Terence Films to Adapt Louis Braille Novel

Banijay France’s scripted label Terence Films is set to develop an adaptation of Hélène Jousse’s best-selling novel The Hands of Louis Braille.

French director and writer Patrice Leconte (Ridicule, Monsieur Hire, The Hairdresser’s Husband, The Man on the Train) will direct the drama, which traces the life of Louis Braille, who lost his sight at 4 years old. In the 1800s, Braille revolutionized the world by creating a tactile writing system.

Leconte will pen the screenplay with Serge Frydman (Now or Never, The Girl on the Bridge).

Bertrand Cohen and Stephane Meunier, co-founders of Terence Films, commented: “Louis Braille is one of France’s most iconic figures, and while his writing system is known globally, the story of his life is largely untold. At a young age, he changed the world for millions by creating a code that works in all alphabets and languages, even today. Based on a novel by Hélène Jousse, this drama is set to have widespread appeal, especially with Patrice Leconte on board to write and direct. With his impressive list of credits, he is ideally placed to take this extraordinary story and develop it into a high-end proposition for the international market.”

Lars Blomgren, head of scripted at Banijay, said: “We have a very established scripted business in France, and this deal is further evidence of how our companies attract significant talent and IP. The story of Louis Braille is a fascinating one, and with the audience demand for untapped, diverse stories continuing to grow on both linear broadcasters and streaming platforms, there is huge potential globally for this inspirational drama.”