“Lads”, interview with the director Julien Menanteau

Fred Film Radio interviewed Julien Menanteau, director of “Lads”, presented in competition at Alice nella Città. With an insightful look into the world of young jockeys and the horse racing industry, “Lads” is a unique perspective on ambition, resilience, and the cost of chasing dreams.

A Unique Perspective on the Horse Racing World

“Lads”tells the story of Ethan, a young jockey navigating the harsh realities of the horse racing industry. Known for its glamour and high-stakes wins, Menanteau takes us beyond the racetrack’s glitz. He shares, “I really wanted to speak about the people who work in this industry, the young people working with the horses and hoping to have a better future.”

For Julien Menanteau, the story is deeply personal. Inspired by directors like Ken Loach and films like The Loneliness of the Long Distance Runner, Menanteau crafted “Lads” as a raw, honest portrayal of the struggles behind the scenes in horse racing. “There is something very intense, almost military, in the way young jockeys live and train. It’s like a jail sometimes, with only one place for those who aspire to become jockeys,” he notes.

A Cinematic Journey from Documentary to Fiction

Having transitioned from documentary filmmaking, Menanteau’s approach to “Lads” is grounded in authenticity. “I wanted to make a movie that felt real. To achieve that, we shot with real horses, real jockeys, in real racing locations,” he explains. This decision, though challenging, added a genuine touch to the film’s depiction of horse racing.

Casting was also essential in Menanteau’s vision for “Lads”. The role of Ethan, played by Marco Luraschi, is both demanding and transformative. “Finding someone who could act and race without needing a stuntman was key. Marco’s background and dedication allowed us to keep it real, capturing every movement and emotion as he raced,” Menanteau shares.

Exploring Sacrifice and Obsession in Pursuit of Dreams

The physical demands on jockeys are intense, reflecting a larger theme of ambition and the sacrifices made in pursuit of success. Menanteau agrees, noting, “In the beginning, Ethan wants a place to grow and excel, but over time, he realizes the cost. By the end, he’s faced with choices that make him question if the industry’s pursuit of success aligns with his values.”

The high stakes and relentless pursuit of excellence in horse racing reveal the costs involved. “He dreams of a better future, but as the movie unfolds, he starts questioning whether he’s losing a part of his humanity along the way,” Menanteau remarks.

A Film Driven by Respect for Horses and the Racing Industry

Julien Menanteau also speaks about respecting the animals that make this sport possible. The team prioritized the horses’ health during filming. “We had only five minutes per hour to film the horses in action, allowing them 55 minutes of rest. Those five minutes were magical, and we captured everything with multiple cameras ready to go.”

“Lads” sheds light on both the beauty and the darker sides of the horse racing industry, delivering a compelling story that questions ambition, loyalty, and compassion. As Menanteau puts it, “At the beginning, there is a dream, but by the end, you see that success comes with a price.”

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