Bruno Dumont, known for his films Flanders and P'tit Quinquin, has moved temporarily to the Côte d'Azur to shoot Les Roches rouges, a new film featuring children aged five. The film, which has been in theaters since September 23, 2026, was inspired by Dumont’s desire for simplicity after working on the large-scale production of L'Empire (2024). For this project, Dumont has chosen the Côte d'Azur, a region along the southern coast of France known for its sunny climate and colorful landscapes, over his usual Northern French settings. The vivid blue of the Mediterranean Sea and the warm ochre tones of the local stones influenced the film’s visual style, which Dumont describes as bright, radical, and full of solar imagery. Dumont has called Les Roches rouges "deeply childish, joyful, and free," highlighting its focus on the unfiltered energy of childhood. The film is presented in a documentary-like style, a departure from Dumont’s previous works, and follows the experiences of six young children as they go through "four hundred blows," a phrase that may refer to a series of events or challenges they face. The film also features Kaylon Lancel, a child actor who was just five years old during filming, and whose performance has been noted for its naturalness and depth. Financing the film was a challenge for Dumont, who is known for his unconventional approaches to filmmaking. Despite these difficulties, the project has been realized and is now available to audiences. Dumont’s decision to focus on children and a more spontaneous, documentary-style approach marks a new phase in his career, offering a contrast to the more structured narratives of his earlier works. The film has sparked interest among critics and fans alike, who are intrigued by Dumont’s shift in style and subject matter. As Les Roches rouges continues to be shown in theaters, it is seen as a bold and experimental addition to Dumont’s filmography, reflecting both his artistic evolution and his fascination with the raw, unfiltered world of childhood.