spirit.

Biography Pascal Plisson was born in 1959 in Paris, France. A self-taught filmmaker, he left formal schooling at the age of 15 and began traveling across the Americas. He began his career in 1984, creating television documentaries and sports reports, particularly on polo, for international networks including National Geographic and BBC.

He later focused on human-centered stories with a global outlook. His breakout documentary Sur le chemin de l'école (On the Way to School) was released in 2013 and won the César Award for Best Documentary Film at the 39th César Awards.

Themes and style Plisson is known for exploring global inequality through the lens of education, youth, perseverance, and cultural identity. His works often blend emotional narratives with observational documentary techniques.

Filmography

Year Title Role Notes 2003 Masai, les guerriers de la pluie Director, Writer Fictional film based on Maasai oral legends 2005 Les Mystères de Clipperton Director Documentary on the Clipperton Island expedition 2009 J’ai vu changer la Terre (episode) Director TV documentary series 2013 Sur le chemin de l'école (On the Way to School) Director, Writer Won César Award for Best Documentary 2015 Le Grand Jour (The Big Day) Director, Writer Follows children preparing for life-changing events 2020 Gogo Director, Writer Story of the oldest student in Kenya pursuing education at age 94 2023 We Have a Dream Director, Writer Features children with disabilities around the world pursuing extraordinary goals

Awards and recognition César Award for Best Documentary Film – *On the Way to School* (2014) Audience Award – Mill Valley Film Festival (2014) Prix Henri-Langlois for Best Documentary INIS Prize – Montreal Children's Film Festival